Celebrating Kentucky Crafters: Weaving with Kathy McWilliams

Published on: March 30, 2021

Despite learning to weave late in life, Kathy McWilliams excels at the craft. Only a couple of years into her retirement a friend invited her to spend a day at Weaver’s Corner, a small weaving shop in Boston, KY. After one day of weaving, she already knew purchasing a loom was in her future.

She jumped into the craft, taking a beginners class to learn the basics and four months later she purchased her first loom. Then she discovered the Little Loomhouse and with the help of the local weaving community started her weaving journey.

The Little Loomhouse is a hidden Louisville gem, nestled in the Kenwood Hill neighborhood in a trio of historic cabins. The non-profit’s mission is to educate students about the history of weaving and textile arts. The Little Loomhouse offers tours, weaving classes and hosts events.

“It’s such a fascinating craft.  It’s very challenging, but also relaxing and definitely rewarding.  It’s a constant learning experience and I enjoy that,” said Kathy. 

With the encouragement of her weaving friends and especially her husband, she competed in the Kentucky State Fair for the first time. She entered seven items, hoping to come home with any ribbon, the color didn’t matter. When she came home with six blue ribbons and one white ribbon she was thrilled. 

Now an experienced weaver, Kathy volunteers at the Little Loomhouse Gift Shop to pay-it-forward for all the help and encouragement they’ve given her.

To learn more about weaving, click here to visit the Handweavers Guild of America. For more information on the Little Loomhouse, click here. 

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