Michelle Stelter
Handweaver and Owner
Bloom Handwoven Textiles

I grew up in Toronto and also spent much of my youth in the Haliburton Highlands of Ontario. Later on, I worked and lived in Finland for a number of years where I was exposed to wonderful textile design, and especially intrigued by the humble Scandinavian-style rag rug. The desire to make one inspired me to purchase a counter-balance floor loom upon my return to Canada in 2007 and my weaving began!

Since then, my hobby has “bloomed” and I have been active in weaving studios, guilds, workshops and have successfully completed the first level of the Master Weaver program through the Guild of Canadian Weavers.  I have also taught beginner weaving for the Town of Richmond Hill and the City of Toronto. In 2019, I moved to Kitchener, Ontario where I am a member of the Kitchener-Waterloo Weavers’ and Spinners’ Guild (KWWS) and weave in my home studio.

I value nature and heritage, which is ideal for me as a craftsperson, as I am able to work with natural fibres from plants and animals and uphold the long traditional craft of weaving.