Meet the Makers: Salt Textile Studios

The Michigan-based artist creates handwoven pieces unique to ‘here’
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Named in honor of the historic salt mines beneath Detroit, Salt Textile Studios is Kayla Powers’ community-inspired passion project.

The 30-year-old textile artist, who has an art history degree and additional training in weaving, launched the business last summer. From her studio — a converted attic that houses a loom, various sewing machines, and yarn-winding equipment — she spends days at a time creating handwoven pillows, blankets, and rugs, all of which reflect spaces near her Detroit home.

Her latest project, The Belle Isle Blanket, showcases beachy colors found on the island park, while her Mint Stripes pillow was naturally dyed using goldenrods from empty lots in her neighborhood. “There is so much love and intention put into the pieces,” says Powers, who previously taught handwork classes at the Detroit Waldorf School. “I think that resonates with people.”

Powers’ dyes and organic fibers are also sourced from Michigan alpaca and sheep farms, local tree bark, and nearby sumac and black walnut plants. “It makes [the product] more special when you can say, ‘I know where this came from,’ ” she adds. “I really like the idea of having special things in your home.”

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