Training School «The European World of Knitting, Knitwear, and Wool» – Programme now available!

THE EUROPEAN WORLD OF KNITTING, KNITWEAR, AND WOOL:

TRAINING SCHOOL

6-8 May 2024 — University of Iceland, Reykjavik (Iceland)

Event proposed by Working Group 3, Textile Terminologies
Organizing committee, Working Groups 1-4: Meghan Korten (University of Iceland, local organizer), Louise Quillien (CNRS, France), Christina Margariti (Hellenic Ministry of Culture), Magdalena Wozniak (University of Warsaw), and Francesco Meo (University of Salento).

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Knitting with wool and other fibres has a long tradition, expressed in diverse forms across Europe. The simplicity of the tools used in knitting have made it a more accessible textile craft across social strata and a useful practice for people on the move. Despite the minimal requirement of tools, one can use a range of equipment, techniques, and colours and types of yarn to produce different types of clothing and accessories. People in the past have knitted garments to clothe themselves and to communicate messages of personal expression and community identity.

This three-day training school on knitting techniques, fibre, and terminology aims to gather a diverse group of participants to get a sense of shared heritage and experiences of textiles as it relates to knitting and wool. The objective of the course is to familiarize the participants with the diversity of language and regional differences in knitting practices over time in Europe, with the goal of sharing knowledge and expertise in order to bridge theoretical and methodological approaches.

This event aims to address the following topics:

  • Is there a universal knitting language? Comparisons of regional, national, and international knitting terminology
  • Historical development of knitting: regional and cross-regional styles, influence, technology transfer, and living cultural heritage
  • Knitting and identity: colour work, motifs, iconography, toponyms, and terminology linked to personal and regional identities
  • Impact of fibre choices on knitting and other textile crafts
  • Knitting, knit wear, and codified knowledge: individuals, institutions, companies, databases
  • Knitting Today: knitwear designers, independent yarn dyers, natural dyeing, pattern design
  • Other topics relating to historical, museum display, archival, and living history examples of knitting and knitwear.

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PROGRAMME

Monday May 6:

Session 1–Knitting and Wool Fibre

9:00-9:10: open, sign-in, introductions, coffee

9:10-9:20: Meghan Korten (University of Iceland, IS) – Introductory presentation

9:20-9:35: Francisco B. Gomes (University of Lisbon, PT) – The Archaeology of Wool: A Brief Introduction to its Origins and Development

9:35-10:50: Christina Margariti (Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports, GR) – Fibre Identification workshop

10:50-11:15: Refreshment Break

11:15-12:30: Jane Malcolm-Davies (University of Copenhagen) – Knit Identification workshop

12:30-13:30: Lunch Break

13:30-16:00: (optional) Field trip to Ístex factory: Völuteigur 6, 270 Mosfellsbær
(https://istex.is/en/um-okkur/)

Tuesday May 7:

Session 2–Knitting and Knitwear

9:30-10:00: open, sign-in, coffee

10:00-11:00: Presentation: Juha Vehmaanperä (independent, Finland): contemporary knitwear designer, artist, & teacher

11:30-12:30: Trainee Presentations:

  • Joana Sequeira (Lab2PT, University of Minho, PT)
  • Natalia Ortega Saez (University of Antwerp, BE)
  • Orsolya Zay (Dóbo István Vármúzeum, HU)
  • Jenni Suomela (University of Helsinki, FI)

12:40-13:40: Lunch Break

13:40-15:30: Knitting Practical 1

14:20-14:40: Refreshment Break

15:30-17:00: (optional) Visit Handknitted Association of Iceland, Borgartún 31, 105 Reykjavík

18:30: (optional) Group dinner @ Rök Restaurant (Frakkastígur 26a, 101 Reykjavík https://www.rokrestaurant.is/dinnermenu – note that the restaurant is opposite to the famous Hallgrimskirkja church)

Wednesday May 8:

Session 3–Knitting and Terminology

9:30-9:45: Open, sign-in, coffee

9:45-10:45: Presentation: Ásdís Jóelsdóttir (Assistant Professor in Textile and Design, University of Iceland, IS)

10:45-11:05: Refreshment break

11:05-12:20: Presentation: Louise Quillien (French National Centre for Scientific Research, FR): WG3 terminology website and list

12:20-13:30: Lunch Break

13:30-14:10: Trainee Presentations:

  • Marisa Kerbizi (Aleksander Moisiu University, AL)
  • Klara Dankova (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, IT)
  • Fjoralba Satka (Aleksander Moisiu University, AL)

14:10-16:10: Knitting practical 2

14:30-14:50: Refreshment Break

16:15-16:45: Closing roundtable and goodbyes

16:45-17:00: Overview of COST reimbursement practicalities

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