Today, we’re excited to introduce you to Alex Irby, whose creative, whimsical weavings are designed to make every home a little cozier. Her business, thoughtful and company, launched during the pandemic, and we can’t wait to share her beautiful products and story with you!
Hi Alex! Thanks for sharing your story with us today! Can you please tell everyone a little about yourself?
I am 27 years old and from Burleson, Texas and currently live in Dallas! I graduated from Texas A&M in 2016, worked there for two years before moving to Phoenix for about a year which then led me to Dallas.
My parents are in Burleson still and I have an older brother who is married and has an almost 3-year-old son. They live in Austin!
I would say weaving is one of my hobbies because I do not do this full-time, but I also love playing guitar, being outside, having dance parties and going on walks with good friends and a cup of coffee in hand. 🙂
We’re glad you made it back to Texas so you could share your weavings with us! This past year has been a tough one. Can you share something good that has come out of this time?
I actually learned and started weaving at the beginning of the pandemic. I think I have always loved creativity and making things but with the forced slowness and time the year brought I truly believe some of the things I maybe did not even realize I had a passion for were able to come forth. Also, I think getting to go deeper with a few friends and having more time with family was such a gift for me!
Forced slowness was such a blessing for creativity! Tell us about your business! What do you make and how long have you been doing it?
My business is called thoughtful and company. It may change in the future but the reason I landed on it is because I desire the weaves and products I make to be thoughtful and intentional in the work and in where I source the materials from.
In high school, I learned about slave labor that happens around the world and how people are making products that we use every day that are not getting a fair wage and are in poor working conditions. As I started to learn to weave it became clear fast that weaving is a huge industry that is directly connected to this issue. Though it has proven to be challenging, I have tried my best to research where I purchase my materials for my weaves.
We love the thought and care that goes into every product you make! How has your work evolved over time?
It has been really cool to see just in the last year how techniques I thought looked way too complex or overwhelming now seem rather natural and simple. I love how different seasons produce fresh opportunities to create and design things for that season. It is also cool learning about different textures, wools, yarns and seeing how you can uniquely add them into a piece.
You’ve created some amazing things so far and we can’t wait to see how you will be inspired in the future! What are three words that best describe your work?
thoughtful, fun, creative
That’s a perfect description! What is your favorite restaurant in the Bishop Arts District?
I would say Eno’s Pizza! I love me some good pizza and they’ve got it. Fun place and location and they also have an amazing cheesy artichoke dip appetizer!
I love Eno’s, too, but I’ve never tried that appetizer! I’m adding it to the list! Thanks so much for sharing your story with us today. We’re so glad to have you as one of our makers at Mosaic Makers Collective!
Want to learn more about our makers or shop thoughtful and company? Check out these additional resources:
- Visit our shop in the Bishop Arts District
- Meet more of our Mosaic Makers on the Blog