Weaving Through India (aka) Inspiration from the Sari – 2 Spots Available
Last Chance to take this workshop with Jane in Vancouver!
October 20, 21, 22 & 23
In January of 2011 I travelled to India with the Maiwa Foundation and had the great privilege of observing some of India’s finest weavers. I visited again with Maiwa in early 2014. This workshop has been created based on the extraordinary pieces that I observed and brought back.
Students will need to have solid basic weaving technique and a four or an eight-shaft table loom for the workshop. Warps will be prepared in advance and sent to the students before the workshop. During the workshop students will migrate from loom to loom creating samples of six different exquisite fabrics, all inspired by the beautiful saris we saw on our travels. Students will also receive all their weft materials so that bobbins can be prepared before the workshop.
“India’s tradition of clothing itself with uncut cloth has created a weaver’s paradise. Everywhere I looked I saw magnificent coloured and textured cloths. Often the simplicity of the handloom techniques led to the most sensual and ingenious of fabrics.”
Students will learn about supplementary warps used to create patterned borders over a plain weave structure, stripes, and double weaves. In addition there will be unusual embellishment techniques such as the use of sequined yarns.
We will contrast India’s handloom techniques with the craft-loom approach taken in the west. There will be a slide show: a weaver’s perspective on an incredible tradition.
All of our warps are 2/16 cotton base with a 30/2 silk weft from our Hand Dyed Hot Line.
Good Reason for Trying Organic Cotton
Did you know that regular cotton production uses more herbicide and pesticide than any other single crop grown on this planet? It’s True. Cotton covers 2.5% of the world’s cultivated land yet uses 16% of the world’s insecticides.
These chemicals pollute the air and surface water.
Cotton is grown in many countries where there are no rules to protect the farmers who spray those chemicals. The spraying often leaves them with severe health issues.
Residual chemicals may irritate consumers’ skin.
The cotton used in these samples was grown in Egypt where there is great momentum in regards to growing Organic Cottons. It is certified by GOTS, The Global Organic Textile Standard which was developed through collaboration by leading standard setters with the aim to define world-wide recognized requirements that ensure the organic status of textiles. From harvesting through manufacturing GOTS provides credible assurance to the consumer that the product they are purchasing was manufactured using environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing.
If you feel you can’t afford to make your entire project out of Organic Cotton why not try to use organic cotton for the weft or make every 2nd or 3rd project out of Organic Cotton.
Blending delightful Organic Cotton with exquisite 20/2 Silk (Bombyx or Tussah!)
