Hector the Owl has a few words

It took longer to tell the story than to weave the cloth!

There is something about a beautiful piece of handwoven cloth that makes it difficult to discard even the smallest remnant.

The first breath of salt air felt like someone opening a door inside me. Coming home to the Oregon Coast as fall begins has a way of doing that. Only a few days ago, I was driving 10 hours a day or unpacking the van for the art fair when it was 96 degrees. Hotels. Van malfunctions. Crowds. Empty hangers.

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 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.