Textures. Colour. Innovation. From her studio on Rhode Island's Narragansett Bay, Jill Collier weaves all three aesthetics together to produce limited-edition handwoven throws that celebrate style, and lend a distinctly personal look to the environment.

Collier believes that functional accessories should not only finish a home fashionably, but can also warmth, beauty and enjoyment “My textiles take tradition of weaving- which gained significance during the Arts and Craft movement in America-to a new level with throws that combine layered textures and colourations,” she explains.

To create handwoven textiles of exceptional pattern, texture and softness, Collier begins with various novelty yarns which are custom-made to her specifications and mixes in design inspiration from nature, travel and art. The combination produces throws that delight the eye and invite touch. As a result, Collier's Work bridges the gap between decorative accessory and functional art.

In the Giverney Dreamscapes series, Collier draws upon pointillism, the French Neo-Impressionist technique that allows the eye to see many points of colour simultaneously, and the natural beauty of Monet's gardens at Giverny for her inspiration. In one popular pattern, “Muse”, seven core yarn are manipulated to produe more that 130 hues throughout the body of the throw.
Giverney Dreamscapes' popularity and technical innovations have inspired the creative development of unique fabric surfaces evident in the “Textura” series. This series of throws reveals a thoughtful narration of hues and textures with an organic feel that is inspired by Earth's varied patterns.

“Aura” features the juxaposition of linear stripes and multi-coloured random texture in a soft, purely natural throw. “The interplay of light, pattern and colour evident in nature-wind mpving fields of wildflowers or kelp pads gently swaying in the ocean current-has inspired the subtle textures of “Aura” says Collier. By contrast, “Arista” features a rich three- dimensional surface texture and a soft blend of colours which merge throughout the body of the throw. The Mystery of “Arista's” integral colours becomes apparent in its luxurious cascades of fringe.

Collier has received numerous awards for her line of handwoven throws including Design Journal's Award for Design Excellence (ADEX) and the 1995 NICHE Award in decorative fibre. Her limited-edition throws are available through fine home furnishings stores, designer showrooms and craft galleries throughout North America