Karen Gelbard

Karen Gelbard begins her creative process by immersing herself in color, the foundational element in crafting her distinctive handwoven jackets, coats, and scarves. Deeply inspired by the natural beauty and changing seasons of the Pacific Northwest, she develops rich, painterly color palettes that reflect the region’s landscapes. Drawing on her background in music, Karen approaches her weaving like a composer, creating harmonious color compositions that sing with depth and nuance.

Each garment starts at the loom, where she weaves fabric on a traditional fly-shuttle loom—an intricate process that brings her vision to life one thread at a time. Once the cloth is complete, Karen transitions to her eight-foot cutting table, thoughtfully positioning and cutting each pattern piece to showcase the unique characteristics of the handwoven textile. She intentionally embraces the fabric’s natural variations, allowing the handmade essence to shine through.

To further enhance each piece, she may incorporate special techniques such as quilting, edging, or pintucks, which add texture and visual interest. With a meticulous eye for detail, Karen ensures every garment is carefully finished and made to endure. She lovingly refers to them as her “Forever Coats”—timeless, heirloom-quality pieces that blend craftsmanship, beauty, and wearability for a lifetime.