ABOUT THE CROSSED KNOT
Weaving Workshops - Fiber Art - Programs & Lectures
TEACHING
We believe that information is the key to empowering people to reach their creative goals. We are dedicated to providing accessible opportunities for anyone to learn, grow, and progress in the art of weaving. Regardless of background or experience level, our classes offer a welcoming environment where you can acquire new skills, expand your knowledge, and unleash your artistic potential. Our mission is to support you on your journey, providing the tools and guidance needed to transform your creative goals into tangible woven masterpieces.
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MAKING
We believe that the objects we surround ourselves with on a daily basis should add to the beauty of our environment and that everyday items can be a work of art. We strive to produce long-lasting, high-quality goods, and useful handwoven objects with an emphasis on sustainability. Everything created at The Crossed Knot is one-of-a-kind and made with love from the Midwest!
JULIA BLAKE
Owner |Â Instructor
Julia has spent the last 10 years teaching weaving & weaving-adjacent skills to adults (and children) of widely varying abilities. She believes that information is the key to empowering people to be their best and do their best.
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"The one thing everyone has in common is the capacity to learn. My personal teaching philosophy is that if someone isn’t understanding, I'm explaining it wrong."
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Julia has a slightly unhealthy obsession with sharing knowledge and is even more motivated when she can do so in a way that the receiver enjoys the process.
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An educator, artist, weaver, and tinkerer, Julia spent her formative years moving back and forth between India and the United States and has been fascinated by textiles since early childhood. Since earning her degree in Education and Human Sciences, with a focus on Textiles, Merchandising, and Fashion Design from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, she had the privilege of studying traditional backstrap weaving in her grandmother's home country of Bhutan, and the honor of teaching the art of handweaving to the blind at Friedman Place in Chicago.
Julia is the former President and current board member of the Weaver’s Guild of the North Shore, Assistant Editor of Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot Magazine, and is pursuing a Master Weaver Certificate of Excellence. When she is not teaching, Julia creates weaving-related art for indoor and outdoor, public display. She lives in a little cabin in the woods with her husband Ryan and their two very suspiciously well-behaved cats.
POTATO
Studio Supervisor | QC Specialist
Potato has been an integral part of The Crossed Knot team since he joined us in 2017. His brutal honesty combined with his special ability to point out flaws without using words has kept us working to the highest standard.
MOO
Studio Support Cat
Moo is a textbook introvert. She has found the perfect role behind the scenes at The Crossed Knot. You may never catch a glimpse of her because the majority of her work is done after hours. Moo is the "yin" to Potato's "yang." She can often be found making sure the team gets enough rest and is an expert in "Biscuit-style"Â massage.