Set in Stone
representing textiles through other media
Speculative History of Knitting and Crochet
The Sacred History of Knitting is a wacky book, but one that I love. The (esteemed) author has a theory that knitting and crochet are sacred and an important part of human religious history. He is not exactly a feminist, but he does recognize that matriarchal societies are based upon the fact that the means of production was in the hands of females.
He does seem to think the knitted seamless garments are specifically for important men, who can say if this is right or not? In most images of females (on ceramics or in stone, they are wearing draped, woven clothes) the form fitted garments seem to be found mostly on soldiers or priests. I am thinking the development of chain-mail began with firmly constructed looped fabric.
Since fabric is extremely perishable, there are very few examples of textiles from ancient days. However, there a many representations of clothed humans in stone and clay and metal, that have survived to the present day. In the book, sculptural representation of humans in close fitted garments are interpreted as being a kind of looped fabric. I do admire his commitment to elevating the textile arts as representative of human progress on par with sculpture, ceramics and architecture.
Herr Kiewe fascination with Folk Art and the history of Textiles is well intentioned, even if he gets a little carried away with his flowery language. I have attempted to read the books straight through, many times, but then I start flipping through looking at the images and forming my own speculations about the stone carvers and gold smiths who wanted to properly replicate the textures of the clothing on the saints and kings in their work.
I leave you with the Three Kings sharing a spectacular, circular knitted blanket. The artist has captured the moment when the Angel warns them not to obey the king, but to go home a different way. Disobeying an evil king is always a good idea.
Upcoming Textile Events
February
9th Check out the cool new workshop at Oil and Cotton! Silver Clay Charms with Kenya Diaz and Kenley Turner.
16th Drawing with Thread taught by Erin Frisch at Oil and Cotton,
28th The Dallas Handweavers and Spinners Guild will be at my Studio at Oil and Cotton for a day of spinning and fellowship. We will gather from 11am - 2pm. You are invited to join us! Bring something to work on (it doesn’t have to be spinning) and a dish to share for the potluck.
In April, I will be teaching a short workshop “World History of Textile Arts through Spinning” at Ewe2Yarn in Waxahachie! More info will be available soon.