Traditional Taaniko Weaving

Taaniko is the name given by New Zealand Maori to the weft-twined patterned borders on fine cloaks featuring geometric patterns, and the technique used to create these. All kinds of utility garments and fish traps were made using this technique in pre-European times, and over time weavers have also used introduced materials for embellishment and refinement of garments. Taaniko weaving is a highly specialised art form that embodies cultural and spiritual values, knowledge and skills.

• Instructor: Merrilyn George

Merrilyn is an award-winning quilt and fibre artist whose work has been exhibited for more than two decades throughout New Zealand, in the Pacific, in Europe and USA. A Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand, and recipient of the 2017 Queen Service Medal from Governor General for service to community and education, Merrilyn has been a professional educator her whole life. Currently, she is a practicing artist in art quilting, narrative book making, taaniko weaving, icon painting, Maori design, and various surface design techniques. Her work has been featured in numerous publications including the 2010 Quilts around the World“, the American Quilter Magazine, and New Zealand Quilter.

Fee: $80 + HST     Registration includes entry into the Festival.

There will be a modest kit fee for weaving supplies : TBD

• Some of the weaving materials – flax or flax alternatives such as willow bark.
• A booklet to show the technique
• Paua shell for embellishment

Materials to bring:

• Rotary cutter, ruler and board. Scissors.
  
• Fabric of choice (about one metre of plain coloured medium weight).
  
• Yarns: Wool– double or triple strand, in 3 different colours:
  

• 2 skeins for base colour, and 1 each of 2^nd and 3^rd contrasting colours.
  
• (This is to keep track of pattern and technique for sample making.)
  
• Optional materials for embellishment: Raffia, smallish feathers with
  

• small rachis or shaft, any small shells which have had a small hole
  
• drilled through.
  
• Board with round head nails along the edge at 1cm intervals
  

• Two clamps to attach board to table.

38cm x 8cm x 2cm thick
(approximately 15” x 3” x ¾”)
This helps to keep the weaving steady and makes it easier to keep a good tension, but is not essential.