Service Description

Following on from the woven endbands and bookmarks class, weave on a mini scale, ideally but not exclusively for your mini books - roots, bookmarks, tiny patterns and more. We can extend the endbands vertically to weave in bookmarks and roots and more - even look at historical bookmark ideas that attached to the actual page, and think about plaits and knots. Try to get high quality silk or silky embroidery thread for your sewing kit and it will be easier. Optional: A bound book sewn with a lie-flat binding, preferably in the Islamic style, and an optional book cover to finish (can be fabric; I will use leather). If you have a bound book it is ideal as then we can weave on the actual pages too. (And think about flea circuses - how amazing! They could walk on ropes which were essentially threads...Could we train them to weave, do you think?) This is a mini series on tapestry hand weaving. I have used hand weaving extensively in previous work and studied Medieval and kilim tapestry hand weaving techniques. and we can also combine it with bookbinding skills. Hand weaving is a ‘dry’ and ancient artform, suited to small, clean and domestic spaces. This is a basic introduction to the form and you will need some specific materials for this class - some you will have already. A loom/frame: We can make one. I have used everything from a canvas frame or other frame around the house to backs of chairs to entire large clothes rails to professionally made handlooms. A warp: use cotton warp. A weft: use cotton or linen wool for now. We’ll talk about the relationship of textiles to text and machines and the fabric of the universe, Sadie Plant, the binary, warp and weft and over and under and 0s and 1s. Please note that the 3rd session (17 June) will be 4-5pm London time to accommodate the Monthly Meeting (to which you're all invited - details over at the Forum). Materials list here (copy/paste): https://www.miniaturepaintingforum.com/forum/resources/weaving-materials-list