Hand weaving seems to be, these days, an art far less common than sewing or knitting; perhaps that’s one reason I find it so captivating. But there are many reasons to love weaving; there is something so wonderfully rich about the look and feel of cloth woven by hand. And so, I was that much more delighted to discover the work of Nancy Schneider, a Lenexa-based weaver. What’s even more exciting is that Nancy was kind enough to give an interview as today’s featured Kansas Maker! Read on to learn more about her, her process, and insights…
Moth and Rust: How did you get involved with weaving?
Nancy Schneider: My major in college was clothing and textiles and one of the classes taught was on weaving and learning weave structure. About 10 years after I graduated I was raising our daughter and working from home as a seamstress. This is when people were having their “colors done,” I was having a hard time finding fabrics for them in the right shades and hues so decided to go a step back in the process and just weave the fabric! I loved it so much that I decided weaving was my path much to the dismay of my sewing clients.
M+R: What inspires and influences your work?
Nancy: I get inspired by nature predominately, but I also keep a journal and I will jot down ideas or a weave structure I want to try. I also keep an “idea board” with pictures cut out of magazines and such to serve as inspiration. I don’t think I’ll live long enough to explore all the ideas I have in my head or have jotted down in my journal : D
M+R: What are some of your favorite materials for your work?
Nancy: I prefer natural fibers such as wool, mohair, silk, rayon, linen and rayon ribbons. The drape, texture and wearability of natural fibers can’t be beat. I also love my hand dyed yarns. They allow a lot of movement and depth to my wearables. I have hand dyed ribbons and hand dyed natural fibers that I use extensively in my work. I use at least 11-13 different kinds of yarns including hand dyed ribbon in each piece I create.
M+R: What are the challenges or rewards for you from weaving?
Nancy: The challenge is that people do not realize the amount of time it takes to thread the loom and weave each piece. I’ve had people say, “oh I thought the loom came that way with the yarn on it” or ” I could get this at Walmart for a lot less.” The answer to both is a resounding no you can’t! This is the reason why I volunteer at schools or at craft shows demonstrating my weaving. It’s a way to educate the public and hope to inspire the next generation of weavers.
M+R: How do you hope your work will influence others?
Nancy: I hope it inspires an exploration in color and texture. So many people are afraid to do this and the drape and fluidity of the weaving is secondary to the weave structure. It should be the other way around. I also hope it encourages new, young weavers to try this art form and craft. I hope this ancient craft does not die out. It is so rewarding to see a piece come off the loom and you created it! How many crafts let you create a piece that you can touch, feel and wear? It’s because of this I hope to influence others to find the joy in weaving.
You can support Nancy by shopping her online store, Elegant Handwovens, where you’ll find her gorgeous, handwoven scarves and shawls.
