Giovanna Imperia

Giovanna Imperia has always been intrigued by the visual and tactile experiences provided by fiber and metal — including exploring the possibilities created by the interaction of structure, techniques and materials manipulation as a way of creating texture and three-dimensionality. This has led Giovanna to explore materials such as active yarns, unusual fibers and wire as means to creating objects that can be transformed by the user into unique personal statements. Giovannas work has been exhibited in the US and internationally. It can be found in private and museum collections, and has been published in jewelry and kumihimo books.

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Weaving with non-traditional materials

205 Monday PM

Technology and demand for new and innovative fibers from many industries have pushed companies to develop unusual yarns ranging from materials not traditionally associated with the textile industry  — such as plastic — to surprising and interesting blends with metal, to ultra fine yarns to create transparent fabrics. Many of these materials are not readily available outside of the industries for which they were designed (e.g., the automotive industry), but many are, and they have opened all sorts of creative opportunities to those willing to experiment.

During this seminar, attendees will find answers to questions they may have had and did not know who to ask ….. What is polyurethane? Why would I want to use thermoplastic? Are thermoplastic and polyester one and the same?  What is the point of combining bast or protein fibers with metal? What is elastane and how do you deal with it? What is metal, what is metallic? Can I weave with either on my loom? Can I weave with ultra fine yarns?  And much, much more.  There will also be a discussion on the idiosyncrasies of these funky and futuristic yarns, including handling, warping, weaving, braiding, etc.

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