Friday 4 September 2020, 12-2pm BST (British Summer Time, London, UK)

Virtual Workshop, hosted on Zoom, by 7WEAVES

Can a piece of cloth protect biodiversity, empower indigenous communities and bring economic freedom?

The indigenous communities from the forests of Assam, in the Indo-Burma ecological region, have a long tradition of spinning and weaving silk, with every woman taking pride in their skills and final products. Mandakini, 7WEAVES founder journey began with a quest to support the women from these communities, empowering them and allowing them to secure economic freedom, while also protecting the forests where they lived.

Through a process of continuous questioning, learning and awakening, 7Weaves was born, taking a radically different approach in conservation of biodiversity, "If we want to safeguard the forests, we need to respect and learn from those that have always lived in the forest." 7Weaves seeks to leverage the knowledge and skills of the community for every process of fabrication, from rearing the silkworms sustainably to weaving high-quality fabrics.

Workshop facilitators
Mandakini Gogoi, founder of 7Weaves in Assam, will show fresh leaf indigo dyeing with Assamese Indigo. This is an unusual indigo dyeing method only practiced in areas where indigo is grown. Moni Rabha of the Rabha tribe is a specialist in traditional spinning, as well as being a skilled weaver and natural dyer. Moni will teach the ages-old method of hand spinning traditional Eri silk on a handmade drop spindle. 

Outline of workshop
The workshop will begin with a short demonstration showing the fresh leaf indigo dyeing method. You will then learn the skill of hand spinning using a traditional, handmade drop spindle and Eri silk cocoons. First, you will learn how to hold and manipulate the spindle, and create Eri silk thread using undyed cocoons. Next, you will learn how to create a hand-crafted yarn using naturally dyed Eri silk cocoons that have been dyed with regional plants, including Assamese Indigo. Finally, you will learn how to ply your thread to create a hank of variegated, coloured yarn that is suitable for stitching, crochet or knitting, depending on thickness.

Materials list (not provided)
Eri Silk Cocoon dyed with natural dye 
Eri Silk Cocoon 
Drop Spindle

Workshop Cancellation Policy
All places reserved on workshops are non refundable, however, if you let us know you are not able to make a workshop you have booked at least two weeks prior to the event, we will re-advertise your place and refund your fee as long as we are able to sell your place and the workshop is fully booked.

If you require additional information about this workshop please contact Catherine Harris, events@selvedge.org.