Alexia's point about the kinds of technology - and whether they really help improve
relationships/ interactions in our lives or not was brilliant.
Over time, I have found myself becoming more interested in 'low tech' solutions.
The spinning wheel is a great example. A drop spindle, which has been around for
many thousands of years all around the world, and is still in wide use today, is
another example. It's 'lower tech', more simple, totally portable, and can even be
used when one is walking. It is easy to make, and pretty easy to use, thought
skill can be developed, allowing for its use with a wider range of fibers and with a
wider range of results (yarn types).
'Back strap looms' in the Andes are another example: the women there create
intricate patterns woven of fine threads using what is basically a stick in the
ground. Amazing.
The skills and patterns are passed from one generation to the next, with patterns
denoting the weavers'
native villages. Relationship! They are often spinning and
weaving the fiber of their alpacas; another relationship!
