| Our team members are a group of dedicated professional fiber artists with a passion for sharing their knowledge, resources and community spirit. Each of us specializes in one of the unique areas that encompass textile and fiber arts. We are all share a deep belief that we have a responsibility to share techniques and skills that do not have a negative impact on the planet. We encourage our community to learn how to sew, dye, weave and mend to reconnect with the processes of the textiles we are surrounded by every day. |
The Textiles West Team
LIZ KETTLE | DIRECTOR Liz Kettle is a mixed media textile artist living in Colorado. Liz began her explorations in fabric by following a traditional approach to embroidery and quilting. After filling her tool box with the skills needed for success in the traditional arena she began to delve into the world of art where she discovered freedom of expression. Liz is author of First Time Beading on Fabric and Know Your Needles. She is co-author of 3 books: Fabric Embellishing: The Basics and Beyond, Threads: The Basics and Beyond and Stitch Journeys. Liz has articles published in Quilter’s Home, Quilting Arts, Quilting Arts In Stitches and Cloth Paper Scissors Studios. She has also appeared in the PBS show Quilting Arts TV. She is happiest with a bit of fabric and her needle threaded and ready to stitch. | SUSAN HALDEMAN | ASSOCIATE-DIRECTOR Besides helping mold and guide the direction of Textiles West, Susan is also a textile artist and partner at New Hue Textile Studio. She brings over twenty years of experience as an innovative businesswoman and artist. Susan has a crazy love for textiles and is passionate about connecting its vast community locally and abroad. |
Mary Madison | Outreach Coordinator
Mary Madison originally from West Virginia has lived on both coasts, and Canada where she was taught rug hooking from experts. She has a love of all things textile and time permitting, pottery and stain glass. A major portion of her time currently is spent introducing newcomers to weaving and art quilting. Amy Kloster | Marketing coordinator and Fiber Lead Amy’s obsession for all things fiber started in 2010. A sick day spent with her son’s toy loom piqued an interest in weaving, and at a startling speed she began acquiring looms and knowledge. She found that yarn for her habit was getting rather expensive, so she taught herself to dye, and then to spin, her own. Until recently her fiber obsession was a solitary hobby. A yearning for local community that shared her enthusiasm led to a membership with Textiles West. One thing led to another, and she soon found herself a part of the Textiles West team, wearing a few hats as a teacher, Fiber Lead, and Marketing Coordinator. She considers herself incredibly fortunate to immerse herself in what she loves. Her favorite thing about the fiber and textile | Melanie Audet | Education Coordinator Melanie Audet is originally from the Detroit area of Michigan. She received a BA from Albion College and a BFA from the Oregon College of Art and Craft, where she learned how to use synthetic dyes. She has continued her education by learning the art of natural dyes. She is the owner and proprietor of Melanie Audet Limited Editions and Twig and Berry Dyes. Her love for textiles is more of a compulsion and she loves to share this passion with others. RUTH CHANDLER | Stitching Community Together | LIASONRuth had the privilege of growing up in Japan where a neighbor introduced her to Sashiko and Indigo. Both have remained a lifelong pursuit and passion. In her own unique style she loves to blend new techniques with the old that usually shows the influence of her years spent in Japan. Many of her classes focus on hand stitching, however, she also teaches garment construction, indigo dye classes, bag classes, and children’s classes. Ruth has authored two books and teaches at Art and Soul Retreat and Textiles West in Colorado Springs, CO. |
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