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Dec. 1, 2006
Blowin' in the wind
Reversible scarves bring beauty to wearers.
VERONIKA STEWART
In the basement studio of Karin Title's home, her love of fabric
and artistic creativity mix to create scarves that have been shown
everywhere from craft fairs to Holt Renfrew.
Twelve years ago, Title worked in advertising and graphic design
in New York, but after realizing the popularity of the scarves she
made her friends for gifts, decided on a career and scenery change
and moved to Canada.
Self-taught, Title said she began making scarves when she was 28.
"I really wanted to do something beautiful," Title said
in an interview with the Independent. "I love fabric
and there are quite a few people who feel the same."
What began with Title showing scarves at craft fairs, with a handful
of accounts, has now blossomed into a full-time livelihood. Title's
scarves can be found at several locations around town, including
Chachka's on South Granville, Moulé on West 4th and Wear
Else? The Vancouver Art Gallery also orders them (although Title
says the gallery may be out as they have not renewed their stock).
"They're really well known," Title says. "Some people
collect them."
The popularity of the scarves is apparent when you take into account
that they have been among the top 10 best holiday gifts in both
Western Living magazine and Wear magazine.
The cornerstone of Title's business are her reversible scarves that
are velvet on one side and silk or satin patterned fabric on the
other side. Title said most of the fabrics for her scarves comes
from Europe.
"I work with a woman who goes to Paris fabric shows,"
she said. In this way, Title is able to go through fabric samples
and choose the ones she likes for her work.
Her reversible scarves, along with a new line of handmade patchwork
shawls, have been received very well by customers, according to
Title. Each of these shawls, because it is one-of-a-kind, is what
Title calls a "mini-composition," like wearable art, but
in a practical sense. The shawls range in price from about $300
to $400 and the scarves start at around $65 retail.
A warm reception is what gives her encouragement to continue making
scarves, as well as her love for the creative aspects of it.
"I call it color therapy," Title said. "When you
look at them, it just makes you feel good."
She described her occupation as being, "a really satisfying
experience – to make something that makes people happy."
The support of her clients is also a major motivation. "I find
that my clients are so incredibly appreciative of what I make,"
said Title. This appreciation is what keeps her going when the stress
of making the scarves and caring for her family becomes overwhelming.
Although she loves her business, Title said family is ultimately
the most important thing in her life. With a seven-year-old and
a four-year-old, both of whom attend Vancouver Talmud Torah, Title
has her hands full. She said being a mom is her first job.
"My kids come first and I'm able to squeeze this in around
them," she said.
Title said she sees herself primarily as a fine artist and said
she will continue to move toward making more one-of-a-kind pieces.
In this way, she said, she won't be "so mercilessly tied to
the whims of fashion."
After all, she mused, "I never wanted to be the next Prada."
For more information, visit www.karintitlescarves.com.
Veronika Stewart is a Vancouver freelance writer.
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