I learned the love of textiles as a child. On dreary, rainy days, my mother would give me a ball of knitting yarn and a pair of needles and together we would knit. Even now, when it is raining outside, my favourite thing is to pick up some wool and begin a new project. The warmth of the fiber and the lovely colours are enough to cheer anyone up.
When I give spinning demonstrations, children are fascinated with the spinning wheel. They love to watch and touch the fiber and are thrilled when they are given a piece of the finished yarn. Children like to explore new materials and textures and to make things. fiber is a great medium for creativity.
Here a few ideas of things you can do with your kids to teach them about our craft.
You can learn about weaving by making a loom from a cardboard box.
Dye wool yarns or Easter eggs with dyes you can find right in your own kitchen.
If you have some fleece or wool roving, making felt placemats or other items can be an easy and creative activity. Handwork is an important part of the educational program in Waldorf schools. Children learn to wash and card wool. They are taught to spin their wool and knit. Handwork aids in fine motor skill development and stimulates thinking.
The Young Textile Group is active in working with children to learn about textiles. Weaving, embroidery, knitting, feltmaking and papermaking are just a few of the many facets explored.
A fun project that just needs a bit of yarn from your stash, is this yarn octopus.
Children also love to work with colour. Kool-aid dyeing is a fun thing to do with kids. This project is best to do outdoors.
Craft Kits
I Taught Myself Knitting Beginners Kit
The Knit Kit Tadpole Knitting Board Scarf Kit with DVD
Beka Rigid Heddle Childs Loom 10″
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Categories: Fun Projects
