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

As a designer/handweaver, which part comes first? It takes a lifetime of learning a craft to get to the point where an idea can be executed with the artist's voice. In my opinion, techniques contribute to the original concept but shouldn't overwhelm the completed garment. Color, drape, and fit are still essential to the final product.

The new year starts with a busy January. I have completed converting my loom to an electronic assist and am having some repairs made to me, the weaver, as well. It took a year to upgrade the loom. Hopefully, the new hip will have a much shorter recovery! Before surgery, I worked hard to get a new project underway. Having the loom waiting for me serves as a magic feather for recovery. See the short video below about the warping process. For some insights into how I work, le

The trip was a two-week tour in Florence, Italy, visiting ateliers, showrooms, and museums, followed by a 5-day workshop at the Lisio Foundation learning to weave on antique Jacquard looms. In addition, we took a few days in Rome to take in the Vatican Museum, the Colosseum, and the Pantheon. I posted pictures on Facebook and Instagram while on the trip, which you can visit by clicking on these links.