Parallel Lines
Sunday, June 20th, 2010
Summer brings thoughts of natural cottons, neutral linens, soft palettes and subtle textures.
Last year I was able to sit in during a conversation with Sam Kasten, founder of Sam Kasten Handweavers, a master weaver and designer.
Kasten’s prolific career has allowed him to collaborate on bespoke fabrics and rugs for such luminaries as I.M.Pei, Billy Baldwin, Thierry Despont and Tsao McKown.
A 15-loom, 19th-century brick studio, a former schoolhouse in the Berkshires, is where the custom fabrics are created by hand for use as upholstery and wallcoverings.
Fabrics are woven using the highest quality cotton, cashmere, linen, silk, jute and wool. Sam Kasten’s designs are now also available from Twill Textiles.
When you hold these fabrics in your hand, you are inspired by the balance and harmony of color and texture.
His description of “fine art to walk on and sit on,” is just what the summer seeks.
Photographs used by permission, copyright © Sam Kasten
