We’re back at the University of Education in Winneba—and we’re thrilled. Over the past six months, the 22-member crew has not only become familiar with the new looms; they’ve also experimented with various types of yarn and developed fabrics with diverse patterns. This means that in our second and final training module with Andreas Möller from FLYING8, we won’t need to repeat any basics; we can dive right into the details: Which yarn is suitable for which pattern, what factors influence tear resistance and colorfastness, and which textures are best for post-production printing?
„AFRICA IS OFTEN SEEN AS A CONTINENT OF CRISIS. SOMETIMES, I CATCH MYSELF THINKING THIS WAY TOO. BUT WHEN I SPEAK WITH PEOPLE IN BENIN, SENEGAL, OR GHANA, I WITNESS A SENSE OF RENEWAL, ESPECIALLY IN URBAN AREAS. WE SHOULD NOT UNDERESTIMATE THIS CONTINENT—IT IS YOUNG, EAGER TO LEARN, DIGITAL, AND FULL OF POTENTIAL.” – Rahmée Wetterich
While Andreas Möller teaches, Ghana project leader Osuanyi Quaicoo Essel and I are also strengthening connections with local fashion designers and textile companies. We’re even heading north to Tamale, the capital of the Northern Region, to meet a weaving community. The community leader is interested in our train-the-trainer program and immediately sees the opportunities that large-scale looms could bring to her 26 weavers.
A reminder: Ghana is a country of weavers, yet it’s challenging to make a living from this craft. The looms are often old, difficult to use, nearly impossible to repair, and typically only suitable for making accessories like belts, scarves, and bags.
For now, the trainees are experimenting with affordable yarn, making the anticipation even greater for the upcoming delivery of high-quality organic yarn from Mali, which will allow for even finer weaving results.
If everything goes according to plan, we’ll be able to start training in November and soon have our first group of fully trained weavers ready to go.
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