Barbara Weissman

Handwoven fiber

I have been involved in fiber arts since I was a child, sewing doll clothes and learning to knit and crochet from my grandmother. I took my first weaving class in 1974 and was immediately thrilled by the process of actually creating cloth.

I design and weave fabrics using natural fibers such as cotton, bamboo, silk, rayon and tencel, focusing on softness and drape. I use these handwoven fabrics, combined with commercially-woven silks and cottons, to create jackets, vests and tops. Over the years I have developed patterns that are flattering to a variety of body shapes. I also weave scarves, and use pieces of handwoven fabric to make hats and bags.