Rag Weaving

   As a weaver I specialize in rag weaving, utilizing the materials I have at hand.  Shibori scraps, dyed table linen scraps, wool, and handspun dyed yarns all make their way into my cloth.  Creating rag cloth is a creative process, and I want that element of innovation in my product.  No two pieces of cloth are ever the same.  On occasion I have an apprentice helping me with weaving.  If you are interested please contact me.

Examples of rag woven items:

Silk Tussah Woven Pillows

Wool Woven Pillows

Rag Woven Scarves

Rag Woven Cases

Rag Woven Potholders

Hand Dyeing

    At Appalachian Piecework I am experimenting with different types of dyeing.  Natural dyeing is one that I find great satisfaction in.  The fact that I can dye the wood fibers alongside the cloth excites me.  The wood element adds so much, for many wood fibers contain dye.  When I am working with hickory bark, a beautiful strong yellow is created.  The black walnut hull contains juglone, a brown pigment which is a perfect dye for cloth, and a great stain for woodenware.  The experiments are endless.  In my products many of the textiles are naturally dyed.  I also work with a number of different fiber reactive dyes.  I'm learning about dyeing yardage for interior products such as bed and table linens.

Stripweaving

     Stripweaving is created on a board.  Strips are ironed and arranged in an aesthetic pattern, and then carefully handwoven.  Currently I produce stripweaving on commission.  Inquiries welcomed. 

Examples of Handwoven Pieces:

Stripwoven Scarves

Shibori

  Shibori is an inventive art of patterning textiles by creating 3-dimensional resists.  I create resists by stitching, clamping, pole-wrapping, binding, and knotting.  Here at Appalachian Piecework I have yardage as well as quilts, pillows, and scarves made from shibori dyed textiles.

Examples of shibori died textiles:

Arashi Dyed Scarves

Bomaki Dyed Scarves

Shibori Dyed Tablerunner

Out the Door (Quilt)