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Hand-Weaving in North Carolina

  • wcu_craft_revival-1455.jpg
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  • This article was written by Frances Goodrich and published in the 1898 issue of the "Pratt Institute Monthly”. Goodrich describes finding utilitarian handweaving still being done in the mountains of North Carolina and describes her efforts to revive some of the more decorative weaving arts that had become "half-forgotten." Goodrich explains the various processes involved such as growing flax, carding, spinning, dying, warping and weaving. She also elaborates on the names given to the weaves, and shows a "draught" or draft for the Double Bow Knot pattern. Although she does not mention Allanstand Cottage Industries by name, she certainly refers to this newly established venture when she reports on successes in creating salable products, especially coverlet material. Ultimately, she claims the benefit of the weaving revival is "the unspeakably valuable texture of character in those who put their hands to the work." The article includes a watercolor portrait of a weaver by Goodrich, along with photographs of weaving patterns and of women around a dye pot.
Object
  • This article was written by Frances Goodrich and published in the 1898 issue of the "Pratt Institute Monthly”. Goodrich describes finding utilitarian handweaving still being done in the mountains of North Carolina and describes her efforts to revive some of the more decorative weaving arts that had become "half-forgotten." Goodrich explains the various processes involved such as growing flax, carding, spinning, dying, warping and weaving. She also elaborates on the names given to the weaves, and shows a "draught" or draft for the Double Bow Knot pattern. Although she does not mention Allanstand Cottage Industries by name, she certainly refers to this newly established venture when she reports on successes in creating salable products, especially coverlet material. Ultimately, she claims the benefit of the weaving revival is "the unspeakably valuable texture of character in those who put their hands to the work." The article includes a watercolor portrait of a weaver by Goodrich, along with photographs of weaving patterns and of women around a dye pot.