In 1972 my husband, children and I came to Montana and purchased an old homestead in the Flathead Valley in northwestern Montana. This historical acreage of original barns and log cabins would draw me into a career which I have pursued since 1981.
Handwoven rag rugs, a blend of nostalgia and history, bring forth memories of "Grandma" and those "good old days," when people chose to recycle resources such as worn-out clothing. They used the scrap strips to weave functional and colorful floor coverings. Following in this tradition I weave rag rugs from strips of old and new scrap material such as denim, corduroy, and wool.
We still live in NW Montana and now also have a sweet cherry orchard on the shore of beautiful Flathead Lake at Yellow Bay near Bigfork. Enjoying the amazing natural beauty of Montana makes me glad that my profession in a small way is environmentally friendly.
Over the years, my rugs and loom equipment have become more sophisticated. I can weave large area rugs to 11 1/2' wide and any length on either my AVL or Glimakra floor looms. My hand woven area rugs look equally lovely on stone or wood floors. All of my loom-woven rugs have a "chameleon" effect - they look great in any home and in any decor. Perhaps it's the warmth of fabric and texture that enhance the beauty of the home.
I love texture and color. With the detail of an artisan, I blend both texture and color to create the most appealing look. With experienced craftsmanship I construct a quality item of decor which is both durable and functional. Because each rug is handwoven by myself, I personally guarantee its workmanship and quality.
My handcrafted in Montana rugs are woven on heavy floor looms in varying widths to 12 feet.