I have always had a dream to learn how to weave. Perhaps it's my link to the Jewish matriarch, Rachel, who I share my Hebrew name with? Whenever I think of her weaving that "Coat of Many Colors" for Joseph, I have always thought how cool that would be to make a jacket like that for sons. And, if I could learn how to weave a shawl or scarf for myself - bonus!
I was very excited to learn about a place in Israel, Kedma Ancient Crafts, that specializes in teaching people how to weave. Their 5 hour workshop promises to teach visitors the entrire process - from fleece to fabric. Participants learn how to spin, dye, and weave fabric. All in just 5 hours - wow!
The goal of Kedma Ancient Crafts is to help reintroduce crafts and skills from the past - that has long been forgotten. The creator of Kedma Ancient Crafts is Suri Provisor. She is an Israeli artist who is very connected to the ancient land she lives in:
"One of the things that I really love about weaving is the way it connects us through our hands to all cultures around the world and to many many generations before us. I love to think while I’m weaving about all the hands that did the same things that mine do."Originally a student of archaeology, Suri developed a love and passion for weaving. Some of the specialty items she makes by hand are: talits, shawls, pillows, and baby slings. Her products are hand-dyed and made of natural cotton.
Kedma Ancient Crafts is located north of Jerusalem in Shilo, Benyamin. I definitely plan to visit this beautiful area of Israel and sign up for one of the weaving workshops. Even if I end up having no talent for weaving, I know that I will be coming home with one of Suri's beautiful handwoven shawls to add to my collection.
