My passion is weaving, and I am lucky enough to spend time at the loom playing with yarns and watching colors dance with each other, creating fabrics and garments that I love to wear.

I grew up in Oregon, but presently live in Wenatchee, Wa., sharing my home with my husband Bob, three cats and a terrific golden retreiver, Rain.

  My education comes from art classes at Portland State and Wenatchee Valley C.C., to self taught research, formal weaving classes, and a tremendous amount of help from my weaving guild friends.  I am a member of Alpine Meadows Weavers and Spinners Guild, Association of Northwest Weaver's Guild, Northwest Craft Alliance, and American Craft Council.  I  love the whole process of weaving, from the first spark of idea, to planning the warp and watching the fabric grow, enhancing my essence and excitment in experimentation.  I feel very blessed to be able to work at what I love.  I am not a large production weaver.  I weave each garment on a Cranbrook countermarche loom, giving me quality and control as I weave.      

        I was once told that there are 2 types of weavers. Those who like structure and pattern, and those who prefer color and texture. While I find pattern and structure interesting, I am wild about color and texture.  At this time, I am channeling my energies into rayon chenille, but, I also work with wool, linen and cotton.  I love handwoven towels, they make wonderful hostess gifts, and from time to time I do put a towel warp on the loom. That is where I get into some pattern and structure.  I also like to indulge in a little spinning. 

          One of my greatest joy's is to see friends wearing my handwoven designs.  I hope you will enjoy my line of shawls, scarves, and raunas, as much as I do creating, weaving, and wearing them.

            Merlene                                                                 

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