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Jane Campbell

Jane Campbell

Watauga County, NC

My husband Mike and I, natives of Watauga County, are fortunate to live and work on the farm that has been in my family for over a century. We have two children, Cole and Ivy.

Being raised on this farm, which lies along the “Old Buffalo Trail”, I have seen many changes. I remember farming with horses and when family farms were plentiful. Today I am seeing families leave their farms and this has made me aware of how precious the “old ways” are and how fast they are being lost: not only the loss of farming but also the loss of handicrafts and traditional fiber arts.

Observing weaving was my first experience with the fiber arts. As a child, two of my aunts worked on looms at my grandparent’s home and I was fascinated. My grandmother was my first knitting teacher. I also had a sixth-grade teacher, who patiently taught everyone in her classes to knit. Years later when volunteering with Hickory Ridge Homestead, which is a living history museum, I had my first encounter with weaving on my own. Soon after, a neighbor gifted me with an old barn loom. After research and help from friends I began weaving rugs and scarves on the old loom. Over the years I have collected several looms and have woven fabrics, dolls, bags and a variety of other textiles. Spinning came later with a one day workshop and lots of practice. Dyeing fibers soon followed. Over the last fifteen years I have concentrated on felt making. To me seeing animal fibers turn into fabric is magical.

For over thirty years I have had the opportunity to work with children and adults at museums, heritage day events, fairs, classrooms, and workshops. In 2010 I became a member of the Village of Yesteryear at the North Carolina State Fair demonstrating felt making. I am a member of the Blue Ridge Fiber Guild and a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, which started a fiber ministry seven years ago. In 2011 I became involved with the Florence Thomas Art School taking classes and leading workshops. Through the Mountain Artist’s Program I joined with the Hiddenite Educational Center demonstrating weaving, spinning, and knitting and doing in school residencies. I am a member of Hands Cooperative Craft Gallery where I sell my felted items.

Since beginning these crafts demonstrations I have met and worked with other fiber artists, learning and teaching so that these skills will be passed along not only in their traditional forms but in contemporary works also. Hopefully, through my demonstrations of these fiber skills from the past I have inspired some of the participants to return to their own homes and ask about their families “old ways”.

Address: 1093 Ridge Road, Boone, NC 28607

Telephone: (828) 262 5921

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Tagged under
  • Fiber
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Hours

Tuesday-Saturday 10am-3pm


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