Marla Dawson

While there are classes in school we think we’ll never use, Marla Dawson has practiced one of her lessons almost daily for decades.

When an art teacher introduced her to knitting, she became immediately captivated. “I loved it and continued knitting as a child wherever I could,” Marla says.

She earned money in college knitting for friends and completed an apprenticeship in 1977 with an Iowa City fiber artist.

“I continued to design until I opened my own yarn shop in 1983 in Illinois,” says the Monroe County resident. “Passing the ability to knit and weave onto my students is a source of joy in my life. As I get older and cannot do as many shows and galleries, teaching has become even more important to me. It is something I hope to continue as long as I am able.”

When Marla moved to south central Indiana, she discovered weaving and spinning, which has become an intrinsic part of her scarves, shawls, and other pieces. The entire weaving process inspires her.

“Once I find a yarn I love, I marvel at the process of producing quality, functional fabric,” she says. “I love to see customers wearing my designs.”

She also enjoys working with individuals to create one-of-a-kind designs by using unique yarns and colors.

Marla describes her pieces as fashionable and functional.

“I seem to be able to bring out the best in the fibers I choose,” she says. “I only use high-quality yarn and fiber to spin my own yarns. I have a look to my colorways, which has become recognizable.”

She wanted to be part of Indiana Artisan because she feels it’s important for Hoosier artisans to have a voice. “I work hard at my craft and it is a major part of who I am,” she says.