Weaving and Spinning Week

Weaving and Spinning Week

October 1-8, 2018 is the official Weaving and Spinning Week celebrated by 10’s of people across the country! (Maybe 100’s? I don’t want to oversell it.) So, I thought in honor of this unique week of fiber, I would take a moment to tell you why weaving is awesome. Now, it’s no secret that I believe weaving is the coolest art form in the universe. But, in an effort to convert some folks who are on the fence, here is my well-“crafted” (ha!) argument.

Weaving hand towels on the floor loom

Reasons Weaving is Cool

• Weaving is ancient! How old, you ask? One of the online sources I found said there was evidence of weaving from the Paleolithic Era 27,000 years ago! Crazy!
• High-tech woven fabrics are used in the automotive industry, on boats, in military applications, etc. They keep you safe and dry!
• Weaving is related to early computers. In 1804, Jacquard developed a loom in which the pattern being woven was controlled by a paper tape constructed from punched cards. (per Wikipedia, under History of Computing Hardware)
• Nature includes some weavers – for instance, a species of birds simply called weavers! But, don’t forget the funnel weaver spiders and the masked weaver bird. Sometimes, it can be a not-so-good thing in horses. When horses are “weaving”, you have a problem and should call your vet – pronto.
• Speaking of weaving problems, certainly if you are “pulled over for weaving”, that’s not ideal. But, you can “weave a spell”, or “bob & weave”, or even “loom large” as other options!

Still with me? Here are a few more reasons…

• Weaving is a big all over the world, in all different cultures! Folks are working on back strap looms, vertical looms, and hand looms right now in every possible time zone!
• Matter of fact, the Longest Woven Rug (3,701 ft.) was created in Borneo, Malaysia by over 400 women! The Widest Loom was made by Johannes Cichon in Germany and sat 108.75 feet wide! And the World’s Longest Handwoven Scarf was woven in Cambodia just this past July! It was over 3772 feet long!
• Weaving even makes an appearance in the movies! Did you see “Wanted” with James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, and Angelina Jolie? It contained none other than the “Loom of Fate”! Oooooooh – serious weaving stuff here…
• And what would the movies be without Hugo Weaving? You couldn’t have “The Matrix” or the “Lord of the Rings” without him. Sadness.

Weaving with recycled materials

Wrapping it up

So I’ll leave you with a parting thought in my weaving-is-awesome argument.

“Think of all your experiences as a huge tapestry that can be laid out in whatever pattern you wish. Each day you add a new thread to the weaving. Do you craft a curtain to hide behind, or do you fashion a magic carpet that will carry you to unequaled heights?” (quote from Tony Robbins).

Whether I’ve converted you or not, I wish you a very happy Weaving & Spinning Week!!!