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At a time when many fiber arts stores are closing, Sara C. Bixler is bucking the trend. With degrees in both fine art and education, she had developed a studio practice as well as a teaching repertoire at the Pennsylvania weaving school where her father, Tom Knisely, had taught for decades. When that store closed, she decided to take the risk of opening a brand-new fiber arts center known as Red Stone Glen. It was an audacious project: the school and accompanying store occupy a rural campus in southeastern Pennsylvania, with space for several classes and even on-site lodging for students. Beginning a few years ago, the family took another step into the fiber arts when her husband, Dustin, acquired Bluster Bay Woodworking from its founders and began producing shuttles and other weaving tools “in the Glen,” too. She had support in her project from former students and from Tom, who was delighted to have a teaching home base again.
Sara also loves opening her students’ eyes to other weaving traditions, whether exploring weaving destinations overseas or preserving the legacy of American textile history in the National Museum of the American Coverlet, where she serves on the board of directors.
Links
Red Stone Glen
Triaxial weaving: Hex Weave & Mad Weave by Elizabeth Harris and Charlene St. John
National Museum of the American Coverlet
Sara’s videos on Boutenné and other subjects are available from Long Thread Media.
Sara leads tours to Japan and Switzerland with Opulent Quilt Journeys.
Bluster Bay Woodworks
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