In our Open Studio Tour series, we step inside the creative spaces of fellow Etsians to see where their process begins. This is a chance to get to know your fellow makers and perhaps find inspiration for your own studio! This week we’re excited to feature a proud member of the Etsy Weavers Team.
What’s your name and what do you make?
My name is Gregory Newham and my Etsy shop is FitchStudioWeavers. I create hand woven textiles (large wool area rugs, upholstery and decorative fabrics), throws and scarves.
Where is your studio situated?
My workroom is located in Kingston, New York very close to the Hudson River, and overlooking the Rondout Creek which flows into the Hudson down the road.
When did you decide that you needed a studio?
This is my sixth studio. I have been weaving as my sole occupation since 1973 — nearly forty years. My early studios were located in my home – or was it that my home was located in my studio? This is my second stand-alone studio.
Did you make any sacrifices to create your studio?
The sacrifices I have made for this current studio are pretty major, in that my partner and I borrowed a considerable amount to purchase and renovate the buildings on this property, which is a former brick church built in 1884 by Irish immigrant stone-cutters who lived around the church site. The original house on the property was built circa 1850, which became the rectory when the church was constructed. Kingston is a very historic city, being the first capital of New York state and figured prominently in the Revolutionary War.
What is your favorite tool in your workspace?
My favorite tool has to be any one of my three AVL Dobby rug looms. These very sturdy work horses are beautifully constructed and very supportive to the weaver. I have a lot of equipment and materials since I have been weaving for many years and have worked in a wide variety of natural materials.
How many hours do you normally spend in your studio?
As far as my work schedule, I am a workaholic. Since I do not have children, I work most days of the week — on weekends usually half-days. For many years, I routinely worked at least sixty hours a week. My interior designer clients keep demanding installation schedules, my area rug commissions are very large and take months to produce, and it takes a lot to operate this large studio space. My main workroom is 45′ x 90′ with over 20-foot high ceilings. It is a fabulous space to work in, and I have gladly made the sacrifice.
Is there anything you would add to your work space?
The renovations of the workspace are not complete; there are numerous things I’d like to accomplish. One not so small addition would be to replace the eight large ceiling light fixtures that were original to the sanctuary and were sent to auction when the church ceased operation.
How often do you clean it?
Such a large studio could be cleaned constantly, which wouldn’t leave time for anything else. My assistant and I clean around the operating looms at the end of the day and more thoroughly when a project is completed. Vacuuming is an ongoing chore as is dusting. These are done every few weeks unless something is noticeably in need.
One of Gregory’s hand-woven area rugs.
What object in your studio inspires you the most?
My looms are a source of inspiration for my work, and the historic building with its lovely stained glass window panels from the 1880s are soothing to reflect on. There are also fourteen large windows around the room which look out to a wooded hill and the large creek below where an operating boat yard repairs and refurbishes tugboats and enormous barges.
Is there something in your studio that has a great story behind it?
Probably the greatest story in the studio is the building itself. It has a rich history as a church for 120 years and my studio for almost ten. It was the focal point for a small community that surrounds it and was built by the residents from local brick, stone and hand-hewn wood timbers. It is an amazing structure and I have been very fortunate to be able to call it my studio.
A special thanks goes to Alvant, Captain of the Etsy Weavers Team. For more information about Gregory and the Etsy Weavers Team, visit the Etsy Weavers Blog. If you have an interesting studio or workspace, share it with us in the Etsy Open Studio Tour Flickr pool, and you may be featured in the next Open Studio Tour post!
95 comments
Sign in to add your ownMegansMenagerie says:
Wow! Just beautiful!!!
1 year ago
TwinkleStarCrafts says:
Wonderful studio! Beautiful items!
1 year ago
HouseOfMoss says:
Your work is absolutely stunning, and your studio retains the grandeur of the church it once was! What an amazing place to get to work in.
1 year ago
NangijalaJewelry says:
Amazing! Gorgeous work. Congratulations on the feature :-)
1 year ago
ACupOfSparkle says:
Beautiful studio with an inspirational, wooden structure. I dream about having a stand alone studio for my work at some point. Congratulations on the feature. Lovely work.
1 year ago
VintageEye says:
The laptop open next to the loom...perfect blend of old & new technologies! Wonderful post!
1 year ago
OverstockDeals says:
fab that you renovated such a historic building :)
1 year ago
Iammie says:
Cool!
1 year ago
PeterPaulAndLarry says:
Your work is amazing, and I enjoyed the photos of the studio space. Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
VitalVintage says:
So lovely. Incredible work and such a fantastic studio space!
1 year ago
DaHukaHouse says:
Thanks for inviting us into your space.
1 year ago
DoxalloStudio says:
Absolutely gorgeous work! Love the studio tour - thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
Mclovebuddy says:
it's so beautiful. what an inspiring space! love your work. :)
1 year ago
GardenApothecary says:
Wow, so gorgeous... what a fabulous skill.
1 year ago
outofline says:
Wow, love to see this. My grandmother is a weaver so I was raised around looms and yarns. Your skill and the work you do are inspiring!
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Wow amazing studio, I can imagine it must have been hard finding somewhere large enough to house all the looms. Your finished pieces are truly beautiful.
1 year ago
NotYourGrandmasAttic says:
Beautiful weaving. And a great studio to inspire you.
1 year ago
DiTerra says:
Congrats on the story! Cool space!
1 year ago
reiter8 says:
What an amazing re-use of space! (I noticed many comments starting off with 'wow' which was my first reaction, too! It sounds like it was a huge undertaking, but one that is paying off everyday for Gregory. Beautiful weaving. Thanks for giving us a peek!
1 year ago
Himmelims says:
Beautiful studio.. wish i could 'move in' - just for a few days... :)
1 year ago
alatsupplies says:
Gorgeous work space and beautiful works! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
busterandboo says:
Utterly beautiful work, and fabulous studio. Very impressive!!
1 year ago
smithdugan says:
Amazing! Your work is beautiful and inspiring, what class!
1 year ago
overthemeadow says:
What a gorgeous studio. Beautiful work!
1 year ago
paisleyaura says:
wow! what i would give to have a beautiful inspiring space like that....and you do amazing work!
1 year ago
theroyal says:
impressed is an inadequate word to describe my sentiments to this man and his work
1 year ago
CharlotteHandmade says:
So beautiful! Stunning craftmanship! Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
quirkyshop says:
Great!!!
1 year ago
redhardwick says:
What an amazing work space and such beautiful work! Thank you for sharing your story.
1 year ago
tigersanddragons says:
Oh I would love to get out the basement studio, and into an inspiring space like this one! Beautiful work, no wonder you have to work such long hours to keep up with the demand.
1 year ago
NeedlesnPinsStichery says:
What an amazing studio!! You do beautiful work. Thanks for sharing. :)
1 year ago
BeatUpCreations says:
I want to be a weaver too! Just awesome!
1 year ago
FeltedPleasure says:
Really beautiful studio and great artist!!
1 year ago
EcoChicHandKnits says:
Beautiful studio! It sounds so inspiring. Thanks so much for sharing it with us!
1 year ago
soulyyours says:
Beautiful textiles! Amazing studio! Loved the tour!
1 year ago
sodacoaster says:
I appreciate your work so much. It is keeping an art form alive that is such an asset to the arts.
1 year ago
lovelygifts says:
Interesting story and workplace and beautiful work!
1 year ago
rebourne says:
Are you serious!? This is just incredible!! I would love to hear more about how you made the resdesign decisions and how you set up all of your looms. How did the town react to your setting up shop? I imagine the acoustics are incredible, and I'm curious what type of music you listen to!!
1 year ago
ThePolkadotMagpie says:
Love your space !! Alice's Restaurant revisited. Impressed, and flying your shop out to my ID buds. Congrats.
1 year ago
karenjcreations says:
Beautiful!
1 year ago
bellasparty says:
Wow! So beautiful!!
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
What a wonderful space to work in and your craftsmanship is inspirational. Thanks for the peek.
1 year ago
VidGirlsandDolls says:
Thanks for sharing ! Good to know that not every textile are from other countries. Right here in my Beautiful state----New York !
1 year ago
SpringwoodSoaps says:
Great studio! I can only imagine working in something as wonderful as a historic church :) Loved the interview.
1 year ago
handjstarcreations says:
how wonderful to be able to do work you love in a space you love!
1 year ago
adorapop says:
Truly stunning place to be able to call a studio. And the things you make in there are beautiful; the building is as lucky to have you as you are to have it! Thanks for sharing your space with us.
1 year ago
Dicentra says:
Lovely studio, great craftsmanship. Truly an inspirational story. Thank you so very much for sharing it.
1 year ago
greenspringstudio says:
WOW, thank you for the peek of your amazing space!
1 year ago
Krystyna81 says:
totally stunning. I would love to hear about your design process - such as the rug shown in the room - does the designer come up with it or do you? amazing
1 year ago
gizmofiberarts says:
Wow, that studio inspires me too. Beautiful work!
1 year ago
sabiesabi says:
wonderful studio......
1 year ago
SinderbluStudio says:
CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!! You truly inspire!
1 year ago
florafaye says:
tremendous work; beautiful studio!
1 year ago
WriteTheGoodWrite says:
Absolutely stunning work! I am in awe of your skill and patience.
1 year ago
TheScarfTree says:
Gorgeous studio! I love your creations as well. I would love to save up to buy one of your scarves. They are a work of art :)
1 year ago
TheMillineryShop says:
That's some workspace. And some work schedule. I think many of us can understand the workaholic aspect to designing and creating. It never stops and thank G-d for that.
1 year ago
FruitOfMyHands says:
What nice work and beautiful work space.
1 year ago
LoomOnTheLake says:
It's a wonderful space for your superb weaving.
1 year ago
HouseOnClintonAve says:
Wow, that's one beautiful studio. Love that neutral scarf.
1 year ago
sockmonster says:
Those looms! WOW
1 year ago
ChrissiesRibbons says:
Wow! Incredible work and a stunning studio!!
1 year ago
ThreefoldDesigns says:
That's so inspirational that you have been weaving as your sole occupation for so long! Such beautiful looms too :)
1 year ago
FitchStudioWeavers says:
Thanks for all of your compliments. It is great to be featured on the blog - I feel honored to have been chosen. Thanks again - Greg
1 year ago
TheScarfTree says:
Your work is very beautiful! The photo of the vignette in the dining room with your handwoven carpet is fantasitc. When I saw the main picture of your blog, the first thing I saw was the stained glass window of the church! What a beautiful studio! I wish you all the best in your business! Thanks!
1 year ago
gilstrapdesigns says:
Thank you Gregory for sharing with us your shop and work is amazing.
1 year ago
ASpinnerWeaver says:
Great to see a fellow team member featured here. Greg's studio is certainly worth sharing and it is wonderful to see recognition go to a man who has worked so hard and made his craft his living. Congratulations to Greg for the feature article and thanks to Alvant, captain of the EtsyWeavers team for her part in making it happen. ~Annie
1 year ago
RockPaperScissorsEtc says:
What an incredible space. I'm an architect by day - and knitter by night. I appreciate your incredible space and your incredible talents!!! Gorgeous and stunning.
1 year ago
BozenaWojtaszek says:
I'm green with envy :) Wonderful works!
1 year ago
bigbluebed says:
Beautful!
1 year ago
skyejuice says:
One word - AMAZING!! Your area rug just fits right into that room like it belonged there! Grats on the feature, well deserved. :)
1 year ago
HouseofLavene says:
Fantastic story ! Love what you are doing, I know what it takes ! - I have a, ' Loom 1920's ' in a 15th cent, - Church, in the UK. I ran the ' St Lawrence textile centre ' for two years. Really inspiring, over fifteen hundred people enjoyed to space, and learning. . . . but made no money. Using a single bed knitting machine, one can get really great results - ( face book. House of Lavene, or www.houseoflavene.co.uk to see a Woven job, done on a knitting machine. THE THICK YARN,every row is still is hand placed. Oh, send me an air ticket please to show you ! xx
1 year ago
asundrynotion says:
Truly a dream work space w/ built-in inspiration on a lot of levels. How are the heating bills or have you incorporated solar/alternative energy sources for electric/heating to off-set cost? We considered doing something similar but the taxes and projected heating costs were prohibitive.
1 year ago
DesiCloe says:
Amazing atudio and stunning works! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
FavreBijoux says:
Great post. I had never noticed weaving team-- will be checking out the ships!
1 year ago
shop1848 says:
Your work is gorgeous!
1 year ago
SleyTheDent says:
Thank you Etsy for recognizing an awesome weaver.
1 year ago
strawberryluna says:
Wow, I mean really WOW. My mom was a weaver for years, and seeing your looms made me nostalgic for that time when evenings after work were filled with the sounds of her looms chugging away. Your work is stunning and your studio space is so great, very inspiring!
1 year ago
BambuEarth says:
Absolutely beautiful work !
1 year ago
BarnshopAntiques says:
Thanks for sharing this.What beautiful work and a magnificent space.
1 year ago
steampunkfunk says:
Wow, your studio is AMAZING! Your work is stunning as well. Thank you for sharing!
1 year ago
eastwitching says:
Wow - you have some serious machinery there and all authentic and old! It looks almost a spiritual place - apart from it being in a church the work itself is a fine process requiring skill and attention and the end results are wonderful. I am a spinner and I enjoy fiber preparation as well as being a watercolor illustrator. A lovely visit to see you in your workplace. Thanks - Alison
1 year ago
RedorGrayArt says:
what a wonderful story of art and commitment to it..beautiful space~~
1 year ago
lauraprill says:
how beautiful...
1 year ago
styleforlife says:
Incredible!!!! I want that studio as a vintage shop. His creations are amazing. xxxx EL Vintage
1 year ago
kateblossom says:
beautiful. amazing craftsman, thanks for sharing :>
1 year ago
BanglewoodSupplies says:
He looks so happy in the photos...almost like he is in the zone and playing the piano. This is his true vocation.
1 year ago
LittleStudioJewels says:
Oh my gosh, what an incredible job! I am always fascinated by hand weaving and this is no exception! I wish him many, many sales and many hand-woven goodies :)
1 year ago
stellahats says:
Very nice studios, wonderful work !!!!!
1 year ago
JenniferBurkin says:
that is the most beautiful artist studio I have ever seen! The shot of the finished rug is stunning! Thanks for sharing
1 year ago
coffeebreakdesigns says:
Oh my goodness! What a fascinating interview! Your whole studio and your projects just blow my mind. What an inspiration!
1 year ago
NutfieldWeaver says:
Greg, your weaving is a credit to our craft. Thank you so much for the peek into your world and the beautiful space that you have created for your work. May your sheds always be clean....
1 year ago
SerantoniDesigns says:
Gorgeous. Gorgeous. Gorgeous work, studio & lifestyle. Wishing you astronomical continued success! Mary Serantoni SERANTONI Designs.etsy.com
1 year ago
twistedsisterarts says:
As a past AVL Loom owner, I miss "Dobby" very much. I sold her to another weaver, when I couldn't work full time, and sell my works at the same time, due to my day job. Now, I have found a "job" doing what I love, and I just quit my day job, my wire work is providing me the income I need to make a living. Thank you Etsy, for letting me become self employed again. I appreciate the fine work of weaving, and this was very inspirational. Sacrifice for our art is what makes art the reason for living.
1 year ago
tobilinn says:
Thank you so much for letting us peek inside your studio. It is a wonderful space, and your work is breathtakingly beautiful.
329 days ago
graygriffithdesigns says:
Beautiful work and breathtaking studio.
191 days ago