Jun 9, 2008

Products back in BluegrassBy Karla WardKentucky.com

Churchill Weavers closed its doors in Berea last year after 85 years. But its trademark handwoven throws, scarves and baby blankets are showing up again in the Bluegrass as the company reconnects with its roots.

Ownership and production have moved to Indiana. And the company is still getting back up to speed.

Mike Stutland, who owns Artique in Lexington, said he has just recently begun getting Churchill Weavers merchandise again.

“It’s been extremely slow getting product in,” he said. But it doesn’t stay in long.

“There is an amazing following” for Churchill Weavers in this area, Stutland said. “It sells out pretty quickly.”

Wilford Morris, owner of Walcot Weavers, a Lafayette, Ind., company, bought the Churchill Weavers name, intellectual property, yarn inventory, looms and other equipment last year from Louisiana-based Crown Crafts Inc.

After moving the operation to Indiana and training new weavers, Churchill Weavers resumed production in October.

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