Connecting Threads

Connecting Threads

The purpose of Connecting Threads was to record traditional textile skills to pass them on to future generations. A learning pack was produced funded by the Scottish Arts Council. The pack included a CD-ROM with background information and questions for children to answer on each topic.

It was distributed to all district Art Advisors in Scotland for use in curriculum planning.

CALUM & MAIRI’S ISLAND ADVENTURE

Illustrations by Alexa Rutherford

On a fine summer’s day on an island in Scotland, Mairi is meeting her cousin Calum who is arriving from the city on the afternoon ferry.

Calum comes to visit Mairi every summer holiday.

This year they are going to help Mairi’s family with their weaving.

They are going to help shear the sheep and sort the wool for their grandmother to spin and dye.

Then they will help Mairi’s father to make blankets.

PW0015 Mairi & Calum with their Handwoven Blankets

Calum arrives at the beginning of the summer holidays.

PW0015 Mairi & Calum with their Handwoven Blankets

The two cousins help to shear the sheep on Granny’s farm.

PW0015 Mairi & Calum with their Handwoven Blankets

Granny spins the fleece and dyes the wool with plants, ready for weaving.

PW0015 Mairi & Calum with their Handwoven Blankets

The children help Mairi’s father to set up the weaving loom.

PW0015 Mairi & Calum with their Handwoven Blankets

Back home in the city Calum is tucked under his blanket and Mairi uses her wool for knitting.