Delia Montgomery
Founder of Homestead Weaving Studio, Chris Gustin, was ahead of her time and became an environmental recycling artisan years before the green wave hit us.
She started weaving by necessity with old clothes. Gradually, material sourcing expanded into scrap hunting from a variety of mills, factories, and manufacturers. Chris then converted those remnants into new “rag rug” products. That was the mere beginning from her small family-operated business in Indiana.
The studio expansion provides classroom space today. There she continuously sorts yarns and fibers. Many looms, spinning wheels and related equipment are all close by. Chris also offers supplies for weaving, spinning, knitting, and other raw fiber arts.
The mission is to keep usable material from the waste stream and to create affordable art from it. Her shag rug offerings continue with additional styles added. Unique handwoven household items, art, totes, shawls, and scarves are newer options that are made from recycled materials.
View pics on her blog for more details, and check out the Environmental Weaver Chris Gustin on Weekly Special:
Notice how chic plastic bag rugs can be! Also see the Rags to Riches story published 2003 in Natural Home Magazine.
Basically, a ton of waste is converted into art every year from just this one weaving studio. No kidding, Chris weaves all year long regardless of weather. The studio, however, is open most days from March through December.
Know that Chris invites custom and commissioned artwork queries. Although each item is a one-of-a-kind, wholesale terms are available to retailers. Shops across the nation, including one in the Indianapolis Airport, provide handmade goods from Homestead now.
This story sets a fine example of how one person can make a big difference in one community. Add teaching and sharing to selling goods. Such work is legendary and admired by all.
