Nearly 20 years ago I presented a history of the textile “industry” prior to 1800 (the date we hold for begin of “industrial revolution”). Yes, textile production and trade was conducted according to definitions currently used by modern industry at least as long ago as the Bronze Age in Europe. I have continued to enhance my knowledge of textile trade and production in antiquity. Since 2008, much more material is available.With today’s amplified interest in sustainable textile production, this presentation is now updated to represent a journey back to see how our ancestors addressed the task of providing mankind with sufficient textiles – their materials and processes – good and bad – to deliver food for thought as we work to modify the textile industry of today.Rather than just a chronology of textile history, this will center on a selection of processes and production with a vertical look through time and place.
Polychrome Samite – Ancient Luxury Fabric That Deserves Revisiting
Samite, a weft-faced compound twill structure, was developed in Iran as the main technique for multicolored silk weaving. It showcased the beauty of silk better than plain-weave based taquete. In Pat Williams’ 2007 EMU course on the TC-1, I chose a William Morris design to be woven in four-color polychrome samite. Using Swedish linen weft on a cotton warp, the result was a piece, the beauty of which I have never been able to duplicate. I have continued to experiment with polychrome samite on both dobby-looms and draw-looms. I will present the history of the fabric as well as my own experiences, with extensive fabric samples woven with various fibers. Purpose of the presentation is to present a fabric structure in varied forms and threads to give participants a feel for producing their own versions.
This session will be captured for the Weavers Handshake, CW’s online, on-demand learning platform.
Textile Production Before 1800 – Ideas for the Future of the Industry
Nearly 20 years ago I presented a history of the textile “industry” prior to 1800, the generally accepted start of the Industrial Revolution. That history of industrial production and trade dates at least to the Bronze Age in Europe. Since my presentation in 2008, very much more material has become available. With today’s amplified interest in sustainable textile production, this presentation is now updated to represent a journey back to see how our ancestors addressed the task of providing mankind with sufficient textiles. The ancient materials and processes, both good and bad, provide food for thought as we work to modify the textile industry of today. Rather than just a chronology of textile history, this will center on a selection of processes and production with a vertical look through time and place.
This session will be captured for the Weavers Handshake, CW’s online, on-demand learning platform.
