What does the Workshop include?
The technique we will work on in this Weaving seminar is worked on a vertical loom whose size depends on the type of project. In the seminar we will work on smaller frames but there will also be a demonstration of the application on a vertical loom. The weaving is done by hand and with the use of a comb with which we "beat" the weave to make the fabric "percussive", that is, to bind one weft to the other and not leave gaps.
It is usually worked with natural threads and in this way works such as kilims, rugs and other objects are produced.
In the seminar we will learn about ways of designing and weaving, starting with simple geometric designs, stripes and checks, and continuing to more complex traditional motifs and freehand designs.
At the end of the seminar, participants will have completed 2-3 small woven projects which they will take with them as well as their small loom to continue their creations.
A few words about rapporteur Elisavet Rodopoulou
Elisavet Rodopoulou is a third-generation weaver. She maintains the traditional vertical loom weaving of the Tsakonia region, which is unique in all of Greece. Since 1948, her family has been creating kilims, rugs, runners and other decorative items. Elisavet studied Conservation and Restoration of Historic and Traditional Buildings. She says she gained valuable knowledge for her weaving profession by studying art history, printing and design methods, material technology and the practice of decoration. She also attended specialized seminars on working with other types of looms, weaving techniques and dyeing of plant-based yarns. After living in Germany for a few years, she returned to Greece and took over the family business Tsakonika Ifanta in 2018 with the aim of promoting Tsakonian textiles. Today he creates handmade products in his original workshop in Tyros, Arcadia, and a new workshop in Athens.
