Greetings to fabric and sewing devotees from near and far. Since 1994, my Loom&Essence studio has been located in Amesbury, Massachusetts, the eastern gateway to the historic Merrimac Valley textile region, minutes away from the seacoast destination of Newburyport.
I have been sewing since the age of 10, and have a special passion for beautiful, luminous fabrics (the “loom”) and botanical fragrances (the “essence”). When I first launched my studio, I was primarily focused on creating authentic Victorian potpourri, combining my own blends of essential oils with traditional fixatives (orris root, calamus root, vetiver) and hand-grown or gathered pods, blossoms, leaves and cones. Along the way, I developed my own packaging using exquisite materials (silk dupioni, jacquard, and voile) or unusual origami containers.
Origami "magazine box" made from handmade paper and Victorian paste paint embellishment
In fact, I became so interested in origami and fabric manipulations that I put the potpourri on the back burner (literally, in a simmer pot) and began to focus exclusively on learning or developing new ways to fold, twist, or embellish cloth and paper.
When I’m not working on my own designs and patterns for quilters and art-to-wear, I teach adult, teen, and tween workshops (private and group) on a wide range of sewing arts and fiber arts topics — including paper making, origami containers, fabric origami, and yes…even how to make spectacular potpourri that puts the big box store products to shame — and provide publishing, design, and editing services for other fiber artists looking to bring their creations to market.
Please feel free to get in touch to compare notes, share your own sewing arts pursuits, or ask a question. I’m always eager to make a new creative acquaintance!
Cheers…
Kate Broughton
The earthquake and tsunamis that struck Japan on March 11, 2011 left their devastating mark in Sendai and other communities that celebrate the Tanabata Festival. Please consider making a donation to the 
