COMPLEX SILK: SELECTIVE DEGUMMING

The unique beauty of silk in its natural state (raw silk) is its crisp feel and incredible fibre strength. The protective protein layer is sometimes called “gum.” Removing this protein using controlled methods is a simple process that creates subtle patterning of white-on-white and textural contrast. Areas of fine and supple silk are revealed, distinct from the opacity of the protected raw silk patterns. Degumming also changes the behaviour of the fibre in relation to dyes, providing new pattern opportunities. Read full description.

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MAKING WAVES IN WOVEN CLOTH

Every weaver dreams of producing curves in the grid-based geometry of the woven structure.

The technique of ondulé is a rare and distinctive method for achieving such curves. Requiring a specialized tool and modification to the floor loom, ondulé weaving manipulates threads into undulating waves across the length of a cloth. Few weavers have dedicated the resources to master this technique, and Amy Putansu has focused on this style of weaving using her traditional floor loom for many years. Read full description.

MATERIAL AND PROCESS IN PERFECT UNION

By stitching, pinching, pleating, wrapping, and folding silk or wool and then securing those shaped bundles before dyeing, we can create textiles that are subtle, evocative visual and textural memories of the shaping process.

Infinite variation and invention continue to be possible with this process. Economical, simple-to-use, wash-fast acid dyes give saturated, transparent, vibrant hues to silk and wool, and they work perfectly with shaped-resist processes. Discharging (colour removal) allows for more complex colour combinations otherwise impossible to achieve through conventional over-dyeing. With this combination of process and materials, we can think and compose as painters, floating light patterned areas on dark ground using any colour combinations you can imagine. Read full description.

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Here is a complete list of courses with one or more openings.

We don't expect these spaces to last.

Making Waves in Woven Cloth

Creative Studio - 1st Offering

Complex Silk: Selective Degumming

Banjara Stitches

Marlinespike Ropework: The Bell Rope

Material & Process in Perfect Union

Elements of Design

Creative Studio 2nd Offering

Join us as we transform the Main Store on Granville Island into an Indian Experience.

Saturday July 21st, 2018

Textile - Clothing - Shawls

Visuals - Refreshments

Music - Mehndi ... and More

EXPERIENCE MEHNDI

Mehndi is a traditional form of body art made by drawing on the skin with a paste made from organic henna leaves. The designs remain a bright brown for a few days and then they gradually fade away.

Sessions are $15 or free with purchase of our new

ORGANIC MEHNDI KIT

Saturday July 21st, 2018 between 10am and 5pm

at our main store on Granville Island.

A DAY IN INDIA

Join us as we share some of the sights, sounds, and tastes of India.

For this day we have selected special garments to be featured

and spectacular shawls - exhibition quality textiles for sale to the public.

ABOUT HENNA AND MEHNDI

Henna has been used for over 6000 years to give copper reds and reddish browns to hair, skin, textiles, and leather. The active colouring component in henna is lawsone which is released when dried leaves are ground and a mile acid (lemon juice or vinegar) is added. The dye easily bonds with the proteins in hair and skin.

ABOUT OUR ORGANIC MEHNDI KIT

Everything you need to get started. Organic henna powder, eucalyptus oil, fructose, instructions, and material to make your own applicator. $29.95 available online and in the Maiwa store.