Short answers, pulled from the story.
The longitudinal threads are called the warp, while the lateral threads are known as the weft or filling. A loom holds these warp threads in place so that filling threads can be woven through them to form a fabric.
Evidence suggests weaving existed as early as 27,000 years ago during the Paleolithic Era. An indistinct textile impression was found at the Dolní Věstonice site where weavers manufactured cordage types and sophisticated twined plain woven cloth.
John Kay invented the flying shuttle in 1733 which sped up the process. The opening of the Bridgewater Canal in June 1761 allowed cotton into Manchester following this technological advancement.
Meroë reached a high level of cotton cultivation and weaving knowledge by the 4th century BCE. Export of textiles formed one of the main sources of wealth for Kush under Aksumite King Ezana who claimed he destroyed large cotton plantations during his conquest.
Under Gunta Stölzl the workshop experimented with unorthodox materials including cellophane fibreglass and metal. Former student Anni Albers published On Weaving in 1965 which became a seminal text about these developments.