Now, I realize there are many people who know fundamentally, what exactly is woven cloth; however, what really struck me is how many people do not…
This age of instant gratification and consumerism that we live in has made many of the handicrafts that were once a necessity, something of nostalgic hobby. Whether it is spinning fibers into thread or yarn, and weaving this homespun into cloth to make clothing, blankets and towels… or countless other functional items such as handmade soap, candles, paper, glass, metal pots and pans, wooden bowls. (And let's not forget another homemade specialty that has been popular and essential for generations in my Appalachian backwoods mountain home…moonshine/alcohol.)
Many people, and I would even venture to say that includes many crafters, seem to be ignorant (or perhaps indifferent is a better word) to the amount of time, energy, and skill our ancestors needed to produce a single garment or piece of clothing.
Just this week I have been teaching my son and daughter, they are eleven and ten years old by the way, how to warp and weave an Inkle Loom. It is wonderful to see the excitement and joy of accomplishment by weaving all on their own. My kids understand the degree of complex knowledge and skill involved in producing cloth from raw fiber. They appreciate the time and energy that goes into making that handwoven textile.
Many in my little covert circle of rouge weavers have discussed this very subject.
So…I urge all those who acknowledge this indifferent and ambivalent attitude toward producing handwoven goods:
"Hey get your thoughts together, stop Googling the porn...join in on this discussion and leave a comment dammit!"
What observations have you made about the a lack of understanding within the general public regarding handwoven goods and the amount of skill and effort that goes into creating that wonderful scarf or warm blanket?
Education seems a key component in demonstrating respect and recognition of our particular handcrafted art form…weaving. Let's discuss ways to make a difference and get young people excited and genuinely interested in learning the process of producing textiles.
Any ideas on how we can get these texted crazed youths, working and manipulating threads with those amazingly fast speed fingers?
Cause I sure as hell don't see a new Nintendo Wii game called "Warp Drive Mario: Sley the Dent" being released anytime soon…
-Wefty Woman
One Warped Bitch
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