Threadwinder.info - Short Bio

Karen C.K. Ballard has been interested in textile arts since early childhood when her 
great aunt taught her to crochet.  Since then she has taken numerous classes in textile 
arts, beading, color theory, art, glass, textile history, and instructor training.  She 
has been fortunate to learn from Chinese, German, and Cherokee instructors, as well as 
many notable/published bead and textile artists.  Karen is a professional member of the 
Crochet Guild of America and she has designed/created beaded crochet jewelry for 
commission to Caron International yarn company, created historically accurate textile 
items (including clothing, tents, and flags) for living history programs, designed/sewn 
theatrical costumes, and taught crochet classes (using her own designs and self-developed 
classroom materials).  She researched and delivered a presentation on the WWI and WWII 
Workbasket Campaigns.  Additionally, she collects textiles and textile implements, often 
exhibiting them and she has developed some of her own jewelry-making techniques, 
combining textiles and beads.