Sarah H. Jackson, Textile Artist: DoubleWeave Pillows, Inspired by A Friend

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

DoubleWeave Pillows, Inspired by A Friend

When I started weaving again about six years ago, one of the first issues of Handwoven magazine I saw was the March/April 2006 issue with this gorgeous pillow on the cover.

Here is the photo from the interior of the magazine showing the colors more accurately:

I absolutely fell in love with the pillow which was designed by Susan Horton, weaver extraordinaire. A short while later I joined the South Coast Weavers and Spinners Guild in Orange County, and discovered, to my delight, that Susan is a member. We have since become close friends and shared many fun-filled fiber adventures.

I looked often at the photos of Susan's pillow, regularly "visited" it in her home, read her article several times, and imagined weaving it in another palette. Finally, this week, I decided to actually do it. You won't be surprised to know I pulled out my stash of reds, golds, purples, and oranges.

Fourteen colors in the warp and seven in the weft combine for a lot of color interaction making it interesting and exciting as the colors mix in varied ways. It is so much fun to weave! If color can be addictive, this is it for me!

I put on a warp long enough for three pillows; fronts, backs, and cording, but I'm wishing I had more! The possibilities for color combinations seem almost endless, and I'm sure I would have fun weaving a good while longer if I just wasn't coming to the end of the warp.

For now, back to the loom. (I just can't stay away!)

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Welcome!

Artist Statement:
Handweaving, simple or elaborate; it all begins with one thread. To sit at  my loom and throw the shuttle while witnessing the interplay of color,  pattern, and texture as it develops into cloth is endlessly fascinating.
My design process often centers on color as I work within the limitations  of the loom to stretch and explore the possibilities of color interaction.
At other times I focus on the combination of structure and fiber, using  only one or two colors, to create the desired cloth.
Whether designing for the home or one-of-a-kind garments, my weaving  reflects a passion for marrying structure, fiber, and color to produce  cloth that is unique, practical, beautiful, and just right for my intended  purpose.

About Me

An early interest in art and textiles led me to the University of Kansas where I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts with emphasis in textile design. I started weaving again in 2005 after an almost twenty year hiatus. Some of the things I did during that time include working for a publishing company designing and writing pattern instruction for knitwear, quilting, home schooling my son, and volunteering as a Stephen minister in my church. I am passionate about weaving (everyday, if possible!), color, and texture. When not weaving, I enjoy reading, gardening, and bike riding.

I have had numerous designs published in Handwoven magazine. In January, 2012, I joined their editorial team as a technical editor, and in January, 2015, I was offered the job of weaving editor.