What is Weaving
Weaving is the textile art in which two distinct sets of yarns or threads, called the warp and the filling or weft, are interlaced with each other to form a fabric or cloth. The warp threads run lengthways of the piece of cloth, and the weft runs across from side to side.
Brief History of Weaving in America
No one knows when or where the weaving process actually began. Weaving dates back to the very beginning of civilization. In America, Native Americans wove everything from baskets to mats to clothing. When the Pilgrims began colonizing North America they brought with them very simple loom technology and techniques. Because most of them were farmers, their need was for plain weaving of rugged, functional cloth for personal use. When the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes drove the Protestants from France, they carried their knowledge of textile art into the southern part of the New World. Up to 1785 only hand weaving was known. Then science and invention began to create machinery to take over the task that had been done by hand for so many years.
Weaving Today
Today hand weaving is done more as an art form or a hobby. It is also employed as a means of therapy in many health institutions. Even though hand weaving is no longer done as a means of providing all the clothing and home furnishings for the family it still is a means of employment for many people.