Historical Background - Beginning Weaving Projects:

Weaving began with the first twisted fibers or plant leaves. Archeologists believe that weaving is probably one of the first human "crafts." Basket weavings from Egypt are reported to be 10,000 to 12,000 years old. In an Egyptian tomb, archeologists found a funerary model of a weaver's workshop featuring a horizontal loom, warping devices, weaving tools, and model weavers at their looms. Woven linen fabrics from 5000 B.C. have been discovered in other Egyptian tombs. In an area that is now part of Switzerland, archeologists have discovered pieces of woven linen fabric and spinning whorls that date back to 5000 B.C. Even earlier were the Peruvian textiles and weaving tools discovered in burial sites that date back to 5800 B.C.

The use of silkworm threads and the weaving of silk occurred as early as 2700 B.C. in China. This was kept a secret by the Chinese, but Vietnamese women learned the breeding of silkworms and began weaving with their own silk threads. Rug weaving was practiced in Persia (now Iran). There are written references of woven blankets from Nepal in the 2nd century.

Early American colonists wove with flax and cotton even though weaving was against British law. England would not allow their colonists to import sheep or to even have wool! Unfinished flax and cotton were supposed to be sent to England and the colonists were expected to buy the finished goods, such as fabric, from England. Sheep were eventually brought to America from other countries, which allowed for the production of wool threads for weaving.

Before wool fibers could be woven, they had to be washed, carded to get the long fibers all lengthwise, and then spun into thread with drop spindles or spinning wheels. This spun thread or yarn could then be dyed with berries, tree bark, flowers, or herbs. Weaving fabric to make clothing for the entire family was a demanding job. Children helped out with many of these chores even when they were very young. Weaving was considered a necessity rather than an art in Colonial America. Weaving prospered until about the latter half of the 18th century, then the Industrial Revolution caused many young women to leave their homes and work in the factories. By 1828, power looms were being used in American and European factories and mills.

Before the American Civil War (1861-1865), weaving looms were a still common item found in many households, especially in the Appalachian Mountains. Some families were fortunate enough to have a special room or shed built just for their weaving loom. Otherwise, a loom might be set up during the cold winter months, when women had more time to weave, and then it was disassembled and stored during the summer months. Weavers used cotton, flax and wool to weave fabric for clothing. As manufactured cloth became available, weavers began to use their looms to make decorative items for the home, such as coverlets. Weaving almost became a lost art by the 1890s due to the vast availability of manufactured cloth. Fortunately, weaving has become prevalent again sparking the rise of weaving guilds today, which proves the resilient popularity of this ancient craft.

The development of the hand-held frame loom meant that a weaver could have a portable tool that could be taken almost anywhere. Frame looms are a wonderful piece of inexpensive equipment that can be used to teach weaving to children. A floor loom is not always available for demonstrations, but with the availability of small hand-held looms, children can have fun and learn this ancient technique with their very own loom.

Historical Background - Weaving Songs:

Historical Background: Weaving songs are considered "work songs" (or "labor songs") that people would sing while working. Spinning and weaving were often solitary and time-consuming work. Children also worked at some of these chores and learned the songs. Later, when the tasks of weaving and spinning were not necessities, the songs still lingered on for the next generation to sing for fun.

In Scotland, weaving and spinning were hard work, but there was time for play and social gatherings such as "spinning bees." During these gatherings, young girls would demonstrate their skills along with songs and stories. One humorous verse is "The Weaver o' the North."

There was a weaver o' the north
And oh but he was curel,
The very nicht that he got wed
He sat an' grat for gruel.

The text to another weaving song is:

If it wisna for the weavers, what would we do?
We wadna hae claith made o' oor woo',
We wadna hae a coat, neither black nor blue
Gin it wisny for the wark o' the weavers.

There were also many Irish weaving and spinning songs that were developed. One of the main characteristics of these artistic folk songs is their simplicity. They were easily sung or played on a fiddle. There are songs about flax, spinning, the spinner, the spinning wheel, shearing the sheep, weaving, the weaver, loom, and shuttle. Much of this music falls into the category of Irish jigs and reels. Some of the earliest Irish music was notated in 1792. Another collection of Irish music was published between 1902 and 1905.

Games and songs associated with weaving are easy enough for kindergarten children to play and sing. While the games are being played, a song with a familiar or simple tune can be sung. The kinds of games associated with weaving include relay games, hunting games (like "I spy"), guessing games, and counting games. The lyrics of these songs may have repetitious phrases, show the importance of weaving, or just be fun to sing.

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