You can read
more about our wool, production
methods, upcoming events, Jean's
background, and our commitment to quality.
All our wool
is domestic wool that has been moth-proofed in the yarn dyeing
process. The wool is very soft and we have had customers who
are allergic to wool tell us that they have worn our scarves or capes
without having any reactions.
Jean weaves
most of her tartans on a 60" 16 harness dobby loom made by AVL
Looms in Chico, California. This loom gives her the
ability to weave large, heavy, and intricate patterns with ease.
I have no more
events this year. Please check back soon to see my schedule for next
year.
Jean Givler,
designer and artist, has been weaving for more than 20
years. An early interest in fiber arts developed when she
learned to sew and embroider from her grandmother. During
her teen years she became friends with a neighbor from Bolivia and a
teacher from Mexico who exposed her to a variety of Native Indian
fabrics that were hand woven and decorated in traditional detail.
After
receiving her first loom, a 20 inch rigid heddle table loom, as a
birthday gift, it didn't take Jean very long to find weaving classes in
the Chicago area. This provided a means of expanding knowledge and
ideas through experience with other weavers and artists.
Jean now weaves on a 60 inch 16 harness dobby loom. It gives
her the ability to weave large, heavy and/or intricate patterns with
ease.
Jean says
"I love to weave, but what I really enjoy is the uniqueness of each
piece. The possibilities are endless and there are so many
exciting ideas to draw upon from the past that I can't imagine ever
being bored with what I do. I hope that the owner of any of
my pieces gets at least as much enjoyment from them as I did in the
weaving of each one."
History has so
much to teach us in terms of ideas and quality of products. Jean
duplicates historical pieces and also uses them as a spring-board for
more contemporary concepts. Quality in the craftsmanship of
hand woven pieces is a very important aspect to maintain. Jean
works entirely in natural fibers - wool, cotton, linen, or silk - to
maintain the historical integrity of the piece and because natural
fibers are more predictable and dependable in the specific qualities
necessary in hand weaving.
Background