I have spent countless hours researching the state of the textile industry in the United States. I made phone calls, toured many textile mills, large and small and asked every question I could think to understand the process. In the beginning, I called this work The Montana Pillow Project. Now, it has transformed in to something more and Bellwether - an indicator of something to come - seems a more appropriate title.
I've uncovering challenges and opportunities in the shift from industrial-scale manufacturing to small-scale, sustainable textile practices. The artisan sector offers a promising path forward, where small flocks of sheep, micro mills, and local communities drive demand for sustainable and beautifully crafted goods.
I am excited to share the fruits of this labor with you.
As a textile artist and designer, I create handwoven home textiles from locally sourced and processed wool. With deep agricultural roots and a background in design, I explore the interplay of raw materials in cloth to echo the natural world’s texture and richness. I let timeless techniques guide my process, infusing each piece with an organic, intuitive aesthetic that celebrates texture, color, and the beauty of the imperfect.
In today’s world, where handmade textiles are rare, I strive to revive a meaningful connection to craftsmanship, particularly within our homes. My work is a counterbalance to mass production, celebrating the nuances of hand making—a subtle reminder of our dynamic and mysterious world.
I hope to rekindle an appreciation for the simple, the natural, and the tactile, allowing us to experience the world’s textures and hues in our everyday lives without added synthetics.
— Lisa Rickenbaugh, designer
My Story
As founder, buyer and leader of Heyday in Bozeman Montana for 12 years, I curated collections of home accessories predominantly made by artisans in the United States. I was always curious about how all of these products actually were made. I became very accustomed to hearing that while the concept of the product was indeed led by American designers, the material and production was outsourced overseas.
I wondered if I could use regional, or even local, raw fiber to assemble a supply chain for handwoven textiles here in the Rocky Mountain West.
And with this simple question, my adventure began.
