He recently sat weaving woolen suit scraps toted around since Pennsylvania in the 1970s, while Chris meticulously threaded a new warp. They take great pride in turning materials destined for a landfill into lasting pieces of art. Chris has woven with thousands of thrift storescrap neckties, the selvedge edge of clothing, and upholstery trimmings from mills, paper, and even bubble wrap.
The couple’ s newest venture is turning a factory’ s sock scraps into rugs and potholders kits. Bob crafts various-sized potholder looms in his wood shop. Since last summer, they’ ve kept 9,000 pounds of sock scraps from becoming trash.
daughter Erin, to Indiana and the Evansville Courier. Chris’ s weaving career took root in a studio above their garage. The family also welcomed a son, Andrew.
The two Evansville newspapers switched ownership in 1986, and Bob became managing editor of the Evansville Press. When Andrew entered school, Chris re-entered the world of journalism on the copy desk. In 1998, the paper closed.
From three job offers, Bob chose Columbus because of its proximity to arts-and-crafts-rich Brown County.
Chris has woven thousands of pieces, became a charter member of the Indiana Artisan organization, and is active in an array of arts and community organizations.
She said having worked together for so many years showed her how seriously Bob took his work and gave her empathy for his demanding position. But as he neared turning 60, Chris wanted him back. He retired the day after his birthday.
Chris reports that Bob has assumed responsibility for leading studio tours, maintaining her more than 20 looms, and doing a bit of weaving.
The volume of Chris’ weaving is slowing, though she still works 60 to 65 hours weekly. She’ s known quite a few“ old weavers” and plans to become one of them.
As they think about weaving this last chapter of their lives together, the Gustins can’ t imagine a better setting. Chris said Brown County offers solitude when she wants it and the friendship of incredible artists when she needs it.
“ We really do love it here,” Bob said.“ It’ s definitely the best place we’ ve ever lived.”
Homestead Weaving is located at 6285 S Hamilton Creek Road, offering woven rugs, clothing, and gifts. They also carry looms and weaving supplies. They are usually open from 11 a. m. to 5 p. m. daily and10 a. m. to 5 p. m. daily during October for the Back Roads of Brown County Studio Tour. Call ahead at( 812) 988-8622. The website is < homesteadweaver. com >. •
Sept./ Oct. 2015 • Our Brown County 35