Karen Gelbard
Winter White Coat
Teal Wool Coat
Sunshine Jacket
Purple Wool Jacket
Waterfall Scarf
Karen Gelbard
Handweaver/Designer
Karen Gelbard begins her creative process by focusing on color while crafting her unique handwoven jackets, coats, and scarves. Inspired by the Pacific Northwest and with the eye of a painter, she designs color palettes for her woven cloth. Her music background helps her create color harmonies in the cloth woven on a fly-shuttle loom.
Once the weaving is complete, the garment design process begins. The fabric is laid out on an eight-foot cutting table, where pattern pieces are cut. The unique characteristics of the handwoven fabrics are incorporated into the design, allowing the process and the maker's touch to show. Other textile techniques, such as quilting, edging, or pintucks, are added to enhance the garment's story.
With meticulous attention to finishing details, Karen creates what she lovingly calls her "Forever Coats", woven and designed to last.
“I design, weave, and sew handwoven jackets and scarves that tell a Northwest story through color, texture, and shape.”
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To learn more about Karen Gelbard and to purchase her bespoke handwoven garments, visit:
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Stay up to date by following Karen on either Facebook or Instagram.
Facebook:
Facebook.com/karen.gelbardInstagram:
@karenbelbard -
The Oregon Weaver
P.O. Box 455
Pacific City, OR 97135