The weaving technique clasped weft is simple with dramatic effects. Two weft yarn colors interlock and double back on themselves in each pick, lending a tapestry-like appearance to the weave. Generally, clasped weft is woven in plain weave, but for this project, we tried 1/3 twill for a more textural look. I paired the clasped […]
Read More
Interview With Author Deb Brandon
Later this month, the new book “Threads Around the World:From Arabian Weaving to Batik in Zimbabwe” will be available for purchase. This book explores different textile techniques and traditions from amazing communities around the globe. We wanted to get an inside scoop on the book directly from the author Deb Brandon. Schacht: Tell us a […]
Read More
Join Us in Celebrating 50 Years!
Fifty years ago, Barry Schacht made a drop spindle and inadvertently started a lifelong journey. Over the years, the company he created along with his brother Dan has become a leader in the world of weaving and spinning. Schacht’s success corresponds to the resurgence of handweaving and handspinning: as these crafts grew, so did we. […]
Read More
Schacht 50th Anniversary
Schacht Spindle Company was founded in 1969 during the back-to-earth movement of the late 1960’s and its accompanying craft resurgence. Brothers Dan and Barry Schacht started their business quite by chance when a friend wanted to learn to spin. They’d heard about Greentree Ranch in Loveland, Colorado, the only place around that taught spinning. One […]
Read MoreGetting Out of a Fuzzy Situation
Dear Tabby, I’ve been trying to weave with a fairly fuzzy mohair yarn, and it’s giving me fits! It keeps sticking together and I am having trouble passing my weft yarn through. HELP!!! -Frustrated Francine Dear Frustrated, Mohair is notoriously difficult to weave with, however the effects are so stunning, that it’s hard to […]
Read More
See us at TNNA this Summer!
TNNA (The National Needlearts Associatoin) Summer Show is right around the corner, and we’ve been working around the clock to prepare for our trip to Cleveland. This year we wanted to tie the whole fiber industry together, combining yarn and fiber companies in one interactive installation. This idea led to the creating of the Grande […]
Read More
NEW Easel Weaver
Little Looms are still gaining in popularity, and the number of projects, publications, and Pinterest boards seem to multiply exponentially. While we have been a leader in the small loom market, we knew that there was room to for another loom. Meet the Easel Weaver, the new I-loom from Schacht Spindle Company! This versatile I-loom […]
Read More
Spinzilla 2017 Recap
Here at Schacht, Spinzilla brings us together and provides an opportunity to teach employees how to spin (this year 6 new spinners joined the ranks). Different departments: production, assembly, shipping, and the front office enjoyed spinning together over lunch, breaks, and a Friday evening party. Spinzilla also connects us with Schacht alumni from all over […]
Read MoreBehind the Scenes at Schacht: The Harvest
Today brings the unofficial start to fall: the kids are back in school and the growing season is winding down. Each spring, Schacht employees have an opportunity to choose a plot in our organic community garden. They can grow whatever they like, from colorful flowers to all sorts of vegetables. Everything is provided by Schacht, […]
Read More
Handmaking, Weaving, Community: How One Thing Leads to Another
We asked fellow Coloradan Sarah Neubert to write about her making experiences and the importance of community. She also shares how her passions led to creating The Weaving Kind, an online community for weavers, and to co-sponsor The Weaving Kind Makerie weaving retreat in Boulder this fall. About five years ago, I was browsing one […]
Read More
A Beginner’s Guide to the Zoom Loom
Hello! I am Heather McVickar, Schacht Spindle’s new Sales and Marketing Director. I have somewhat of an eclectic job history, but most recently come from spending 12 years in the yarn industry. I love fibers, how they are used, and how they combine to make so many amazing beautiful and useful items. Much of my […]
Read More
Be inspired by Easy Weaving with Little Looms
The second issue of Interweave’s popular magazine Easy Weaving with Little Looms features 23 projects with top-notch education and inspiration from master weavers such as Deb Essen, Stephanie Flynn Sokolov, and Sara Bixler. In this year’s issue, the editors have added inkle weaving projects and home textiles so that you can turn your house into […]
Read More
Schacht Flatiron Review
By Beth Smith I was one of the lucky few to have had an opportunity to see and try the Schacht Flatiron several times during its development. Honestly, even the first time I saw that initial prototype with its treadles at an awkward angle and a mother-of-all that needed work, I knew the wheel would […]
Read MoreRemembering Rick Reeves
Born Estherville, Iowa, September 7, 1936 Departed Plainfield, Iowa, February 21, 2017 If you ever attended SOAR or a spinning conference, you more than likely met Rick Reeves demonstrating and schmoozing with spinners. Rick, tall and lanky, with a ready smile and chuckle, delighted in showing his latest wheels. He had both the craftsman’s touch […]
Read More
Prep for Spinzilla
We are just about 2.5 weeks away from the 4th annual Spinzilla competition. For those of you who aren’t familiar, Spinzilla is a global spinning competition that raises money for NAMP (Needle Arts Mentoring Program) to get various fiber arts kits into the hands of children. We are happy to say we have another full […]
Read More
Flatirons Starting to Ship!
We know that many of you have been waiting for this day to come, and we are nearly there! The new Flatiron Spinning Wheels are starting to ship this week, and we couldn’t be more excited! Not only is the wheel itself unique in its construction and appearance, we have done something new with our […]
Read MoreConvergence 2016 – Shuttle Races!
This August, Schacht is returning to Convergence in a big way! We hope you’ll stop by to check out our looms, our new Flatiron Spinning Wheel, and chat with Jane, Barry, Michael, Judy and Ben! We will also be collecting stories. We’d love to know how you started weaving, what you love about it, and […]
Read More
The Flatiron Spinning Wheel
The flat-packed Schacht The Flatiron Spinning Wheel rises from a flat-packed box much like Boulder’s iconic Flatirons tilted up from a once horizontal position. Sit down and feel the majesty of this rock-solid wheel. The elegant design of the formed maple, apple-ply body calls upon the same drama that makes the Flatirons so striking. This […]
Read More
What’s New??
The Wolf Pup and Wolf Pup LT have been gaining in popularity and new Pup owners are asking for more accessories. We’ve responded with three new products to make your Pups even more wonderful. Wolf Pup High Castle Tray You can now order this for your current loom or a new one. The tray can […]
Read MoreThis Winter Warm Up With Weaving
When the snow starts to fly, the urge to weave follows shortly thereafter. Whether you have a Standard Floor Loom or Zoom Loom, we have a collection of cozy projects to get you started. Here, too are some recommendations for gifts to add to your holiday gift-giving list–whether for yourself or your favorite weaver. Cherry […]
Read MorePersonal Stories Contest Winners Announced!
We want to thank you all so much for giving us the opportunity to consider your stories for our 2016 ad campaign. We had over 49 entries, and all of them showed us what a rich and vibrant community surrounds us. We were teary eyed by some stories, tickled by others, and deeply impressed with how […]
Read MoreEight Pieces of Equipment Everyone Needs for Spinzilla
We are but two short months away from Spinzilla, (Oct 5-11), To help you prepare, here is a list of must-have equipment for you and your team! Order early so you’re ready to go by Spin Day! 1. Wheel or Spindle The Sidekick will travel wherever you may go! Though this may be obvious, there is a different wheel/spindle for the type of […]
Read MorePersonal Stories Contest
Everyone has a story and we want to hear yours! Tell us what inspires you to spin or weave, what got you started and what keeps you going. We also want to know how Schacht has played a part in your craft. What Schacht tool, be it spinning wheel, floor loom, cricket or drop spindle […]
Read MoreMeet The Ultra Umbrella Swift
If you asked me what my favorite piece of Schacht equipment is, I’d have a tough time deciding. However, if I had to choose what my most used, most versatile and most helpful piece of equipment in my studio is, it would be my Ultra Umbrella Swift! As a hand-spinner, I am able to easily […]
Read MoreInterview With Beth Smith – Author of The Spinner’s Book of Fleece
Recently I had the pleasure to sit down with Beth Smith, the author of The Spinner’s Book of Fleece, and ask her a bunch of questions. Beth Smith is an accomplished spinner who has written many articles and now a fantastic resource book for every spinner. Her book takes the reader on a tour through […]
Read MoreSchacht e-Newes – June 2015
Yesterday we released the June issue of e-Newes! In this issue, Melissa talks about monks belt, a versatile block-weave structure and explores the possibility of this particular structure. Other items in this issue: Cherry Matchless are back for a limited run! Spinzilla 2015 – are you ready? The new teacher directory from SWG
Read MoreSpinning and Weaving Group Offers Teachers Directory
Spinning and Weaving Group Offers Teachers Directory to Connect Students, Teachers, and Venues—Sign Up Today! Columbus, OH (May 15, 2015) – The lure of the spinning wheel and the call of the loom is palpable. These tools enchant potential learners, who often stumble when it comes to realizing their dreams of using them. Key to […]
Read More
Simple Woven Garments
It’s here! The book we have all been waiting for, “Simple Woven Garments” by Jane Patrick and Sara Goldenberg is off the press! From a classic capelet to an ode to Coco Chanel, this book is chock full of stunning new designs. Sara and Jane will take you from simple, elegant projects and give you […]
Read More
Fiber Art by Denise Renee Grace
The purpose of the Schacht blog has been and always will be to share and inspire ideas about weaving and spinning. Looking at all the weaving patterns, yarns, and colors, the possibilities really are endless. All of us could do projects for the rest of our lives and technically, we will never do the same […]
Read More
Ravelry Project Page Update
We have been busy here at Schacht improving as much as we can; from our processes and products to our projects and posts! You may have already noticed that we have been updating old blog posts to make the projects associated with them easier to access, and to make the style of the blog posts […]
Read More