Persian Carpets
In the textile world, few things have the glamour of the Persian carpets.
The glowing colors and the timeless imagery have made them a measure of wealth in many cultures.
For all their mystique, Persian knotted carpets are simply made, with very simple equipment and little acquired skill.
In this class, we'll learn how to spin the four different threads necessary to make a traditional carpet -- the warp, the soft weft, the corded weft, all spun from rough camel, and the pile thread, spun from the finest mohair.
We'll dye the yarns in the traditional indigo blues and turkish reds.
We'll look at the traditional patterns and their meanings, and how these "guls" are organized to tell a story.
Participants will warp up and design a small carpet on a traditional rug loom.
The class is designed for people with a beginner's understanding of spinning and weaving.
It's a good class to encourage people to expand their understanding of functional textiles.
No. of Participants: 15 students.
Should be able to spin a continuous thread and have working relationship with their wheel.
Suitable for both beginning and advanced weavers.
Equipment: Students should bring their wheels with all its parts and extra drive band material.
Students should bring scissors, pen, colored markers or pencils, paper scotch tape, fork or tapestry beater.
Supplies: $25.00 which includes a loom which the students keep.
Studio Equipment Needed: 3 dye pots, several large plastic pails.
Audio Visual:
Class Length: 5 days.
Judith has taught a shorter version of this class (down to 3 days) by using a commercial warp.