Rising Stars: Meet Kathryn Weldon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathryn Weldon.

Hi Kathryn, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I had an appreciation for anything handcrafted since childhood. My mother and father both crocheted and I became intrigued with crocheting, knitting and all types of yarn in middle school. I knitted my first sweater at age 13.

Life has a way of leading us in directions that may not encourage our passion and I was no exception. But later in life, I ran across some fiber art on social media. These woven creations spoke to me and I began weaving on a frame loom.

I was hooked. Creating with wool, fabric and natural yarns not only rekindled my old passion but evolved into my business called WeaveSpeak.

I have collected a number of frame looms but also several spinning wheels and hand spin much of my own yarn for all my projects.

Recently, I added a rigid heddle loom for creating one of a kind scarves and shawls.

I am still surprised when someone refers to me as creative or as an artist. I never saw myself that way. When you truly love what you do, it is not work.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Because of the cost of equipment and fiber, it has been a challenge to slowly accumulate the necessary tools.

Weaving and yarn creation is a process so time is always an issue.

I am taking a leap of faith in May and leaving my job to pursue fiber arts full time!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work is unique as each project is one of a kind. I have a vision in my head of what materials I want to use and a basic direction. However, the pieces take on a life of their own after I begin and often evolve into something quite different than I imagined.

Creating a wall hanging, large wall art, rug or even a small commission piece is truly an honor for me and I approach the process respectfully. Having one of my creations in someone’s home is a privilege.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Two things may surprise those who see my fabric art.

I am a Christian and my relationship with God is central in my life. I am involved in several ministries which take most of my time: addiction recovery, jail ministry and outreach to the homeless. I have been in both situations and God saved me from both. I have a testimony to share with others and credibility to those we reach.

Second, fiber art creations in my studio rarely take less than 25 hours each. Most take much more.

When you receive a bundle of fiber, spin the yarn and set the twist there is a large time investment already before weaving ever begins.

Contact Info:

• Email: WeaveSpeak@gmail.com
• Instagram: @weavespeak
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weavespeak/