TEXTILES
Original definition: Any woven fabric
Today’s Definition: Any materials that are manufactured from fibers or yarn
Function: Weavings can be worn, lived in, walked on, slept under and used
to adorn our bodies and homes. Clothing creates an identity and plays an
important part in rituals and celebrations.
Techniques to produce textiles: Weaving, Felting, Spinning, Crocheting, and
Knitting
Resources to make textiles: Oil, Sheep, Goats, Cotton, Flax, Silkworm,
Llamas, and more…
Surface Patterns, Decoration, and Embellishments: Applique,
Patchwork, Weaving, Knitting, Printing, Embroidery, Beading, Mud, and Dying
Textiles tell a story: Each textile has a:
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Function – What is this used for?
Design (Form)– Does the imagery, symbols, colors
communicate beliefs, important ideas, use or purpose
for the textile?
Environment – Can we tell from the textile the type
of climate and resources?
Identity – Does the textile tell us something about the
weaver, culture, country of origin, or time period?
Artistry – Can you describe the quality, creativity,
aesthetic and technical ideals found in the textile?
Resources
Textile Museum in Washington, DC
http://www.textilemuseum.org/commonthreads/commonthreads.htm
The Children's University of Manchester: Talking Textiles (interactive website)
http://www.childrensuniversity.manchester.ac.uk/interactives/artanddesign/talkingtextiles/howaretexti
lesmade.asp
Metropolitan Museum of Art: Explore (interactive weaving projects)
http://www.metmuseum.org/explore/flowers/flowers/index.htm
http://www.metmuseum.org/explore/Unicorn/unicorn_splash.htm
The Art of Institute of Chicago – A comprehensive guide to historic tapestries
http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/exhibitions/divineart/usefunctap
Browngrotta gallery- Contemporary fiber arts http://www.browngrotta.com/
WHY WEAVE?
~ CREATIVITY ~ EXPRESSION ~ DESIGN ~
~ TRADITION ~ ENVIRONMENT ~ IDENTITY ~ ARTISTRY ~
“Textiles are products of human artistry and creativity and an essential aspect of
everyday life. They reflect personal needs, individual identities and cultural messages.
While many textiles serve a specific function, all are unique works of artistic expression
that embody the joyful spirit of human creativity.”
http://www.textilemusuem.org/
Introduction to the Art form of Weaving:
The art and craft of weaving deserves a prominent place in today's classroom. As a cultural
tradition its employment dates from about 3500 BC. in Egypt to the creative American crafts
people of today. Language arts, literature, social studies, math, science and movement are
possible curriculum areas ripe for the inclusion of a weaving sequence. The materials needed for
weaving can be as simple or complex as you choose depending on the age and abilities of the
young weavers.
People are not the only Weavers. Birds build elaborate woven nests and spiders can spin
intricate webs. Weaving was probably one of the first wonders of humankind, enabling women
and men to make FABRIC for shelter, coverings for tender flesh, hammocks to hang from trees
and nets and baskets to catch, carry and keep things in.
Weaving initially may have served a utilitarian function, but the aesthetics of woven fabrics were
always part of the product. For example in the Medieval Ages, huge story-telling tapestries not
only enhanced the aesthetic life of those who lived in the castle, but also kept the castle warm.
The stories of their daily life, hopes and dreams are remembered today through their weavings.
Today, weaving has taken on a new dimension -- Weaving as art.
Young weavers should have the opportunity to explore the
functional aspect of weaving as well as the artistic. The elements
of texture, color and design are essential to the understanding of
weaving, as well as the development of technical skills involving
eye-hand coordination. Children from preschool on can enjoy the
success of creative weaving with a wide assortment of materials
including paper, yarns, fibers and embellishments with color beads,
fabric, and feathers. (Linderman & Linderman, 1984).