BRINGING TIE-UP TO LIFE
Tie-Up Textiles was established for two purposes; to offer an alternative to the mainstream motifs often associated with interior fabrics, and to pay homage to the dying era of handwork.
The intention within my craft is to create a thought-provoking approach to pairing nonconformist textures with carefully curated color palettes, often in unexpected ways.
A few of my reoccurring sources of inspiration include a fascination for early 20th-century manufacturing, a love for traditional Native American values, and the healing powers of music.
As an introvert and human who feels deeply, my relationship with fabric over the last decade has morphed into a sort of metaphorical chameleon. The cloth itself often holds tiny messages, playing the role of a phantom thread. Similarly to both a phantom thread and the chameleon, the work itself offers subtle insight into my state of mind and emotions in that moment of time. At quick glance, you may miss the message.
THE ARTIST
My name is Kathleen Fitzpatrick. I’m an artist trained in traditional and modern fiber practices, holding a bachelor’s degree from Kutztown University in material studies and art history.
I began my textile career immediately following graduation. For many years, I worked at a digital printing firm guiding designers through the process of building private label textile collections. My role included assistance with fabric selection, designing repeats, and color management.
By 2016, I’d begun blending that industry experience with my own creative take on modern décor, establishing Tie-Up Textiles. My boutique-style business is dedicated to preserving the art of hand weaving and dyeing, while also challenging these practices to make them entirely my own.
Lately, my creative interests have been heavily rotating around the ways in which music heals us, especially those running on more sensitive wiring. I’ve put a lot of energy over the last few months in translating those emotions into my body of work. I hope you’ll stick around for the launch of my latest series, the Bauhaus Collection.
THE PROCESS & ETHICS
When it comes to my process, everything originates and is developed through my hands. Tie-Up's woven work is drafted start to finish on five floor looms within my small Wilmington, Delaware studio.
My dyed fabrics are prepped and processed in small batches, making each set of napkins entirely unique. Little to no outsourcing is used throughout any of my production practices.
Most of the weaving yarn within my collection is sourced from mills specializing in fair trade practices or has been salvaged from discontinued production runs. The yardage collection is printed on-demand using ethically sourced Belgian linens of the highest quality. Pillow backs and tabletop linens often use mill-end lots, making each product one-of-a-kind. Tie-Up Textiles prides itself on offering the highest quality goods while generating as little waste as possible.
GIVING BACK
RAISING FUNDS
In August 2022, Tie-Up Textiles raised 1k in donations for the Brandywine Valley SPCA through the sales of handmade tea towels, pet portraits, and pet pantry supplies.
