WEAVING

HISTORY OF WEAVINGWeaving is the systematic interlacing of two or more sets of elements usually, but not necessarily, at right angles, to form a coherent structure. No one knows when or where the weaving process actually began, but as far back as there are relics of civilized life, it is thought that weaving was a part of developing cultures.

Why weaving hasn’t survived?

Climatic conditions,fire ,erosion and insects

Why have remnants of fabrics survived?

Arid regions, bog lands, sealed tombs, and extremely cold areas. Because of these artifacts we have some examples of early textiles and weaving tools.

The every day needs of our prehistoric ancestors led them to create objects using fiber as a medium. It is thought that ancient humans instinctively used weaving as an aid in their quest for basic needs of food, shelter, and clothing. Men realized the possibilities of the woven structure after observing spider webs, birds' nests, or the construction of a beaver's dam. These findings led to the interlacing of twigs or vines, and resulted in netting which surely assisted humans in catching fish and trapping game. In addition, by using twining or braiding techniques, it is likely that primitive people learned to make mats to cover floors of huts, which helped insulate against dampness or cold. Later, people used weaving skills for outside of the shelters.

Primitive weaving loom

One valued artifact of ancient weaving is the funerary model of a weaver's workshop, which was found in an Egyptian tomb. This model contains a horizontal loom, warping devices and other tools, and weavers in action. We can also take note of the garments worn by the people.

Another artifact, which is highly valued, is the piece of pottery below with the imprint of a textile structure etched in its exterior. It is believed that an early craftsperson formed this pot by lining the interior of a woven basket with wet clay. Heat was provided to shrink and harden the clay, at which time, the basket fell away leaving its mark on the outside of the pot.

 

LINEN

Sealed tombs in Egypt's Nile Valley have brought forth fabrics dating as far as 5000 BC. The predominant fiber found in Egypt was linen, a product of the native flax plant. This plain weave structure was the dominant stitch until about 2500 BC. Wool was accessible in Egypt, as well, but was considered a fiber of the lower classes: herdsmen and farmers.

Wool garments are rarely found in Egyptian tombs. Egyptian law placed certain restrictions on the use of wool. It forbade members of the priesthood to wear wool next to their skin .Wool was thought to be crude and irreverent. Fabric made with cotton was much more acceptable and has been found in Egyptian tombs, but cloth made with linen was always considered the highest quality material and was used in mummy wrappings of the aristocracy.

MODERN LOOMS

WEAVING IN MESOPOTAMIA 

 Mesopotamia, located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, became the center for commerce and was known to have textiles of quality. It was a major pathway for trade and for other developing civilizations. Archeologists found Sumerian clay tablets dating back to 2200 BC, which provided evidence of a flourishing weaving industry. The Babylonian weavers specialized in certain areas of the craft. For example, embroidery became such an important textile art form to this culture that the technique came to be known as "Babylonian".

WEAVING AMONG ANCIENT HEBREWSANCIENT FABRICS OF THE HEBREWS DATE BACKAS EARLY AS 3OOO B.C. THE MOST COMMON WERE WOOL AND LINEN. LINEN WAS VERY EXPENSIVE AND IN THE OLD TESTAMENT WE READ ABOUT THIS .IT INDICATES THAT SOME GARMENTS MADE OF LINEN HAD GOLD AND SILVER. ONE LAW STATED THAT IT WAS PROHIBITIVE TO WEAR FABRICS MADE FROM MIXING LINEN AND WOOL FIBERS.

WEAVING IN CHINA

China was the first country to cultivate silk.The silk worm cocoon is processed . This worm is fed with special leaves .

As weavers in China began using silk in many of their elegant garments and tapestries, and later, as fabrics began to be exported, people outside of China became envious and somewhat resentful of the discovery. Despite the interest and curiosity of others, the process of cultivating silk remained a mystery and a well-kept secret to the outside world for over 3000 years.

Weaving in Peru

Most of the relics, which date back to 5800 B.C.E., were found in burial sites. Tools were simple, but weavings show a great variety of techniques, including tapestry, and embroidery. Cotton was grown along the coast and was the predominant fiber used in the lower elevations. In the mountainous areas, the Peruvians raised sheep and llama for wool and alpaca

COTTON

COTTON

SILK WORM

METRIC BAND AND BODY MEASUREMENTS:THE METRIC BAND HAS INCHES AND CENTIMETERS.IT IS USED IN MEASURING PARTS OF THE BODY WHEN MAKING A PATTERN.

WAIST: MEASURE AROUND THE THINNEST PART OF YOUR TORSO.

HIP: MEASURE AROUND THE WIDEST PART OF YOUR HIPS.

HEIGHT HIP: MEASURE SIDEWAYS FROM YOUR WAIST TO THE MOST PREDOMINANT POINT OFF YOUR BUTTOCK.

LENGTH: MEASURE FROM THE WAIST TO THE LENGTH DESIRED.

HEM: MEASURE AROUND THE WIDTH OF THE LOWER PART OF YOUR PANT.

TIRO: SIT ON A CHAIR AND MEASURE FROM THE WAIST TO THE SEAT OF THE CHAIR

VOCABULARY

Weaving : a systematic interlacing of two or more sets of elements usually at right angles to form a coherent structure.

TWIG : a thin branch from a tree

vine : a climbing plant

Artifact: man made object usually with historic value.

Fabrics: textiles, cloths,materials.

Crafts: a skillful activity of making things by hand.

Dyes: to color or stain something by soaking it in a solution.

Embellish: a decoration added to an object to make it look beautiful.

Loom: weaving apparatus hand made or machine used to make thread or yarn into cloth.

Aesthetic:beautiful, pleasing in appearance.

Garments:clothe

Embroidery:the craft of using needlework to make decorative designs.

History of fashion - 14 century

RUBRICS 25 PTS.

8 SLIDES

PICTURE PER SLIDE 10 pts.

INFORMATION ON EACH SLIDE 8 pts

Oral information 7 pts.

Groups of three

 Pattern 15 pts. Following instructions

label ,precise measurements

Piñata : 30 pts Following instructions using correct materials correct size

Oral inf. 8 Content 7 pictures 5