Theresa Ryan

Handwoven Natural Fibers

I have had a fascination with fiber crafts since my first embroidery kit at a young age. The idea of turning string or yarn into something beautiful and functional is astonishing and wonderful. I taught myself to crochet and knit, learned how to make my own clothes, then clothes for my children, and continued to make items with embroidery, crewel work, cross stitching, knitting and crocheting.

I fell in love with weaving while taking a class at Brookfield Craft Center. After purchasing wool for my projects for a few years, my husband and I purchased a starter flock of Finnsheep in 2013. The first throw that I wove from wool from our Finnsheep, that I washed, carded, spun and plied myself, was an immensely satisfying experience that solidified my passion for weaving.

Besides weaving with wool, I also use other fibers for my projects, mainly cotton, linen, and cottolin as well as rayon made from bamboo and other cellulose fibers. I thoughtfully and carefully select fibers, colors and patterns to produce one-of-a-kind pieces such as scarves, shawls, table runners, kitchen towels, eye glass cases, bookmarks, baby blankets and other useful items. I have also been commissioned to make throws, placemats, rugs, wall hangings, and more. My goal is to meld beauty and functionality in every piece I make.

Making cloth from natural fibers has a history spanning more than 20,000 years, and it’s hard not to feel a connection to the woman who produced her first piece of cloth so long ago. Preparing fiber and making cloth is an ancient, grounding, practical process that results in satisfying basic needs as well as inspiring artistic tendencies.

Swedish Lace Scarf

Crepe Medallion Scarf

Diversified Plainweave Scarf

Shadowweave Tablerunner