A while back, I read an article about how centuries-old paintings helped to teach modern historians and plant geneticists about the evolution of different fruits and vegetables. Artists painted the fruits as they looked in that time period, and by studying these depictions, we can get an idea of how certain fruits and vegetables have changed in appearance over time. Some are even using paintings to rediscover otherwise forgotten fruits and vegetables and then using that information to search long-abandoned fields to find surviving plants.
Pin-loom woven vegetables by Deborah Bagley. Photo credit: George Boe.
It’s all terribly fascinating but what, you might ask, does this have to do with weaving? Well, in the long tradition of artists finding inspiration in the edible, the theme of Easy Weaving with Little Looms Summer 2023 is Let’s Get Cooking, and we’re on the lookout for projects inspired by food.
Winter Wave Towels by Jodi Ybarra. Photo credit: George Boe.
Ideas for projects inspired by food include colorful towels inspired by Moroccan spice markets, a scarf the color of strawberries and kiwi, or a blanket featuring the rainbow hues of flint corn. Project inspiration can go beyond just the physical appearance of food—we’re also looking for projects inspired by harvesting or otherwise gathering the food and cooking it. Think a cloth basket for gathering strawberries, a sturdy tote with an inkle band for the farmers market, or an apron to wear as you whip up your next culinary masterpiece. Or maybe you want to weave a piece inspired by your favorite restaurant or a fond memory of a picnic on the beach.
You can find the palette for the issue here.
Proposals for projects and articles due: 6/20/2022
Project submissions in form of photographs due: 8/8/2022
Article submission outlines due: 8/8/2022
Final submissions including projects, paperwork, and full articles due: 9/19/2022
If you would like to get a head start on the paperwork, look here first. Please use our Little Looms submission form for proposals. Submission guidelines can be found here.
Please use the address below for inquiries that won’t fit into our submission form. Please contact us and ask for a physical address to send any pieces of your proposal that cannot be emailed.
Editorial email: [email protected]
We are looking forward to seeing your proposals for projects and articles!
Happy Cooking, erm, I mean Weaving,
Christina