Knitting, crocheting, sewing, embroidery - what could possibly come next for Class 8’s who are always looking for something new and interesting? What does come next is creating the very material that they used in their early years to learn these fundamental crafting skills. The Class 8’s are immersed in the ancient craft of spinning wool which is a traditional skill that connects people to nature and to the history of textile production. It's a valuable hands-on experience that can teach students about the process of creating yarn from raw materials.

After washing the dirt, grease and impurities from the raw wool fibres, the wool is combed to align the fibres and remove any other impurities, after it is dry, it is then ready for spinning on a drop spindle, a skill that requires practice and coordination.

Learning these traditional skills not only offers a practical understanding of how textiles are made but also promotes patience, precision, and an appreciation for traditional crafts. It is a wonderful way to connect with history and nature while developing a new set of skills.

The capacity for conceptual thought lies on a higher level of cognitive development. The process of abstraction can be exercised by having the students analyse their own work. The method of examining why a piece of wool became too thick in a particular area or why it kept snapping lends itself to such mental evaluation. When students analyse their crafting work, such as figuring out why a piece of wool became too thick in a particular area or why it kept snapping, they are engaging in several important cognitive processes, including problem-solving, cause and effect, metacognition and abstraction.

Using their own hand-spun and dyed wool to create tapestry art is a creative and meaningful project for the Class 8 students at PSC. In weaving, every thread is connected to the others, and the final fabric relies on each individual strand’s contribution. This is a powerful metaphor for interconnectedness in life, where our actions and relationships are interwoven to create a larger whole. It also teaches balance: tension must be consistent, and the design must be harmonious, just as in life, balance is often key to success and well-being.

Basket weaving connects us to centuries of human history and tradition. Many cultures, from the ancient Egyptians to indigenous peoples worldwide, have used weaving to create textiles for practical and artistic purposes. By learning weaving, you tap into this rich heritage and gain a deeper appreciation for the role of textiles in culture and identity. Basket weaving encourages a sustainable mindset. Historically, people wove baskets from natural fibres they grew or harvested themselves. In modern practice, there’s a growing trend toward upcycling and using natural or reclaimed materials. This resourcefulness can teach us about reducing waste and valuing what we have, especially in today’s fast-paced, consumer-driven world.

The act of creating something with your own hands offers a powerful sense of self-expression.  

Mistakes are inevitable in basket making. From tangled fibres to misaligned patterns, overcoming these challenges requires resilience and perseverance. The process teaches students how to troubleshoot, make adjustments, and keep going even when things don't go as planned.

Combined with Craft and Ecology, the Class 9 students at PSC went to the nearby bush and harvested Watsonia; a noxious weed that is a pretty pest invading our natural bush setting whilst also creating fuel in bushfire seasons the Perth hills. The harvested leaves were dried and have been used to make cordage (or string), and with that the students have created their own coiled baskets. All from our nearby surroundings; and when the baskets have achieved their purpose, they will go back to the earth.

Basket weaving encourages a deep appreciation for the work that goes into making things by hand. The complexity of creating baskets from fibres helps students to understand the time, effort, and expertise required to make baskets, which can lead to a greater sense of gratitude for both the craft and the finished product. In short, basket weaving can teach valuable life skills like patience, creativity, and resilience, while also providing a direct, hands-on way to connect with tradition, sustainability, and self-expression.

Alison Anthoni

Craft Teacher