Here are three short videos giving you an inside view of my trip across the country heading to the St. Louis Art Fair. Last year I won an award, so was invited back this year. It is an honor and privilege to be a part of this show. Enjoy the videos. Sincerely, your road warrior artist Karen

The last jacket came off the table with the quiet relief that only makers know. I smiled, knowing that this was a special piece. One final stitch, one last check of the seams, one more look under good light. Then the studio shifted from making to packing. The van waits at first light. Boxes are stacked by the door. Garment bags are ready. Tools, lights, tags, racks, repair kit, booth weights, receipt books, and the odd thing nobody remembers until the last minute are all bei

The first jacket I made did not hang straight. One sleeve had more confidence than the other. The collar wanted to live its own life. I remember standing in front of the mirror, looking at all those hours of work, and thinking, “Well, at least it has personality.” That jacket taught me more than a perfect one could have. It taught me to look longer before cutting. It taught me that fabric has opinions. It taught me that seam ripping is not failure, just part of the conversati

Inspiration: How does a weaver capture a perfect day at the beach?

I created a video using images of my work and an editing program to create a story that unfolds along with the visuals. With my own imagination and some AI prompting, this story took shape. The Owl and the Moon The loom had been quiet for weeks. The beam was wrapped in shadows, with threads holding a story that refused to be told. The yarn, ink-blue,storm-gray, and black, waited to be measured out, as if listening for the story the weaver was struggling to hear. She worked a

The art of weaving and storytelling.

Traveling over 5000 miles to participate in art fairs.

Introducing a new collection of Textiles for the Home by The Oregon Weaver.

Everywhere I look, it says "Fall." Time to reach for a handwoven coat.

Every once in a while, I like to share information with you on how the fabric is woven and the work that goes into it. Eventually, you will be knowledgeable enough to speak with confidence about it and draw upon this information for your own warping projects.

Handwoven cloth I recall the days of wearing Harris tweed jackets with the sleeves rolled up. Harrisville Tweed jackets made an impression on me of the value of slow-made fashion. The jackets were handwoven, well-made, and could be passed on to the next generation. I have been weaving long enough to see my garments showing up on eBay to be resold. I realized that my goal of making garments that would last had been met! Attention to finishing details, and using quality fiber

Dear friends, Tonight, I need to put on my "creative content" hat and write a newsworthy article that delves into the twists and turns of my life and the unique experiences that have contributed to my career as a weaver and designer. I could use your help with this! Before I get started, I would love to hear from you. Do you have any stories about wearing my garments?

Wearable art is a moving, functional canvas.

Ask me about my handwoven garments, and I'll tell you about the stories, thoughts, and philosophy woven into them, in addition to the fiber content, color name, and size.

As the year draws to a close, I want to thank you for your enthusiasm and support for wearable art. Stay tuned for upcoming textile adventures from my studio. Wishing you a happy holiday and a new year. Your handweaver, Karen

It's okay to have pumpkin pie for breakfast.

Art Fair Booth It has been a while since I have shared news from the Studio. August and September were full of art fair activities. By mid-November, all of my custom orders were finished and in the mail. I drove home from the St. Louis Art Fair with many empty hangers in the van from art fair sales. Empty hangers have a way of inspiring new work. That means you can look forward to seeing new designs. The website shopping cart has been turned back on. I sold so many pieces tha

Wearable art moves out in the world. It influences people. A. Handwoven garments are a kind of armor that enhances. B. Handwoven cloth puts beauty in the world. C. The drape of the handwoven fabric gives comfort, not unlike a hug.

This spring, Patricia Kinsella taught a fantastic textile workshop in Prato, Italy through the Tour Studio . I had wanted to take this workshop before the pandemic. When there was an opening in this popular workshop in 2023, I jumped at the chance. Below are 2 videos of highlights from my week in Florence and Prato. Enjoy! Travel like this always manages to inspire me. Look for colors, textures and shapes appearing in my new work. Art in the High Desert is my next show Augu

Pom-poms I saw first hand in Prato, Italy what the textile industry can do to reprocess wool garments into new eco-wool. They shred discarded wool garments (minus all polyester thread and findings) into wool that can be carded, combed and spun into new eco-wool yarn. Watch this YouTube video to see how this town in Italy has found a way to re-use and reduce textile waste. https://youtu.be/7i0QMnz4ExY Taking this message to heart, warp waste from my looms is being turned into