We recently connected with Kathleen Fitzpatrick and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kathleen, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
The core of Tie-Up Textiles has always primarily revolved around one-off woven, small production décor items. And while that is still very much the focus and drive of my work, I’ve become inspired to dig beyond pattern and color play.
I’m a huge outdoor and environmental enthusiast. In my spare time, I do local park cleanups where my partner and I load up the pup and hit our favorite hiking spots, picking up trash along the way. It’s a very tiny act that feels rewarding for us and allows future visitors to interact with nature more organically. Growing up in the suburbs and later moving to the city, I can’t help but notice the excessive amount of trash around me. There seems to be an ever-increasing disregard for our natural resources. And I think a lot of that can be blamed on a lack of education toward the public in how these sorts of mindless choices impact all living things.
My ideas for this project are still developmental, but I’m excited as to where they will take me. For now, I’m throwing around a concept of found object weaving where I’m pairing plastics with recycled fibers and creating a sort of installation piece. So, in a sense, my most meaningful projects haven’t yet to come to life, but I hope to have more to share about this progress in the new year. 
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Kathleen Fitzpatrick, and I am a designer trained in both traditional and modern textile practices. I hold a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania’s Kutztown University in material studies and art history, and dove into field work immediately following graduation. When establishing Tie-Up Textiles, I wanted to focus on two core values; to offer a bold alternative to the mainstream motifs so long associated with interior fabrics and pay homage to the lost era of artisanal handwork. My pieces step away from trend, to focus on nonconformist texture, organic shape, and timeless color palettes. I’m highly influenced by a fascination for early 20th-century manufacturing and share a deep romance with the desolate landscapes of the southwestern US. Ultimately, I strive for an out-of-the-box, visual and tactile experience.
My small brand is dedicated to preserving the art of hand weaving and dyeing and applying them to a modern world. Process wise, everything originates and is developed through my own hands. I create all of Tie-Up’s woven work start to finish on floor looms within my small Delaware studio. I use little to no outsourcing throughout my production practices. Finished products such as custom pillows, tabletop linens, artisanal coasters, and accessories are all stitched and packaged directly within the studio. I keep a low overhead to provide the highest quality, cost-considerate goods for my clientele. Whenever possible, I partner with local mills and encourage environmentally friendly practices to help significantly reduce Tie-Up’s carbon footprint. I would say I’m most proud of my sustainability efforts.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist is hearing about how my work has or will impact another person. I was recently selling my work at an artisan market. A woman was purchasing a set of my block printed dinner napkins and began telling me that they were going to be a gift for a friend who had recently lost her son. The motif on the napkins had been a visual reminder of hope, a sort of memorial marker for this mother, and having these napkins would be a continued, daily reminder of the love she has for her son. That really blew me away. I was so honored to hear her story. I think that was one of the first times it truly hit me just how impactful my work could be.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Hands down, shop small and shop local whenever possible. And if you’re not able to financially support the arts, there are so many small things that make a huge difference. Joining their mailing lists and helping spread the word of upcoming events or sales. Liking and commenting on their social media posts. Sharing them with friends and family.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tieuptextiles.com
- Instagram: @tie_up_textiles
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tieuptextiles
