During January and early February this year I went into Tayport Primary School in Fife to carry out a whole school weaving project. Each class wove something different from primary 1 to primary 7. This included 11 classes with children aged between 5 and 11 years old. Each pupil also had the opportunity to weave on a four shaft table loom contributing to 2 school scarves. We all had so much fun. The children learnt a little about the history of weaving in Fife, about child labour in the Dundee jute mills and how children are still employed in the textile industry around the world today. We had some fascinating conversations! Each class activity included using as many recycled materials as possible, including cardboard looms, old clothes and household fabrics, ribbons, wrapping paper, plastic bags and even cutting up an old leather handbag! It was a real joy to work with such enthusiastic children.

Here are some photographs of some of the things we made.

‘Weaving our school community together’.

Willow flowers.

First scarf woven on the table loom.

Second scarf woven on the table loom.

Dancing figures

Woven shields linking in with the class project on Magic Castles.

Kilted teddies going for a picnic in the woods!

Clothes on a washing line.

Weaving clothes and a rag rug.