#18 Birdhouse, Kathleen Litchfield

Description

By Kathleen Litchfield, handweaver, Firecrow Handwovens, Warwick, MA
Member of 802ArtsHouse since 2023

Magic is everywhere, and the magical beauty of the natural world we share is what inspires me as a weaver every day I wind a warp or sit at the loom throwing the shuttle rhythmically back and forth. Weaving often feels like a meditation, its repetitive motions lulling me into a state of peace, joyfulness and gratitude.

Every piece of fabric on this birdhouse is handwoven on one of my large floor looms. Simple and colorful plain weave in rayon chenille interacts with more complex structures including deflected doubleweave, or “mystery” weave, and four-harness twills. Fibers include cotton, rayon, rayon chenille, tencel, merino wool and mohair boucle.

Novelty yarns, which I often incorporate into my handwoven clothing, appear as embellishments, yet are essential to the design of the piece … not unlike the way birds select colorful, textured yarns to incorporate into their nests.

Peek inside and under the birdhouse door for a surprise, and a few quotes that inspire my work and daily life. I hope they will inspire you, too.

Thank you for the opportunity to “paint” a birdhouse for the “Celebrate Vermont: A Bird’s Eye View” fundraiser/auction!