My husband and I will soon be traveling to New Zealand. Although the plane ride may be, well let’s just say a little long, we are really looking forward to exploring a country that has intrigued us for awhile now. We will be traveling with friends so that makes the trip extra fun. In anticipation of our trip, I’ve been doing a little research on the weaving traditions of New Zealand. Of course, right away you think of sheep, right? It’s true that merino wool is prevalent in New Zealand, but did you know that possum wool is also a fiber produced in New Zealand? I’m going to have to leave room in my suitcase to bring home some of this yarn.
Prior to our trip I wanted to weave something special for my travel companions. For inspiration, I searched the internet. The official colors of New Zealand are black, white (or silver) and red. So those were my color choices. Then in terms of a structure and pattern, I chose a twill. While doing research for our upcoming trip, I started to read about the Maori. The Maori arrived in New Zealand from Polynesia and brought with them a rich culture of weaving. The Maori people of the past wove with flax to create items such as baskets, fishing nets and cloaks. Now the weaving is not only practical, but is considered an art form in and of itself. I certainly can’t wait to explore this aspect of New Zealand. Back to my project- while looking at the Maori weaving, it consisted of sharp angles and triangles which made twill the ideal choice.
I knew I wanted to make little pouches for my friends. Hopefully, they’ll come in handy when packing small items such as phone charges. I used 8/2 cotton for this project with the exception of 8/2 tencel for the silver accent between the black strips (may be a little difficult to see in the picture). My warp had 250 ends sett at 20 epi.
Just to add a little fun, the linings of each of our bags is different.
Of course you just don’t put on a one yard warp, right? I put on yards of warp which I wove small table runners for my friends.
Here’s a close up of the weaving pattern. I really love the silver accent. I just wish you can see it better in the picture.
We’re having dinner with our friends tonight to firm up travel plans. Can’t wait to give them these little gifts.
