FAQs

 

What do you make?

My primary & favorite product to make is cowls. I also make neckerchiefs, scarves & sometimes shawls. Smaller works include hats, pockets, earrings, wrist cuffs & headbands. I also use loom bits for ornaments & some jewelry & hand-dyed silk for pronoun pins.

 

What is a cowl? How do I wear it?

My cowls are basically short & wide infinity scarves; they only go ‘round your head once. I promise you there’s no right or wrong way to wear them. You put it over your head & its perfect. Everyone comes to enjoy adjusting them their own way. I did make a video that may help if you really want direction.

 

Where can I see/buy your work?

Right here, finally, an online store! I encourage locals to make an appointment to see and/or shop from my working studio in Louisville. Select works are also available at Grady Goods, Aurora Gallery & Capacity Contemporary.

 

Do you do custom work?

Yes! Happy to speak with you about what you’re looking for and making it happen. Customs are fun!

 

Where do you source your materials?

I love playing with a wide array of textures & colors so I have many sources. I buy a great deal of my yarns from Made in America Yarns, one of the few remaining US yarn mills. I also buy a lot of mill end yarns, yarns from those unloading, & from fellow weavers & specialty suppliers.

 

Is there goat fiber in all your work?

No! Betty and Boon don't produce nearly enough fiber for all my work, & I don't spin it into yarn. After collecting, washing & carding their fiber I use it as inlay. The inlay is an accent in many works, but not all of them, adding texture, warmth & character.

 

Is there wool in all your work? Is it itchy?

I am very picky about the texture of my wovens & itch is a no-go. Sheep wool is what most people are concerned about next-to-skin. I use very little wool from sheep for this reason, in addition to many being allergic. The wool I do use is only fine, very, very soft & low maintenance. Most works contain animal fiber of some sort, such as cashmere (goat), alpaca or silk, but many also do not. If for any reason you want a vegan piece, or one without any specific fiber, I am happy to help. Be sure to keep your product’s tag if you want to remember what’s in it!

 

Do you dye your yarn?

Dyeing is a close second to my love of weaving but unfortunately I do not have a secure place to safely dye at home. I dye when & where I can & my work includes natural, hand-dyed & factory dyed yarns. In Jan. 2023 I was the Collider Artist in Residence at the Louisville Free Public Library & spent the entire month dyeing & continue to use yarns from that time. All fiber content tags have hand-dyed yarns specified.

 

How do I care for my handwoven piece?

I aim to make low maintenance wovens. I’ve got three kids & certainly no time for tricky care. High quality handwovens, properly cared for, should last a lifetime. I recommend washing sparingly. When you must, hand or machine wash gently, cool & with a mild soap. DO NOT PUT IN DRYER. Hang or lay flat to dry. Ironing is fine, just be sure to have it on cooler settings if your product contains metallic or nylon.

Enemies of your handwovens are Velcro & potentially earrings & other jewelry. If a thread gets caught, don’t freak! It’s just a pull & can usually be easily corrected by gently tugging the piece from two ends several inches to either side of the pull. (I will make a video on this soon)

If you’re storing for a long period, adding a few sprigs of a fragrant herb or drops of essential oil will keep them fresh & any critters away. Lavender, eucalyptus & cedar are some of my favorites.

If you have any questions or concerns please reach out. A hard copy of this info is also included with every piece.

 

Can you bring your goats or loom to my yard/class/organization?

Transporting either the loom or the goats with a small car & three children requires coordination. I am happy to do this on a limited basis, within a certain distance, & for a reasonable rate. Feel free to contact me to discuss.

 

Can you teach me to weave? Or raise goats?

You are most welcome to visit, see the loom & goats in action & ask all the questions you like. I love sharing this craft & animal husbandry but do not currently teach. I always refer locals interested in weaving to The Little Loomhouse, & those interested in goats to Kentuckiana Backyard Farms.

 

How do I contact you?

You can email me at bri@briweaves.com, call or text me at 805-512-1484, or message me @briweaves on Facebook or Instagram.