Megan-Ilene

Meet the Artist

• About This Artist

  Megan-Ilene is a zero waste, biodegradable clothing brand and Megan is a fiber artist who makes clothes. All materials used are completely biodegradable All dyes used are either natural or low impact and water use is limited All patterns are designed to prevent textile off-fall All silhouettes are forgiving and functional, and are meant for a myriad of body types, shapes and genders All items are made in North Carolina and produced by entities receiving a fair, livable wage.

• Q&A With This Artist

  Q:  Can you tell us about how your work is made?

  A: All pieces are designed, sampled, dyed, woven and cut in my studio. I use piece-work seamstresses being paid a fair, livable wage to sew all my garments.

  Q:  What makes you passionate about the medium and materials you work with?

  A: All my materials are natural and biodegradable. You can feel good about not contributing to the plastic waste so prevalent in our landfills. Plus, cotton and silk feel so good against your skin!

  Q:  What is something unique or unexpected about you or your work?

  A: I'm a zero waste designer in that none of my studio textiles go in the trash. I like finding new, inventive ways to design a pattern or utilize scraps to prevent waste from occurring. My handwoven pieces are often interspersed with fiber too small to be sewn into a garment.

  Q:  Is there a movie, book, magazine, website, artist, album, or a place that you go to for inspiration or that has shaped who you are as an artist?

  A: I find inspiration everywhere! I just recently went to the Van Gogh Immersion show in Charlotte NC and was blown away!

  Q:  The 80th anniversary issue of American Craft focuses on kinship—from an artist’s deep connection to materials to the networks of people within the larger craft ecosystem. Please share any stories on collaboration, how craft expands community, or how craft creates stronger bonds between people across cultures.

  A: My absolute favorite part of attending craft shows are the friendships and confidants I make. Some of my closest friends are fellow crafters I've met attending craft shows through the years.