Welcome
Providing quality weaving employment including those with special needs
-11 weavers & 10 volunteers
-Handwoven rug & towels
-Brassard & Maysville yarns
-Leclerc & Harrisville Design Looms
-Tools
The Ability Weavers Family, 8 year Anniversary 2024
Our Weavers are our purpose!
At Ability Weavers we provide an integrated work setting in which those with and without special needs work side by side. Together we create beautiful, high quality items for any home or office.
Many of our employees have autism or other special needs. We believe that every individual is worthy of having meaningful employment. For that reason, each weaver gets paid a real hourly wage, above minimum wage. We work as a team. Some weavers may create a large rug, or several towels during their work day. Other weavers may only make a few mug rugs. We encourage everyone to do their very best and to work to their highest potential. Everyone is equally important, equally appreciated and fairly paid.
100% of any profit gained at Ability Weavers is used only to provide meaningful employment.
Ability Weavers is an equal opportunity employer.
Our Woven Products
- Handwoven Rugs
- Towels
- Purses & Totes
- Table Runners
- Mug Rugs
- Weaving Supplies
- Weaving Tools
- Looms
- Custom orders gladly accepted!
About Us
One family making a positive impact
Ability Weavers is the dream of a family touched by autism. As the parents of a young woman with autism, Eric and Beryl Bartkus knew there was something missing for individuals and families affected by autism and developmental disability. The big question is always, "What will my child do when he/she ages out of school?" For those with special needs in Michigan this happens when they reach the age of 26. Eric and Beryl believe one answer to that question is the opportunity to enjoy meaningful work in the "real world".
Ability Weavers has established its weaving studio in the small town of Lowell Michigan. It is here that we believe our employees will develop a sense of purpose.
Handwoven Items
The cornerstone of Ability Weavers is high quality handwoven items. These items are woven in our Lowell Michigan studio where you can watch our weavers creating beautiful, functional art on our 14 vintage floor looms.
Offering a full line of weaving tools and supplies!
Authorized Leclerc Dealer
Maurice Brassard Yarns
Maysville Yarns
Specialty Yarns & Materials for weaving & other fiber arts
Recommended Things to Do in Lowell
- Sabor Mexicano
- Sweet Seasons Bakery and Cafe https://sweet-seasons.business.site/ (homemade pastries and superb lattes)
- Red Barn Mercantile - Wine Tasting (delicious Love's wines from Ludington)
- Main Street Inn - quality hotel right on the Flat river https://www.mainstreetinnlowell.com/
- Flat River Grill https://www.thegilmorecollection.com/flatrivergrill/ (everything is delicious)
- Easy Street Restaurant & Bar https://www.easystreetrestaurantandbar.com/
- Main Street BBQ https://www.mainstbbq.com/ (the best brisket and macaroni and cheese)
- New Union Brewery https://www.newunionbrewery.com/ (award winning craft beers plus Fat Guys burgers on the patio)
- North Star Antiques (next door to AW) https://www.northstarantiques211.com/