Judith Gordon
Chicago, Illinois

Judith has given lectures and workshops for many years. Her book, American Star Work Coverlets, was published in 1995 after 15 years of research. It discusses the often ignored multi-shaft coverlets with motifs of stars, diamonds and/or flowers. Her enthusiasm for these coverlets continues even after the trauma of book publishing. She has been a contributor to Handwoven, Shuttle, Spindle & Dyepot, and the Complex Weavers Newsletter. She is a co-author of Weave Structures Used in North American Coverlets and Beiderwand?. 

A unique experience! An opportunity to touch, examine and even try on real paisley shawls. Practice draping them as the women did in the 19th century (but without the hoop skirts). See why these shawls were, and still are, considered to be a pinnacle of weaving excellence. The seminar will also include a presentation, with slides, of the history of the shawls in India and Europe, their impact on the socio-economic weaving communities of the 19th century, a discussion of the weaving techniques and the development of the motifs used in the shawls. Examples of various types of shawls will be available from Judith's personal collection, which allows you to do the touching and draping that would not be possible in a museum.

Supplies: Bring clean hands!
Fee: None
Level: All

The seminar begins with a slide survey of multi harness geometric coverlets with motifs of stars, diamonds, and/or flowers woven by professional weavers in the 19th century. Their lively colors and often optical effects make them memorable and special. Discussion during and after the slides will cover the weave structures used in this type of coverlet: even- and uneven-tied overshot, multiple shaft overshot and tied Beiderwand. Emphasis will be on the very special and unique structure that Judith calls Star-Diamond Variation. The peculiarities of this weave will be discussed and illustrated. Participants may study threadings and tie-ups of this structure from an unpublished manuscript of a 19th century professional weaver, included in the handout. Coverlets will be available for examination, as will copies of actual weavers' manuscripts. Participants may make drawdowns of interesting drafts or create their own tie-ups for an original design.

Supplies: Sharp pencils with erasers.
Fee: None.
Level: All.

S306 HANDS-ON: PAISLEY SHAWLS!
Sunday Morning Mini-Session, 9:00 – 11:30

A Repeat—See S109

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