Needlework Inspiration

Inspiration Avenue's theme this week is needlework, so I thought I would show you some of the things I have done that goes with this theme.  I have taught some needlework projects as well with my elementary students.

Finger weaving with children

Weaving on straws with children

This was one of my 5th grade students sewn works-- based on micro organisms

Sewn picture on a journal page (mine)

Sewn Mixed Media collage (by me)

Knitted Ornament Ball by Me

Fabric Collage by 3rd grader

Knitted and felted purse by Me

Knitted and felted purse by Me

Knitted and felted purse by Me

Here is a little baby cardigan I made for my daughter (she's already outgrown it!)

Weaving Camp Part 6

3rd graders' burlap weaving with feathers

Burlap weaving made by 4 year old

Weaving on Burlap
Weaving camp has been over for a couple of months now and I'm finally getting around to updating the last of the lessons I taught for the camp.  Just a refresher, the weaving camp was for kids going into kindergarten to about 3rd grade.  Each day focused on a different type of weaving and kids could sign up for one day or all of the days.  Each class lasted for 2 1/2 hours (approximately-- we had a break in there).  One of my favorite weaving projects was weaving on burlap.  First you need to cut the burlap into rectangles about 8 x 10".  Then the kids will pull out a few threads here and there from the burlap to create a space for weaving.  Just choose either horizontal or vertical threads to pull out.  Stay away from the top or bottom edge, otherwise the piece will keep unraveling.  So, then you can use yarn (with a plastic needle) to weave over and under in the spaces you have created by pulling out threads.  Show the kids how they can skip a few strands-- they don't need to go over each and every strand.  

Burlap Weaving in Progress

The kids can also weave in feathers, ribbons, pipe cleaners, or loopy wire and beads.  I would encourage them to use some thicker materials otherwise they might become frustrated at the amount of time it takes to weave.  Time is up and someone is not finished??  No problem!  Just take some foam stamps and tempera paint and have the child stamp in the blank spots.

Finished burlap weaving with foam stamp (kindergarten)

I think a great way to finish the weaving is to hot glue it to a piece of slightly larger felt.

 

 When I teach weaving at school, a book I like to read to the children is:







I just received another story book from Amazon that explains the weaving process but also focuses more on the creative process and how artists can be inspired by nature.

Weaving Wonders Camp

Styrofoam Weaving



At the beginning of this summer, I taught a "Weaving Wonders" camp at my school. Kids entering grades K-4 could sign up. The camp took place from 10-12:30 each day. A different weaving technique was taught each day. Campers could sign up for any of the days or the entire week.

Weaving on Styrofoam was one of the projects. A restaurant supply store near our school had a huge package of styrofoam plates for very cheap. Slits were cut at the top and bottom of the styrofoam and string was placed in these slits for the loom. These looms were set up ahead of time, as a I figured the younger kids would have trouble setting them up. If the children were 3rd grade and older, I would have them set up the looms themselves. The campers chose a color of yarn and wove it straight across the loom (over, under, over, under). Because of the age of these campers, I had the students simply cut the yarn and only weave straight across. If the students were older, they could continue weaving the yarn back and forth. Suggest to the kids to choose a variety of colors and textures. I put out some colored wire, chenille stems, beads, feathers, ribbons and sticks. There are so many materials that can be incorporated into a weaving!

Where to obtain yarn: I don't think I have paid full price for any yarn for s in the 5 years I have been at this particular school. Hit up yard sales, church garage sales, thrift stores, Craigslist.org and Yahoo Freecycle groups. You will be amazed at what people will give away for free. Send out notes to your parents that you are always looking for bright, colorful, textured and snazzy yarn. I found that if I don't ask for "fancy, textured or bright colored" yarn, I receive a whole bunch of faded, dusty, gross yarn. By best yarn has come from members of my knitting group. Since I knit in my free time and belong to a knitting group, I have told the members that I would be interested in any of their scrap yarns and leftover skeins for my school. I suppose you could find a knitting group online (such as a local group that has a Yahoo group) and put out feelers for yarn for your school. If you offered a small price, I'm sure some of the members would be happy to sell you their leftovers or even donate them.