Amy D. McKnight – “Dream Weaver”

{Contributed Photo}

Davidson County’s Amy D. McKnight creates dreams utilizing the art form of weaving. One of the oldest practices in the world, the origin of weaving was developed by humans using twigs and plant fibers to meet the fundamental purposes of shelter and vessel making. Later (c. 9000-4000 BCE), woven fibers began to be produced. Fibers were woven by hand in an overlapping and entwining method–vertically (the wrap) and horizontally (the weft). Eventually came the invention of the spinning wheel (a tool that turned fibers into yarn) and the loom (a mechanism that holds tension on fibers/threads/yarn. These mechanisms were still worked by hand (and by foot) to create cloth and fabric, which during the Middle Ages elevated weaving into an illustrative art form of woven extravagant tapestries, costume, carpets, etc.–art which dreams were made of.

{Contributed Photo}

McKnight’s interest in weaving began as a child when she found one of her grandmother’s craft books on the subject. Over a period of more than 30 years, she has honed and developed that interest into her current creative pursuit. This pursuit is not her full-time career but is the perfect conduit for her creative spirit. She dutifully schedules and dedicates time to this creative outlet. The loom she weaves with most often is a small rigid heddle loom–a loom which is affordable, very portable, works well with many beautiful types of yarns, and is versatile in the variety of things one can make (wall hangings, bands, straps, scarves, pouches, hats, twill fabrics, cloth, and more).

McKnight is an artist who is generous with her gift and talent. As she puts it, “I share what I know, what I’ve learned, what mistakes I’ve made to help those who come after me have a better chance at success.” Her kindness, patience, and generosity   are particularly shown in her teaching. Before COVID-19, she regularly commissioned private group classes for people interested in learning this art form. This personal hands-on style of teaching was an integral part of her creative prowess, but this sadly ceased with the pandemic–fortunately however, it is planned to be reinstated in the future. Meanwhile, she hosts and meets weekly with a paid online community for creative weavers and is a member of a group of artists that network and share ideas.

The woven dreams she creates, in whatever form they take, come in a rainbow of vibrant colors, a range of earth tones, subtly nuanced neutrals, and even stark, yet stunning black and white. She has a command of color that is inherent and reveals itself in her work. A variety of linear, intertwined, and geometric patterns and tactile textures of luxurious fibers also exist throughout her creations—all are visually striking and longingly tangible.

Her creativity flows much like the rhythm of the weaving motion itself. She does not feel confined to continue to keep making things that she may be recognized for at any given point in time. Her creative joy comes in knowing, as she says, “that a piece has found a new home or I’ve helped create/inspire a new person to become a creative weaver.”

McKnight’s goal with her talent is to make a significant impact on fellow artists in the small loom weaving world. She has an extensive playlist of video lessons that she teaches for free on her YouTube channel, to which you may subscribe, “Master YOUR Loom with Amy D. McKnight,” and has numerous photos and videos of her work on her Instagram page, @amydmcknight–take a look and you’ll soon be following and watching her weave dreams into reality. 

Amy D. McKnight – “Dream Weaver”

By Kim Kanoy

Davidson County’s Amy D. McKnight creates dreams utilizing the art form of weaving. One of the oldest practices in the world, the origin of weaving was developed by humans using twigs and plant fibers to meet the fundamental purposes of shelter and vessel making. Later (c. 9000-4000 BCE), woven fibers began to be produced. Fibers were woven by hand in an overlapping and entwining method–vertically (the wrap) and horizontally (the weft). Eventually came the invention of the spinning wheel (a tool that turned fibers into yarn) and the loom (a mechanism that holds tension on fibers/threads/yarn. These mechanisms were still worked by hand (and by foot) to create cloth and fabric, which during the Middle Ages elevated weaving into an illustrative art form of woven extravagant tapestries, costume, carpets, etc.–art which dreams were made of.

McKnight’s interest in weaving began as a child when she found one of her grandmother’s craft books on the subject. Over a period of more than 30 years, she has honed and developed that interest into her current creative pursuit. This pursuit is not her full-time career but is the perfect conduit for her creative spirit. She dutifully schedules and dedicates time to this creative outlet. The loom she weaves with most often is a small rigid heddle loom–a loom which is affordable, very portable, works well with many beautiful types of yarns, and is versatile in the variety of things one can make (wall hangings, bands, straps, scarves, pouches, hats, twill fabrics, cloth, and more).

McKnight is an artist who is generous with her gift and talent. As she puts it, “I share what I know, what I’ve learned, what mistakes I’ve made to help those who come after me have a better chance at success.” Her kindness, patience, and generosity   are particularly shown in her teaching. Before COVID-19, she regularly commissioned private group classes for people interested in learning this art form. This personal hands-on style of teaching was an integral part of her creative prowess, but this sadly ceased with the pandemic–fortunately however, it is planned to be reinstated in the future. Meanwhile, she hosts and meets weekly with a paid online community for creative weavers and is a member of a group of artists that network and share ideas.

The woven dreams she creates, in whatever form they take, come in a rainbow of vibrant colors, a range of earth tones, subtly nuanced neutrals, and even stark, yet stunning black and white. She has a command of color that is inherent and reveals itself in her work. A variety of linear, intertwined, and geometric patterns and tactile textures of luxurious fibers also exist throughout her creations—all are visually striking and longingly tangible.

Her creativity flows much like the rhythm of the weaving motion itself. She does not feel confined to continue to keep making things that she may be recognized for at any given point in time. Her creative joy comes in knowing, as she says, “that a piece has found a new home or I’ve helped create/inspire a new person to become a creative weaver.”

McKnight’s goal with her talent is to make a significant impact on fellow artists in the small loom weaving world. She has an extensive playlist of video lessons that she teaches for free on her YouTube channel, to which you may subscribe, “Master YOUR Loom with Amy D. McKnight,” and has numerous photos and videos of her work on her Instagram page, @amydmcknight–take a look and you’ll soon be following and watching her weave dreams into reality.