Custom Handweavers

Specialties

*Instruction in weaving, spinning, and knitting for beginning and intermediate students

*A variety of courses to challenge and advance skills, knowledge, and technique

*A large selection of looms, spinning wheels, yarns, roving, books, buttons, and accessories

*On-​site loom rentals when you need extra width (up to 60″ wide) or more harnesses (up to 12) to weave a particular project

*A diversity of finished goods that ranges from functionally practical to sumptuously luxurious

*Custom weaving to order available

History

Established in 1929.

Custom Handweavers was established in 1929 during the California Arts & Crafts movement. Since that time, the studio has maintained the tradition of providing a quiet haven for learning and practicing the heritage crafts of weaving and spinning. Today, Custom Handweavers is a unique combination of store, gallery, and teaching studio. The retail store offers a wide variety of yarns, looms, spinning wheels, and accessories, and the gallery provides a display for the handwovens produced in the studio. Hannelore Cole has been the proprietor since 1982 and teaches classes and workshops at the Studio’s Mountain View location.

Meet the Business Owner

Hannelore C.

Business Owner

Hannelore Cole is a weaver, designer, and teacher with 40 years of experience. A native of Berlin, Germany, Hannelore studied and practiced the art of handweaving according to very traditional training in her home country. She later completed a fashion degree at Cañada College, focusing on the design of clothing using handwoven textiles. She has won numerous awards in juried competitions.

In addition to her work as an artist, Hannelore has devoted much time in the past several years to teaching others the craft of handweaving. Her passion and commitment to teaching have inspired many, from beginning to advanced students.