Hand Woven & Naturally Dyed

Exploring slow textiles + sustainability in South Portland, Maine, USA.

Hand Weaving

A method of producing textiles in which two sets of yarns are interlaced at 90 degree angles, forming a cloth. The cloth is woven on a loom, which is a wooden machine that tightly holds the warp in place, and allows the weaver to design different patterns and weave structures (i.e. plain weave and twills).

Weavings are comprised of two main components - a warp, and a weft.  Prior to weaving the warp is attached to the loom, running vertically. Throughout the weaving process the weft is coursed horizontally through the warp and acts as 'the filler' that completes the cloth. 

I typically use conventionally dyed cotton, bamboo and tencel (a sustainable wood pulp spun into fiber), for both my warp & weft threads. However, when practicing certain color applications, I use cotton and linen that are naturally dyed here in my home studio.

Natural Dyeing

From wool roving, to cotton yarns, and linen fabric for pillow backings and bag linings - it’s all hand-dyed here in my studio using only natural materials. I like to use color from wherever I can find it; mountainsides, roadsides, or quite often, my crisper drawer.
Favorite natural dyes: onion skins, avocado pits, sumac berries, golden rod + queen anne’s lace.

SEWING

Many of the textiles in my shop require sewing to ensure the longevity of the product. For this, I trust my Swiss made Bernina sewing machine. Some days I am rolling hems on a handwoven towels and wall decor, while other days I’m assembling zipper pouches, throw pillows, or other homewares.