Elaine Duncan

On Tuesday, November 17, a fellow tapestry weaver, Linda Wallace and I went over to Maiwa Handprints on Granville Island in Vancouver.  We were both interested in looking at the extensive textile library and textiles they have upstairs at the Net Loft.  Anne met us about 10 am and gave us a tour.  She said the purpose of the library and textile collection was to share the information with researchers, fibre enthusiasts and anyone else who was interested.  She referred to it as a living library…meaning we could  handle the textiles, photograph to our heart’s content and photocopy the books, make notes and sketches.  We spent a good two hours before breaking for lunch.  We spent another 1 1/2 hours after lunch.  The books and textiles are arranged generally by country and/or subject.  There were sections of Mexico, South America, India, southeast Asia, Turkey, Iraq, Iran, etc.  I was primarily interested in Natural Dyes and Mexican rug motifs, whereas Linda was interested in stitched pieces from India.  If anyone is interested in going or taking a group such as a study group or guild, you just have to let Maiwa know so they can arrange to have someone there.  You cannot just drop in which is understandable.  I have included some photos of the cabinets which house these treasures.  We have plans to go back hopefully on a monthly basis to add to our research and study the textiles.  There is too much to absorb in a single day.  It is wonderful to have a center like this available to us.

Cabinets holding books and textiles

Maiwa Textile Library

Mexico Cabinet of Textiles and Books