Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions. I am doing some samples on PixeLoom and then will start threading the loom soon. I like the idea of feathering the tabby and look forward to reading the article you have posted the link for. I appreciate the helpful ideas.
Claudia
Looks good! I use adding machine tape and mark out my pattern on it then keep it pinned to the right edge of my project about 1/2 to 1" from the selvedge. I make sure it is the weaving length including take-up and shrinkage and then write in the places and pattern changes before I begin weaving. I use it for making even stripes, too. Works quite well for me. Better than a tape measure.
Many of your questions will be answered, especially size, if you make a couple of samples to begin. I always add extra warp length to sample and then cut the sample off the loom and wet finish it as I would the finished project. Then, you can measure it before and after and calculate the shrinkage.