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You have reached the Workshop Page for the Threads of Freedom workshop. Below are extra resources for the event, reachable by QR code. The speakers have included additional community resources, videos and more so that guests can further explore the topics covered in the workshop.
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Resources
Video: Visible Mending
Check out this video demonstrating visible mending techniques. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKlKEbkbX_M&t=6s
Local Source for Ankara Fabric
Check out Mattice Beauty Supply located in Tacoma, WA for authentic Ankara fabric (as well as hair and beauty supplies). https://matticebeauty.com
Alterations, Sewing Machine Cleaning & Maintenance
Maria Brown (one of the speakers for this event) does clothing alterations as well as sewing machine cleaning and maintenance. Contact her via Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/sittingroomstudio_tacoma/
Local clothing designer:
Chelsia Berry (one of the speakers for this event) creates one of a kind clothing pieces. Contact her via Instagram at:
https://www.instagram.com/chelsia.design
or via Etsy at:
Local sustainability and fashion non-profit:
The Chayah Movement is the organizer for the Threads of Freedom event. Amongst other things, the Chayah Movement organizes internships for young people interested in sustainable fashion. They also host an amazing calendar of local events pertaining to sewing, fashion, sustainable practices, clothing swaps and more.
Recommended reading:
Indigo: In Search of the Color That Seduced the World by Catherine E. McKinley
A memoir of the author's travels to West Africa to research the history of indigo dyeing practices.
https://www.kingsbookstore.com/book/9781608195886
The above link will direct you to how to order this book from local bookshop King's Books in Tacoma but it can be ordered at other booksellers as well.
Recommended reading:
The African Lookbook: A Visual History of 100 years of African Women by Catherine E. McKinley
An unprecedented visual history of African women told in striking and subversive historical photographs.
https://www.kingsbookstore.com/book/9781620403532
The above link will direct you to how to order this book from local bookshop King's Books in Tacoma but it can be ordered at other booksellers as well.
Weaving Resources: Local Yarn Shop and Classes
Fibers Etc: Tacoma has a wonderful yarn shop and the shop owner is also an expert weaver. This is a great place to get high quality yarns for weaving. They do occasionally teach weaving classes. Sign up for their newsletter to get the first notifications of when class registration will open. These spots fill up fast! Note that these aren't Kente weaving classes but these are foundational classes that will help prepare you for more complex weaving including Kente. https://fibersetctacoma.com/
Weaving Resources: Authentic Kente Weaving
Kwasi Asare is an expert weaver who trained in Kente weaving in Ghana and has decades of experience. Kwasi sells handwoven pieces on his website and there is a wealth of other information showing photos of authentic weaving, video and more. https://kwasiasare.com/
Weaving Resources: Local Fiber Arts Shop & Classes
Remakery Tacoma: Located in the second floor of the main Tacoma Library branch, Remakery Tacoma provides affordably priced secondhand fiber arts and textile supplies, including yarn. They do also occasionally offer weaving classes of various types (weaving on a little loom, rug weaving, etc). These are fun (and often free) classes that introduce weaving and can help you decide if you'd like to pursue further classes. Note that these aren't kente weaving classes but introduce the topic of weaving in an accessible way and help provide foundational skills that will help you prepare for more complex weaving. https://www.remakerytacoma.org/
Weaving Resources: Kente Weaving Documentary
If you have a library card via the Tacoma Library system, you can watch a very informative Kente weaving video on your Kanopy account. Once logged into Kanopy, find the video called Kente - Woven Ceremonial Cloths Of Ghana. This is a 45 minute documentary that shows a ton of footage on how Kente cloth is handwoven.
Additionally there is a documentary on Kanopy about Adinkra which is a printed fabric technique unique to Ghana.
To get started on Kanopy, check out https://www.kanopy.com/en/tacoma/ You will need the information on your Tacoma Library card.
Weaving Resources: Tips for Finding Authentic Kente Cloth
Tips for sourcing authentic Kente cloth:
-Authentic Kente cloth is handwoven with very thin yarn. In authentic Kente cloth, you will still be able to see strands of the individual yarns, whereas when kente designs are printed on top of regular fabric, individual threads are no longer visible.
-Kente cloth also is sewn together in long strips and those sewn lines are often visible. Seeing those lines of thread is a clue indicating that the fabric you are looking at might be authentic.
-Kente cloth tends to be stiffer than regular fabric. It's not the right kind of fabric to make sweatshirts, bathing suits , etc. You may also contact me at this website and send me a link with a photo and ask if it looks handwoven. Please note that I do not sell Kente cloth myself but I'm happy to help you direct you to websites where you can purchase Kente cloth directly from Ghanaian weavers.