Fun with Fiber

Here are four talented makers exhibiting at the upcoming Spring show, April 25 – 27, who follow a rich, evolving tradition of transforming everyday materials into extraordinary works of art. Step into their intricate world of fiber art, where every stitch, weave, and knot tells a story, and make sure to meet and shop from them at the show.

Studio JLD’s Jennifer Linton instills the same approach in her work as a fiber artist as she did as a magazine art director. From weaving to tufting, she intends for her delightful array of works to inspire joy and the will to live your best life in harmony with nature, surrounded by beauty.

What are the reoccurring themes in your work and why are they important to you? 

Jennifer: Geometry, nature, and systems thinking are major themes of my work along with color. I’m enamored with the natural world, and I’m concerned that as humans we’re destroying this amazing planet. For a time, I focused on advocacy but ultimately, I had to return to my creative roots. So, basically, in my artistic work I’m expressing my personal creative interests while often slipping in larger world issues, primarily the climate crisis. 

What was a pivotal moment in your career as an artist? 

Jennifer: When I committed to my own studio space outside my home, that was clearly pivotal. I had been using any space I could find at home with my materials stashed in random places. But committing to paying rent, commuting, and showing up full-time has drawn a clear line in the sand about where my intentions reside. 

What makes your work unique? 

Jennifer: With a fiber focus, the works are uniquely textural adding an indefinable quality to spaces. This materiality often takes spaces in a new direction that’s surprising and delightful. Some works are all about fun, others are sophisticated and modern. I love that fiber is ultimately soft, comforting, and lightweight. I use only natural materials, primarily wool which actually makes a space healthier.

Each piece produced by The Atticco is a work of art made with techniques passed down from generation to generation. Shikha Rungta strives to bring forth the rich and unique experience of vibrant colors and lovely fabrics with the traditional art of woodblock printing, handweaving, and Shibori tie dye.

What inspires you?

Skikha: I was raised in a vibrant and colorful region of India, where bold colors and patterns were woven into daily life. I was surrounded by a constant celebration of beauty and design. I draw inspiration from everything from the sarees my grandmother wore to the beautiful artwork seen all around Rajasthan. 

Why did you become a designer? 

Shikha: With The Atticco, I’m able to share a story that’s deeply personal and rooted in rich heritage. These traditional techniques are something I grew up with — this is not just a craft to me, it’s a way of life. 

What keeps you creating? 

Shikha: I’m able to reconnect with my roots and give back to the community that helped shape my journey. For example, with my Shibori collection, I collaborate with a women’s group where we train and support other women artisans, empowering them through their craft. It is a deeply fulfilling experience for me. 

Weaving is the perfect medium for someone who sees their world in patterns like Constance Collins does. Disrupting the natural order of the fabric by cutting it to create intersecting designs and patterns is simultaneously exhilarating and scary but when finished, Constance achieves a kaleidoscope of intersecting designs and patterns that delight from afar yet reveal new intricacies upon closer inspection. 

What do you enjoy about creating? 

Constance: Weaving speaks to my soul and allows me the freedom to create as I see my world. It is a slow Zen-like process, allowing my ideas to expand as the fabric grows. Taking a traditional weave draft and modifying it to create a pattern with curves or diamond shapes where there were none is a design challenge I love. 

What is a significant moment in your career as an artist? 

Constance: One of my pieces, Coral Conundrum: Dead or Alive, is currently featured in the US Government’s 5th National Climate Assessment and is planned to be on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History during 2025. 

Why is your business unique? 

Constance: I create my own proprietary patterns by modifying traditional weaves. Sometimes this produces unique oval and circular shapes not usually found in handwoven fabrics. I also work with finer yarns than typical handweavers. 

Twelve years ago, Claudia Hutchinson retired and finally had time to pursue her love of quilts. She has since handmade hundreds of quilts starting by sewing the quilt top in her fabric of choice and then doing her own long arm quilting. 

Tell us about your work. 

Claudia: I make all different kinds of quilts and wall hangings that are modern, traditional, colorful and fun but also elegant. 

What keeps you creating? 

Claudia: The ideas are endless, I never get tired of it! I get to work on my own using fabrics I choose to create in the most inspirational ways I see fit. 

What is unique about your approach to quilting? 

Claudia: I make what I want and not what other quilters have suggested and believe ​“would be best”. I follow my own instincts.