I know this isn't maybe the right forum for this question, but I'm not sure what is, and this is the most widely read forum so i'll put it here.

 

So, I'm moving to Greece soon, to be with my brother. And I have no idea how I'll make a living, but probably in many ways, one of which would be being a general handloom troubleshooter and teacher which I've done for some time with success here in the UK.

 

Now, the problem is that I'm not going to find the specialised vocabulary I'll need in textbooks or even possibly the dictionary. Think about it in English, who else apart from weavers knows what a shed is, or a castle, or the fell, or the lay (old fashioned english/scottish term for shuttle race).

 

So, it's a long shot, but are there any Greek weavers here who could help me with this? You can imagine how important this is, and I know I'll get plenty of help from my brother and sister-in-law and the rest of society learning the general language, but unless I happen to bump into a weaver over there I'm stumped when it comes to weaving words.

 

So, are there andy Greek weavers here? If you tech me the correct words in your language I would be more than happy to help you when I arrive in your country. I am proficient in all types of handlooms and many warping techniques and can also tablet-weave to a moderate standard and know a little braiding. On top of that, I am handy with tools and can repair or modify looms for specific purposes if needed. If you taught me the words I need I would be in your debt.

Comments

Tue, 12/15/2015 - 03:53

Bonnie Inouye (not verified)

I was in Athens in September this year. I met a woman who weaves. Mostly she makes tapestries and they are inexpensive, simple pieces that look like typical Greek village scenes. Her name is Rita. I have saved her email and will send you a private message. She has a tiny streetfront shop in the Plaka district.

There are many ancient artifacts that show that there must have been very accomplished weavers in ancient Greece, and also in earlier civilizations in that part of the world.

Bonnie Inouye

 

 

 

Tue, 12/15/2015 - 16:49

Andrew Kieran (not verified)

Got your message, thanks so much :-)

Yes, the Ancient Greek weaving was very accomplished, and in the folk museum in Athens I saw my first ever museum loom that was actually correctly dressed. To be fair, it wasn't dressed well, but it was dressed correctly, and the shafts and lamms were all tied up properly too. Which was nice. If anyone's interested in historical dress, the collection is simply extraordinary, totally mindblowing.

The big problem i have with searching for these things on google is of course if i search for greek weaving words I get lots of stuff about ancient myths, the fates, Penelope weaving and unweaving her tapestry, etc. (apparently in some tellings it was crochet, but nevermind. Busy lady).

Their lacemaking is still very good as it goes, it's something a lot of the older ladies still do in the villages and I expect some of the younger ones will carry it on too. 

Tue, 12/15/2015 - 18:50

Sara von Tresckow

Why not do searches involving what is left of textile industry, universities that offer textile programs or museums? You might find some leads that will guide you into the areas you are seeking.

Tue, 12/15/2015 - 20:25

Andrew Kieran (not verified)

I think I'll try that Sara, good idea :-)