First Friday Features Local Fiber Artists
Clutch Collective and Wit & Whimzy, two boutique retail shops located in downtown Marietta, are hosting special events featuring local fiber artists for Marietta Main Street’s First Friday on June 7, from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. Heather Marshall, the artist behind Dopeface Knits, will be set up outside Clutch Collective and Sara Flood, the artist behind Sara & Sybil, will be set up outside Wit & Whimzy.
“We are thrilled to host Heather this First Friday,” said Sarah Arnold, owner of Clutch Collective. “Heather creates super fun textiles with her vintage punchcard knitting machines, which she will have with her on Friday. It will be a great opportunity to see her process first hand!”
Heather is an independent textile designer and fiber artist who creates impeccable knitwear made of 100% wool in her home studio in Parkersburg, WV. Her brand, Dopeface Knitwear, is a sustainable, earth-friendly brand that uses only cruelty and Mulesing-free wools and selects natural sustainable or recycled fibers as often as possible.
Heather purchased her first sewing machine in her early twenties and began making clothing for herself. Her love for sewing quickly grew to encompass all fiber art. She found a second-hand knitting machine online and taught herself how to use it.
“I enjoy working with vintage punchcard machines because of the connection they offer to an era of craftsmanship I deeply respect,” said Heather. “The meticulous process and ability to be so free in my creativity are things I really enjoy. It's all about appreciating the history behind each machine and embracing tradition while creating something new and innovative.”
On Friday, Heather will be set up outside with her knitting machine and will have pieces from her spring collection available for purchase.
“My spring/summer collection is all about embracing the warm weather of the season,” she said. “It features bikinis, bathing suit covers, halter tops, skinny scarves, and hair accessories. I chose soft colors, classic patterns, and, as always, am using natural fibers that will last for years to come.”
Outside of Wit & Whimzy, Sara Flood of Sara & Sybil will be set up with her collection of hand-sewn crowns and hairbows and crocheted purses and plushies for children.
“My collection is focused on the littles!” said Sara. “I offer modern keepsakes and heirloom quality gifts for babies and toddlers. New to my collection this spring are crocheted plushies and loveys made with the softest blanket yarns.”
Sara uses high-quality cotton fabrics to make her dress-up crowns and hair accessories, which can be found in Wit & Whimzy’s children’s boutique.
“I’m excited to host Sara as an artist, because I’ve watched her grow her business while she also works as a retail associate for Wit & Whimzy,” said owner Laura Pytlik. “Sara & Sybil has gained a loyal following as more people discover the lovely products on Etsy and at pop-up market events.”
Sara said she’s always felt a strong sense of family heritage tied to handicrafts like sewing, knitting, and crocheting.
“It’s been a big part of my daily life since childhood. As a mom of young kiddos, my schedule has become more hectic which led me to crave a craft that is portable,” she said. “Every day I pack a yarn bag and wait for a quiet moment to crochet a few rounds, usually in the school pick-up line.”
All are invited to stop by Clutch Collective and Wit & Whimzy on Friday, June 7 from 5:00 to 9:00 pm to meet Heather and Sara, two talented local fiber artists whose creations can also be found inside each shop.