“I learned to knit from my father, and he learned to knit from his father who learned to knit from his father going all the way back before people can remember. As far as I know, people have always knit here.” Hussein holds his skinny, double-pointed needles in his hands as he recounts whatContinue reading “Men Who Knit: A High Atlas Knitting Tradition in Morocco”
Category Archives: Spinning in Morocco
Spinning Yarn in Morocco’s High Atlas Tradition
Those who weave in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco are often proficient spinners, as well. From a young age, girls learn to spin all types of yarn to produce different kinds of textiles for the home. You can read a bit about High Atlas textile usage in this blog post here. However, as moreContinue reading “Spinning Yarn in Morocco’s High Atlas Tradition”
Yarn Weights in Morocco’s Middle Atlas Mountains
In many countries around the world, knitting yarn is available in different thicknesses or weights. Each weight has its own name, so it’s easy for knitters to describe exactly what they’re using for a given project. A knitter might choose a fingering weight yarn for socks or a light shawl; a sport or DK weightContinue reading “Yarn Weights in Morocco’s Middle Atlas Mountains”
Spinning in Morocco’s Middle Atlas Mountains
Last week, I spent a few days with Mustapha, an Anou artisan leader, and his family. They live in a small Middle Atlas town near the Ifran river. The goal of my trip was to learn about the spinning techniques used by the women in this area. After some mint tea and under the watchfulContinue reading “Spinning in Morocco’s Middle Atlas Mountains”
Notes on Wool: Sample #1
Through my Notes on Wool series, I explore various types of wool available in Morocco. As a new spinner, I am also using this opportunity to learn about the process of turning raw wool into yarn suitable for knitting (my preferred craft medium). What follows are the steps I took, their results, and my observationsContinue reading “Notes on Wool: Sample #1”
106 Meters from the Road 