WEFTSHOP WORKSHOPS

As a way of raising money and promoting the Karen women as artisans, WEFT held its first exhibition in Sydney in late 2007. The money raised contributed to the funding of a creative weaving workshop. The workshop was developed with Dah Poe, head of KWO’s IGP. Eleven women from the refugee camps, ranging in age from 14 to 54, attended the five-day training. The objective was to provide a creative space for the women to apply colour theories taught in the mornings to their weaving practice in the afternoon. New patterns were also taught and their meanings revealed. Experimentation and discussion was encouraged. Dah Poe acted as translator and master weaver Aunty KC taught different patterns to each person depending on their level of expertise. A need for a more formal weaving school within the refugee camps was identified by Aunty KC and participants from workshop discussions, which is something Weftshop is endeavouring to help accomplish.

Discussing colour and proportion of weaving	Aunty KC preparing threads for backstrap loom
Karen workshop participants in their backstrap looms	KC teaching Mee a new pattern

PLEASE NOTE: some individuals' names have
been changed for their protection.