Weavery

Innisfree’s weavery, which began almost four decades ago, has 20 looms and operates 4 days a week. It provides an outlet for the creative expression of our weavers, who weave placemats, scarves, shawls, shirts, blankets, tea towels and other items. All weavery items are made from natural fibers. Some yarns are dyed in-house. Finished woven pieces are sold in select local craft shops, at craft fairs as well as at Innisfree special events. Every weavery item carries a label personalized with the name of the weaver who wove it, reinforcing a sense of accomplishment for the craftsperson. To further foster pride in a job well done, weavers help at local craft fairs, where they meet the individuals who purchase their wares.

Innisfree’s weavery satisfies the creative juices of Innisfree’s volunteer caregivers and long-term staff too. They design many of the items that go on weavery looms, plus they have the opportunity to learn to weave themselves on a large, shared loom.

You can find weavery goods at these shops:
Noon Whistle in Stanardsville, VA

Cville Arts in Charlottesville, VA

Crozet Artisan Depot in Crozet, VA 

As well as at the Crozet arts and Crafts festival in May and October each year and the 43rd Street Festival in Richmond, VA in September.

Workstation Head
Miriam Picus

Miriam spent a year in Sweden during college which is where she first learned how to weave. When she returned to the University of Illinois, she continued taking weaving courses until she graduated. After reading an article by Carolyn Ohle about the Innisfree Weavery in Handwoven magazine, she was intrigued and came to Innisfree as a volunteer caregiver in 1984.

Miriam became head weaver in 1987 and hasn’t looked back! She loves working with her Innisfree weavers, helping them create unique and colorful pieces. She married Innisfree volunteer caregiver Pete Marshall, and after 15 years of living in Innisfree houses, Miriam, Pete, and their two daughters, Leah and Talia, live in Charlottesville.

When she’s not weaving for work or fun, she likes to knit, sew, listen to old-time string band music, and hike in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

contact: weavery@innisfreevillage.org

A woman sits at a loom working on weaving a blanket. She is wearing a blue dress and is looking at the camera.
A loom with blue yarn in a weaving studio. There is a stone wall in the background.
A woman in a blue shirt and pink pants is working on weaving a blanket. She is smiling at the camera. There are rows of colorful yarn behind her.
A loom with a teal and navy blanket in a weaving studio.
A man in a blue shirt with a yellow and orange design on it is holding a skein of pink yarn and smiling at the camera. There is a loom next to him with a pink and blue weaving in it.
A woman in a blue sweater is smiling at the camera. She is working on weaving a light and dark blue scarf. She is holding a skein of blue yarn.
A man in a blue shirt is holding a green blanket that he made. He is standing next to a window.
IMG_0337.JPG
Back to "Where We Work”
Previous

Art Studio
Next

Bakery