beth wilson, handweaver

Beth started weaving in 1992.  A birthday gift from her husband for a beginning weaving class, where she learned to weave on a four shaft tabletop loom, started her journey into the fascinating world of weaving.  Multishaft looms have opened the door to incredible designs, but Beth insists there is nothing more gorgeous than plain weave.

After years of weaving with various fibers, Beth prefers the look of fine linen, cotton, tencel and cottolin and the fabulous luster and drape of rayon chenille.  From reproduction Shaker towels and table linens to timely tencel and rayon chenille pieces, Beth enjoys working with folks to produce custom pieces designed for them.

In addition to the weaving process, Beth has become extremely knowledgeable with the evolution of looms and has just as much fun restoring and repairing them as she does weaving on them.  Barefoot Weavers Studio houses many looms, most from the mid 20th century and a couple from the late 1700’s, early 1800’s - all provide many hours of happy weaving.

In an effort to share her passion for weaving, Beth teaches weaving in her Barefoot Weavers Studio in Purcellville, VA.  Classes are for the novice to the experienced, covering a wide range of weave structures using the finest threads available, weaving timeless traditions with contemporary twists.

Beth is the founding member, Past President of the Blue Ridge Spinners and Weavers Guild.  She is a member of the Central PA Guild of Handweavers, the Colonial Coverlet Guild of America and Potomac Fiberarts Guild.  Beth is the Educational Chair for the 2015 Mid-Atlantic Fiber Association Conference.

She was the weaver for the BRSWG’s Rockin’ Bobbins, an award winning Sheep to Shawl Competition team, at Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival in 2005.  In 2008, Beth’s entry of a woven, wool blanket in the Mamie Francis Blanket Competition won first prize in its category and took the Grand Prize for the Best Blanket at Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival.