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Patrice Bertke

Member Since: 2007

Media Specialties:  Fiber;

City: Jonesville

State: North Carolina

County: Yadkin County, NC

Bio: For the past twenty-something years, Pat Bertke has been working with natural fibers. Her interest in this media began when she raised baby lambs and spun the wool into yarn, with which she knitted socks, hats, etc. She is now the proud keeper of several Romney sheep, a pair of llamas and Angora rabbits. Pat particularly enjoys using natural plant matter to dye the wool of these animals into soft, muted colors.

Two years ago, Pat finally realized her dream of learning to weave. After being inspired by a woman named Margaret Shaw (a retired weaver in the Elkin area), Pat decided to take the plunge. A woodworking craftsman, Robert Elbe, helped her build an eight-harness loom out of cherry and showed Pat the basics of weaving. Ever since then she has been hooked for life.

Today, Pat Bertke weaves daily at her home studio, learning new patterns and weaving techniques with the help of her mentor, Ruth Hutton. Says Pat, “I hope you enjoy my work as much as I enjoy doing it!”

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