Handwoven textiles with heart, color, and story

Hi, I’m Nicki Rathert—artist, handweaver, and founder of Wayward Wovens. I’m so glad you’re here.

My weaving journey began in 2016, born from a love of beautiful textiles and a desire to slow down and create with intention. What started with baby wraps turned into a deep exploration of color, structure, and tradition. Today, I weave in a public studio space in Du Quoin, Illinois—Wander, which also houses my nonprofit art studio dedicated to creative community-building.

At Wayward Wovens, I design and weave one-of-a-kind textiles that blend traditional techniques with modern palettes and bold color stories. Every piece begins with hand-dyed yarns, carefully chosen for their hue and harmony. My goal? To stop you in your tracks with color—and invite you to look closer at the craftsmanship.

Whether you're here to collect a finished piece, explore my available kits and patterns, or just get inspired by the beauty of handwoven cloth, you're in the right place.

What You’ll Find Here:

Artisan wall hangings and textiles, each woven by hand

Weaving kits and patterns for fellow makers

Stories behind the work—how color, memory, and rhythm guide each design

Occasional glimpses behind the scenes, including what’s on the loom and upcoming exhibitions

Thank you for stopping by. I hope these woven pieces bring warmth, texture, and a bit of joy into your space.