We were lucky to catch up with Beryl Koblin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Beryl thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you have a hero? What have you learned from them?

When I first started exploring weaving and looking for inspiration, I discovered the work of Sheila Hicks. Her work had an immediate impact on me. Sheila Hicks made a significant contribution to the fiber art movement in the 1960’s and she continues to create amazing pieces. What stood out the most for me is her innovative approaches. She is not afraid to experiment and push beyond the traditional “grid” of the loom.

Her small works or miniatures have had a great impact on me. I’ve had the privilege of seeing two exhibits of her small pieces and each time, I was completely blown away. I now have the book, “Sheila Hicks: Weaving as a Metaphor” which is filled with her small works and is wonderful source of inspiration. The way she uses a wide variety of materials, combined with her ability to create works that are both simple and complex, never ceases to inspire and astonish me.

This kind of experimentation challenges me to step outside of my comfort zone, both in creating practical home goods and more conceptual fiber art. Seeing her work encourages me to embrace experimentation in my own weaving practice and to think outside of the box.

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 weaving journey began in the 1980s, and after a 30-year career in public health and epidemiology, I found my way back to the loom. In 2012, I launched Beja Knits and Weaving, where I create practical home and personal goods, like towels, table runners, placemats, rugs, scarves, and shawls, as well as more conceptual fiber art for sale. When in-person sales became limited during COVID, I expanded my reach with an Etsy shop, www.bejaknitsandweaving.etsy.com and began accepting commissions.

Weaving captivates me because it engages both my tactile and visual senses. The interplay of color, texture, and movement is fascinating, and the medium allows me to express these elements in both subtle and bold ways. The rhythmic process of weaving itself is also something I enjoy—it invites me to slow down and appreciate every detail, from planning and calculations to the warping and weaving stages. My background in math aligns with the technical aspects of the craft, and I appreciated the focus and patience it requires.

My experience in public health has influenced my creative approach. Just as we work together to enhance the well-being of communities in public health, I see the fibers of a weaving coming together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. This connection led me to organize a community weaving project in 2021 in partnership with Papillon & Co. as a response to the COVID pandemic. Participants contributed to a tapestry that now hangs in our public library, serving as a lasting symbol of collective creativity and community spirit.

In 2024, I had the opportunity to collaborate again with Papillon & Co. on the Exploring Fiber Arts series. The series began with a presentation on the celebrated tapestry artist Silvia Heyden, led by her son. I then led a hands-on weaving workshop, and the series culminated with the arrival of the Handweaver’s Guild of America Small Expressions exhibit, which showcased the exceptional work of fiber artists from across the U.S. and beyond.

I want my customers to know that I’m passionate about creating beautiful, functional, sturdy pieces that bring comfort and inspiration to everyday life. I’m most proud of the projects that allow me to unite people through creativity and craft—whether that’s through the pieces I create or the collaborative efforts that bring people together.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I considered moving on from my career in public health, I had to confront how deeply my identity was tied to my work. For nearly 30 years in HIV prevention research, I was fully immersed in writing grants, drafting manuscripts, planning research, and managing a large team. Letting go of my science identity was tough, but one thing that helped me transition was weaving—thinking about different fibers, colors, and patterns. Although I miss the collaborations I had in the scientific world, weaving has introduced me to a whole new community of incredible people, and I’ve found joy in this new chapter of my life.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

I don’t manufacture my products in the traditional sense. I create everything by hand on looms, which I either bought or inherited.

My loom acquisitions began quite unexpectedly. One day, I was standing in line for an estate sale of a former weaver, and through casual conversation, I ended up with an offer I couldn’t resist: a free 8-shaft Gilmore floor loom. It was disassembled and a bit of a mystery. At the time, I had mostly worked on a basic rigid heddle loom, and the idea of tackling something more complex was pretty intimidating, but who can turn down a free loom?

I picked up the loom pieces, packed them into my Subaru, and took them home. They sat in my basement for a couple of months, looking like a daunting project. The wood was covered in dust and mildew, metals parts had rusted and some of the bumper pads had turned to goo. It was definitely a challenge. But slowly, I began cleaning it up, working through the rust and dirt, revealing the beautiful maple wood underneath.

Still, I was unsure of how to proceed to have a functional loom. I reached out to the Gilmore company for advice. They were incredibly helpful and even sent me a few replacement parts, which gave me the confidence to continue. Eventually, I had a fully functioning loom, and after a few practice pieces, my first project was a seat cover for a family room bench.

The main lesson I’ve learned is that perseverance and patience are key. At first, the process seemed overwhelming, but breaking things down step by step made all the difference. I’ve also realized that sometimes the most unexpected opportunities can lead to something amazing—like that free loom! Since then, my loom collection has grown. Each has its own character, and I love the variety they offer for creating different products.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bejaknits.com
• Other: www.bejaknitsandweaving.etsy.com
  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bejaknits/
  Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/bejaknits.com
  Email: [email protected]