Chances are, nearly everyone reading this post has made a hand-loomed potholder, either as a child or with a child. This simple craft is both meditative and fun. But to me it’s always been a pity the typical kit features synthetic fabrics in colors that often border on garish.
Happily, a new class of artisans have elevate this kid craft for the design-minded and eco-conscientious adult. Made from hand-dyed natural or recycled fabrics, they’re not only better looking but better for the planet, too. They’ve inspired me to revisit the handwoven potholder—and might do the same for you.
Featured photograph of Kate Kilmurray potholder is by Mariana Schultze.
Above: From our latest book, Remodelista, The Low Impact Home, here are my creations, which were made from recycled T-shirts that I cut into strips. Above: Ojai-based textile artist Kate Kilmurray seeks to “reinvent handloom-woven work for the modern age.” Inspired by nature, her work is fashioned from hand-dyed, sustainable fabrics. Kate’s potholders come in all different colorways. Prices start at $22, and higher-priced weavings are quite complex and often one-of-a kind. This Potholder in Flax, Apricot, and Rust is from her Part of her Wave Collection IV; $50. Above: Fashioned from 100 percent organic jersey, Alabama Chanin’s Hand-Loomed Cotton Potholder is generous enough to serve as a trivet; $58. Above: Featuring a bold geometric pattern, this Flax and Black Potholder is from Kate Kilmurray’s Forest Collection; $28. Above: From A Handmade House Studio’s Baker’s Collection, this generous Rectangle Potholder with Small Cross in Winter and Red is great for larger pots and pans; $22. Also available with Charcoal Cross. Above: From Kate Kilmurray’s one-of-a-kind Specialty Collection, this Indigo and Navy Potholder is made from a mix of wool and cotton; $40. Above: This Open Weave Chocolate and Winter Potholder by A Handmade Studio is crafted from 100 percent cotton; $18. It’s also available in other colors and as a larger trivet. Above: Artist Kate Kilmurray is a huge proponent of the meditative qualities of hand weaving potholders. Should you want to try yourself, she offers classes, patterns, looms, and hand-dyed loops in various shades, available for small or large looms; $8.95 and$16.95.
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