Program Night — Jacquard Weaving in the South of France
Inga Marie Carmel
Thursday, November 14, 2019
6:30 – 9:00 pm
Northwest Recreation Center
2913 Northland Dr.
Austin, TX 78731
As with so much in weaving, looms and fibers have driven human history. The Jacquard loom is one of this things. It not only made the production of richly patterned textiles easier, but it was the inspiration for Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine, which is regarded as the first computer. And look where that has gone. It makes sense looms are essentially binary, the thread is either up or down, just like in electronics the switch is either on or off.
Marie spent 2 intensive weeks in Nerac, France last April learning to weave on 140 year old Jacquard looms. These were beautiful, cranky old machines and a delightful adventure to get to know. She did the whole process from the cartoon to punching the cards (200!!) to weaving on three different looms. In this program she’ll talk not only about that process, but also about the development of the Jacquard loom and its impact.
Come at 6:30 pm for socializing, with the meeting starting at 7:00 pm. Remember to bring your show and tell! Look forward to seeing you there.
There is no Hands-on Meeting in November due to Thanksgiving