Eileen Hallman has an educational background in engineering. She has been spinning and weaving cotton since the early 1980’s. While she spins and weaves with other fibers, the environmental cottons are her passion. Eileen previously worked for Sally Fox, managing Vreseis Limited, performing research on fibre, yarn and fabric made of the naturally pigmented cotton. www.NewWorldTextiles.com
In her current work with New World Textiles, she is involved in research on organic, naturally pigmented, and recycled cottons and in the development of spinning slivers and yarns from these cottons. She is not limited to 100% cotton products as she also blends these cottons with other natural fibers. As a cotton enthusiast, Eileen has develop tools and techniques; the Khadi Khanoo® shuttle, a shuttle that holds the spindle for a book charkha, allowing the use of singles as weft. The technique of the long draw allows for fairly consistent colour sections to be spun, which can be woven as stripes on a plain warp or a ‘single shuttle plaid’ on a striped warp. The simplicity of technique and the availability of coloured fiber allow the spinner and weaver to create dynamic fabrics.
Eileen has written many articles including…
Arm’s Length Spinning, or Single Shuttle Plaid, for Spin-Off – Fall 1996
Spinning Crepe Yarns, SS&D – Summer 1997
The Carolina Flax Project, SS&D – Fall 1997
Spinning for a Single Shuttle Plaid, SS&D – Winter 1998
The Whole Truth about Sett, Weaver’s – Spring 1998
Lyocell , Weaver’s – Fall 1998
Crepe & Shape, Spin-Off – Fall 1999
Spinning Hope in Stecoah, Fiber Ethics – Winter 2001
Huck Goes Green, Handwoven Web Project
Dyeing Without Dye! – Beginner
Learn to use bleeding tissue paper to dye Dye-Lishus® cotton fabric! This new cotton treatment attracts and holds all dye classes, including acid (food colouring) and direct. We’ll play with watercolour effects using coloured tissue, designed to release dye when wet. You can introduce the children in your life to surface design on cotton easily and safely with basics learned in this fun class. Bring: Apron, gloves, sponge applicators & lots of enthusiasm. Kit $12
3 Hour Workshop
No-Needle Stitched Shibori – Beginner
Learn all about stitched shibori with fabric that has the gathering threads woven in. Learn how to gather and tie, how to manipulate stitches and how to dye using different dyes and paints for varied effects. Bring: Apron, gloves, sponge applicators & old towel. Kit $15
3 Hour Workshop
Charkha Spinning 101 – Beginner
Learn spinning terminology and how to spin cotton the easy way! Anything is easy given the right tools and the charkha was specifically designed for spinning cotton. Learn the long draw and how to ply for a center pull ball. You’ll learn all about cotton types, preparations, and properties, plus how to tune and maintain the charkha. Bring: Charkha or rent for $15. Kit $10
3 Hour Workshop
Enjoy this Conference Class sneak peek!
Registration begins at the end of July when our updated website www.csnf.com is released with the class days & times. Class fees are $20 per hour (advance purchase) with kit fees extra.
Creativ Festival is returning to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre but MOVING to the NORTH BUILDING (255 Front St. W.) on new days & times! Thursday, Friday & Saturday, October 15, 16 & 17, 2015 with 5 days of Conference Classes starting Tuesday, October 13th