One of my favorite places we visited in Nantucket was Nantucket Looms!
Before I tell you all about it, you must know these two incredible fun facts!
- Their fabric’s been used to upholster chairs in the international showrooms for Chanel, as well as Bill Gates’ private jet.
- Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis shopped in the store while eating a chocolate ice cream cone. In fact, almost all the first ladies since Jackie O have visited the shop.
Now do I have your attention?
So here’s the scoop. Nantucket Looms is a retail store filled with handwoven products, home décor, an upstairs weaving studio, and interior design services. Originally opening in 1968, this darling boutique comes with a great deal of rich history. If you are interested in any of the items shown, you can purchase almost everything online. Talk about the perfect wedding or unique housewarming gift for the person who has everything!
To be honest, stopping into Nantucket Looms would have never crossed my mind if it weren’t for my sister-in-law/interior designer, Sam from Shining On Design. You’d never guess in a million years the story and fine products behind it’s charming doors and delightful owners. Luckily for me, I’ve got Shining On Design in my corner.
Nantucket Looms is famous for their Wildflower Soaps (everyone buys these as gifts); their timeless Boatneck Sweaters; Lightship Baskets (the one shown above retails for $5,000!); Chief Petty Officer Jacket (CPO) Coats (custom made by an 80 year old woman) and limited edition Throws. But I’d love to show you around personally, just as if you were there with me.
The Nantucket Looms classic boatneck sweaters have been worn by men and women alike for the past forty years. Practical for all seasons and stylish for most occasions, this 100% cotton preshrunk sweater gets better with time.
Sam trying one on for size! I purchased the striped one as my souvenir. I’ve already worn it 11 times…I can foresee myself wearing it when I am 92!
These one-of-a-kind Handwoven Mohair Stoles are woven by masterful artisan weavers on Macomber looms in the same time-honored tradition since 1968. You will see this in action shortly! Each is infused with a signature color chosen specifically by the weaver, making it truly unique.
This Chief Petty Officer Jacket (CPO) is equivalent to an Armani custom suit and retails for $800. Lia Marks, their beloved 80 year old seamstress, designs and sews each custom coat by hand. You can typically find these worn by men and women in the local yacht clubs and Lia now only sews a handful a year. True Nantucket attire!
Upstairs boasts the most magical place of the entire shop – The Nantucket Looms Design Showroom & Weaving Studio. I loved seeing these master artisans in action! Literally hand sewing and weaving on the spot.
The most vibrant spools of threads that ever existed.
Last but not least remains the interior design and fabric room. Their work, sharp eye and materials are breath taking. It’s quite difficult to build a home on an island due to the lack of resources. Nantucket Looms will handle all the logistics for you. If you are looking to channel the Nantucket life, here are some classic design elements of a Nantucket Looms cottage-style living that survive in the present:
- Pastel or white interior paint schemes coupled with plain wooden floors and open ceilings.
- Country furniture and weathered wooden tables.
- Handmade textiles in muted earth colors, fabrics in stripes and solids of garden green or seaside blues, natural fiber rugs and woven or quilted bed covers.
- Objects d’art, often paired, that included earthenware vessels, antique tins, oil lamps, bird decoys. Asian ceramics, boat models, crafter baskets, art glass and scrimshaw.
- Plenty of fine arts and crafts everywhere. Art books as well.
- And, of course, the intangible essentials of cottage living; fresh air, a comfortable ambiance, and the freedom to kick off your shoes.
A huge thank you to Bess, Stephanie and Becky for welcoming us with open arms into their little slice of history and beautiful home. During our stay, Bess’s mother, Liz Winship (a previous owner of 40 years!) and the whole staff were celebrating her retirement. Congratulations!
If you are ever in Nantucket, or care to bring a slice of the island to your own home, be sure to visit and shop at Nantucket Looms! It’s truly magical.
Thank you Sam for introducing me to Nantucket Looms and taking some of these amazing photos.
