Weaving with Kids
Submitted by Nuttaporn Srisi... on December 20, 2007 - 12:21pm.
Last Saturday (Dec 15), I got a chance to join the weaving workshop host by curator Linda McIntosh, as part of the Weaving Paradise : Southeast Asian Textiles and Their Creators exhibition at Jim Thompson.
The day began with a "curator's walk," in which Linda led a bunch of 9-12 year-olds, including me, walking around the textile exhibition, explaining the origin of each cloth and roles of women in the production. During the walk, I knew why this workshop was designed for 9-12 year-old. It needed a lot of imagination!!! Linda pointed at each cloth, asking if we saw any animal in there. While I was still confused whether what the red doodle patterns was, the children yelled out "Dogs, they are dogs!" OMG, yeah they are dogs! Why didn't I figure that out before the kids? After that, they chorused in unison "birds, men with spears, peacocks...etc." At the end, the kids got all the animals right...How embarrassed!
Actually the reason I joined this is that my friend works for Jim Thompson and they were short fo staff. I was supposed to help the kids during weaving phrase at the adjacent William Warren Library. There, many boxes of miniature looms and colorful knitting wools were on the table for us to choose.
And to my surprise, the kids were AMAZING! It's me who need their help. While I struggled to weave with my clumsy fingers, the children, even the youngest one, finished not one, but at least three stunning clothes.
After the two-hour session, the kids presented their necklaces, mini scarfs and other many pretty things. Mine? Mine was a tiny glass mat. How embarrassed!
I would never ever underestimate the kids again.
Weaving Paradise is on at Jim Thompson through Jan 31, 08.
**Be warned. If you want to drop by Thompson Bar and Restaurant for a quick lunch, prices are steep. I was shocked that a regualr glass of Coke or Lime Soda is B100!
.jpg "Escape Routes: Nov14, 2008")
