We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jessica Anderson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jessica below.

Jessica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

During the pandemic I took an online weaving course that really got me started on my weaving journey and my love of fiber arts. My type A personality enjoyed the detailed instructions and precise pattern of the project. From there I took a few more classes and scoured YouTube for any information on weaving techniques. After exploring different styles and learning a variety of stitches, I was able to experiment with more of a free form flow (instead of always using patterns) and slowly, my own style started to emerge. Learning to let go of perfectionism and enjoy the process was difficult for me. I always want my end product to be picture perfect. Once I was able to let go of that expectation I was able to fully enjoy my weaving process.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I have never considered myself a creative person, but I have always loved to bake. As an adult I started making fancy cakes for my friends and children and I began to recognize the creativity in my bakes. Once I began weaving, I felt that I was able to fully step into my identity as a creative person. I decided to start selling my tapestries simply because I really enjoyed making them and I wanted to share them with others. I participate in a few local markets each year where I sell tapestries and other hand made items (rugs, trivets, ornaments, etc.). I also offer custom made tapestries. The majority of my profits go to Malia’s Legacy which is an organization that provides financial help to people with various disabilities. Malia’s Legacy was formed in honor of my dear friend Malia who died of a rare genetic disease at the age of 9. Her sweet and spunky spirit lives on as the donations help others who’s lives require just a bit more grit and determination than the rest of us.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Three years into my weaving journey, I was in a car accident and broke the wrist of my dominant hand. I had to wear a cast that engulfed my wrist and thumb for 12 weeks. Needless to say, my movement was extremely limited. Weaving was impossible through the first 6 weeks. At the time, I had three large unfinished tapestries on my loom. I was overwhelmed with the simple tasks of taking care of my children while my spouse travelled for work. Weaving was put to the back burner for most of those weeks and my giant loom sat off to the side of my living room collecting dust on those tapestries I had spent so many hours investing in. During the last four weeks with my cast, I slowly started attempting to finish those three pieces. I took it one stitch at a time and focused on just completing a small amount of finishing touches each day. Weaving with a cast covering my thumb made for very slow progress. In the end, the pieces were finally finished and all three have been sold.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Malia’s Legacy is a driving force in my creative journey. The funds from the Legacy can provide tangible assistance to people who do not have access to things that can greatly enhance their lives- wheelchairs, walkers, harnesses, surprise presents or tuition for specialized schools. I fully enjoy the time I spend creating, but it often takes effort to enter that space. Participating in markets means I always need to be increasing my available inventory. Knowing that my profits directly help other people drives me to create more often.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @myweavingaddiction