By Andrea Allen
Tucked away in Inlet Beach, just minutes from the Gulf’s white sand and rolling surf, a
quiet kind of magic is happening inside the home of local weaver Kathy Schwietz.
What looks like an ordinary home from the outside opens into a workshop alive with color, texture, and rhythm—home to three looms and nearly five decades of craftsmanship.
Kathy has been weaving for 49 years, mastering the art of turning raw fiber into
functional beauty. Her process begins long before a loom is ever dressed. She hand-dyes much of her own thread, carefully blending colors inspired by the coastal world around her—sea glass blues, sandy neutrals, and the warm tones of sunset over the water.
Once at the loom, time seems to disappear. With old-time rock and roll playing in the
background, Kathy often gets lost in the steady rhythm of weaving, the repetitive motion becoming both focus and meditation. Hours can pass before she realizes it, as fabric slowly takes shape beneath her hands.
From these looms emerge a collection of handwoven textiles, including cozy blankets, absorbent towels, and elegant table runners, all designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Each piece is uniquely crafted, showcasing subtle variations that highlight the human touch—an element that mass production cannot replicate.
Kathy particularly enjoys weaving blankets. She sources her cotton from the southern United States, which is spun into yarn in Asheville, NC. This cotton is specially processed for handweavers, in contrast to commercial standards, resulting in a fabric that boasts remarkable softness and luster. Kathy purchases it in bulk, dyeing it in various colors to suit her creative vision. The blankets she weaves from this exquisite cotton are not only incredibly soft and machine washable but also crafted to become cherished heirlooms. Generously sized, these blankets provide the perfect comfort for cuddling up and make beautiful accent pieces for any room in the house.
In an age of mass production, Kathy’s work represents a return to slow craft and
enduring quality. Her textiles fit seamlessly into modern coastal homes while honoring
weaving traditions that span centuries.
Members of the community can find Kathy’s work locally at Retail Therapy of Santa
Rosa Beach, where her handwoven pieces are proudly displayed alongside other
thoughtfully curated goods. She also sells online through her Etsy shop,
HandwovenbyKathy.com, making her work accessible beyond the beach.
Those interested in seeing behind-the-scenes glimpses of her process can follow her on Facebook at Handwoven by Kathy.
Supporting Kathy’s work means supporting a local artist who has dedicated nearly half a century to her craft. As she continues weaving away in her Inlet Beach workshop, her
textiles remain a reminder that some of the most meaningful pieces in our homes—and
our community—are still made by hand, one thread at a time.
