Biography
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  A master at the craft of weaving, Kathleen Weir-West has been designing and creating fabric and garments from a strand of yarn to finished pieces of sculpted jackets, vests, coats, and skirts for over 30 years.  Working on a traditional hand loom, Kathleen continues to weave daily, without a computer or motor.  Her customers, largely executives, professionals and women who appreciate the workmanship and quality of her unique textural designs, purchase from Kathleen at top juried fine art shows and galleries across the United States.

A native of Chicago, after graduating from Loyola University in 1969, Kathleen became immersed in the fine craft movement of the 70's, choosing weaving as her mantra. Trained in the traditional weaving techniques at the Elliot Lake Centre for the Arts, Ontario, Canada and Northern Illinois University, De Kaulb, Illinois, Kathleen developed her skill through the daily work of throwing a shuttle back and forth across the warp.  Through innovation and experimentation with yarn colors, fiber content, and the use of other materials such as leather strips, she produced her signature collections of simple, classic silhouettes of jackets and coats.  Silk, cotton, rayon blends, merino wool, mohair and alpaca are her fiber favorites; suede or leather trim and interesting buttons of carved wood, jade, Chinese coins, agate and onyx or glass beads are often the embellishments.

Added to the beauty of Kathleen's woven cloth is the benefit of her ability to create garments that are easy to wear and figure - flattering to any woman's shape.  In today's world of mass production and fashion labeling, Kathleen offers a breath of fresh air to the woman who wants to customize her purchase to a chosen color palette and fibers, and the length and shape of a jacket, coat or skirt.  Each piece is a timeless addition to any woman's wardrobe.