I learned how to weave in order to make tallitot. Because I do other Jewish fabric art (see for example the quilts "Except in Fellowship" (2007) for the National Havurah Committee and "Prophetic Voices of Our Time" (2008) for the Shalom Center), friends asked me to make tallitot. I was never entirely satisfied with those I produced using purchased fabric, so in 2001 I learned to weave. Since then I have made custom tallitot for many people. Because I have lived in many places, and also thanks to far-flung networks, Blue Feet tallitot are being worn in Europe and South America as well as throughout the United States. Weaving tallitot is a great pleasure and a spiritual practice. I share the experience in the essay "Weaving Tallitot" (Kerem 2007).
Blue Feet Studio is a part-time enterprise. I have a Ph.D. in Political Science and work on international and public policy issues. Weaving is a good balance to that work. Given these other commitments, I require about a month to weave each tallit.
Why is this studio called Blue Feet? I consider myself to be walking in the footsteps of the people who once dyed tzitzit tekhelet blue.
Blue Feet Studio is located in mid-coast Maine. If you will be in the area, you are welcome to stop by. Contact me for an appointment.