Watch Uncommon Threads

Uncommon Threads was an HGTV television series that ran for one season in 2005. The show was hosted by Allison Whitlock, who traveled around the United States to explore the world of textile artists and discover their unique creations. The premise of the show was simple: each episode focused on one textile artist or group of artists and their work. Allison interviewed each artist and learned about their background, inspiration, and creative process. Throughout the episode, viewers got a behind-the-scenes look at the artist at work and saw how their pieces came together.

One of the strengths of Uncommon Threads was its diversity. Each artist featured on the show had a distinct style and used different techniques and materials. Some artists worked with traditional materials like wool or cotton, while others embraced unconventional materials like paper or recycled materials. The show featured artists who worked in a variety of textile mediums, including weaving, embroidery, quilting, and felting.

One of the standout episodes of Uncommon Threads was "Threads of Life," which featured three Native American textile artists. Allison traveled to New Mexico to meet a mother-daughter duo who specialized in Navajo weaving, as well as a Pueblo artist who used traditional pottery designs in her beadwork. Viewers got to see the intricate and detailed work that goes into each of these artists' pieces and learned about the cultural significance of their work.

Another episode, "Silk in Bloom," focused on a group of artists who used silk as their primary material. Allison visited silk farms in California and talked to artists who used silk to create everything from wearable art to large-scale installations. The episode highlighted how versatile silk can be and showcased some truly stunning pieces.

Uncommon Threads was not just a showcase of beautiful work, however. The show also delved into the creative process and explored how artists develop their ideas and bring them to life. Throughout each episode, Allison asked artists about their inspiration and how they go about translating their ideas into physical pieces. She also highlighted some of the challenges that artists face, such as finding materials or scaling up their work.

Allison herself was a great host, bringing enthusiasm and a genuine interest in each artist's work. She asked thoughtful questions and wasn't afraid to admit when she didn't understand a particular technique or concept. Her passion for the subject matter shone through in each episode.

While Uncommon Threads only ran for one season, it was a great show for textile enthusiasts and anyone interested in the creative process. Each episode was informative and inspiring, showcasing the incredible talent and ingenuity of textile artists from around the country. Despite being over a decade old, the show still feels fresh and relevant today.