Behind the scenes

It is two weeks before art fairs and all through the house... No, wait, I am mixing that up with the anticipation of Christmas. It is two weeks before six art fairs (please note that I have added an event right here in my hometown of Pacific City, OR. The Nestucca Valley Artisans' annual art fair is August 16-17. As one of the original members of this local arts group, I am delighted that they have invited me to show my work.)

Back to the beginning. It is two weeks before the now 6-art-fair-marathon, and handwoven yardage sits patiently waiting to be cut. I have worked all year to have new yardage for these shows. As usual, I will be cutting and sewing jackets, coats, and scarves right up until the last minute.

I love rolling out the yardage on the cutting table and taking a look at what the fabric can become. I always take time to see what the fabric reveals. The first part of my work is sourcing materials, threading the loom, washing, and drying the fabric, all of which takes months of work. Cutting and sewing the fabric is the second part of creating new work for the shows. Do I have enough buttons and hangers? Managing all of these details is part of the job. While all of this new work is being made, the empty loom asks, "What will we weave next?"

Over the years, I have had people ask if I make handwoven garments for men. They, too, like the colors and textures and want garments like that. This month, I was asked to consider this topic again. The request has planted a seed that is starting to grow. Not only do I need to consider what that fabric might be, but also how the garment will be worn. A new thread of thought about garments with simple, universal designs that could be worn by anyone is developing. Color and design elements that tell a story about where I live will be the foundation of the fabric. Hmm, it will be interesting to see where this goes.

See you soon at an art fair!

Your handweaver,

Karen Gelbard

Click for a slide show of handwoven garments by The Oregon Weaver.