Sneak Peeks: Island Weaves

By Jared Ainscough

Karin Ganga Sheppard from Island Weaves, in Nantucket, is dedicated to her craft. She spent twenty years working at looms before starting her own business making throws, rugs, upholstery and more.

Usually when craftspeople start a business, the handmade quality of their work is traded for the efficiency of mass production. Karen Sheppard is the exception to the rule. She hand works every fiber that comes into her studio–cleaning, sorting, dying and weaving every yarn. The act of weaving has transcended hard work and attention to detail. She has turned the process into a sort of meditation. That tranquility and dedication comes across in her work. Each piece is a study in patience and perfection.

Look for a story about her and her business in Made Here in the New England Home’s Cape and Islands issue, coming out in June.

Hand-woven silk, angora and wool throw. Photos courtesy of Island Weaves

Baby blanket with white stripe and sewn edge

Rosepath rug made of linen and terry cloth