At Cosecha Textiles, the rhythmic whirl of sewing machines and steady ding of tack hammers and mallets creates a symphony of sound that sparks inspiration. It is here cherished heirlooms are restored and revived as beginner and experienced sewists gather to create their own timeless pieces. Amidst the workroom’s laughter and artistry, Cosecha founder and owner Claire Wright is celebrating 10 years of entrepreneurship and finding her purpose.
“The sparks are always flying [in the workshop],” Wright laughed during a recent Sopris Sun interview. “I feel like I’m really doing what I’m supposed to be doing … In the workshop I rarely realize that 14 hours go by. I barely realize that 10 years of owning my business has gone by. Every day feels fun and exciting and I love what I do.”
Based in the Crystal Valley, Cosecha is a full-service upholstery workshop that uses high-quality and durable fabrics, detailed craftswomanship and environmentally-friendly options to help customers reimagine their connection to home and comfort. Currently, services include community education, artful restoration, bespoke furniture and custom designs. Whether it be an original concept created from recycled materials or a complete redesign of existing furniture, Wright centers her work around sustainability and storytelling.
Speaking to the impact of using upcycled materials and her deep reverence for the planet, she said, “We have to take stock of what it is and why we are consuming, and we have to do what we can to slow things down.
“I see so much potential in every piece,” she empathically added. “I don’t want things to go into the landfill and become trash, but instead to become something beautiful, usable and valuable. Something that’s been given attention.”
A self-taught maker from a young age, Wright is now a master of her craft who produces captivating, artisan-level furniture. In Cosecha’s online gallery and shop, each concept tastefully weaves together clean lines with vibrant color palettes and bold patterns to create striking, conversation-starting pieces.
Notably, the shop has a sophisticated and functional mid-century modern couch that was carefully reinforced by Wright. She chose to reupholster the couch’s front with French green velvet accented by high-quality graphic upholstery remnants. The soft green tone is beautifully complemented on the back with a cream-colored canvas featuring an original geometric pattern handpainted by local artist Chris Erickson. This marks a recurring collaboration between the two makers.
For Wright, honing her craft also means she can increase accessibility for everyone across the socioeconomic spectrum.
“It feels important to me to grow my business so I can hopefully affect bigger change in my community, which hopefully has a positive ripple effect into the world,” Wright said. “[That change] can be as small as teaching someone how to mend the hole in their jeans and then they feel empowered to continue fixing their things … to educating an interior designer about different options over purchasing new.”
“Cosecha” is the Spanish word for harvest, and is a thoughtful nod to Wright’s bilingualism and desire to cultivate a community rich in creativity. On the first Wednesday of every month, she invites the public to attend a free, bilingual “Do It Yourself” (DIY) evening where attendees gain full access to the workshop, including upholstery and sewing tools, machines, tables and supplies. With gentle professional insight, amateurs and hobbyists can reinvigorate motivation or start an entirely new project. Creatives looking to dive deeper can also attend an upcoming workshop. While the three-day “Intro to Upholstery” class quickly sold out, Cosecha’s single-day workshop, “Intro to Upholstery Sewing – Make your own box cushion(s)” still has space available. Wright emphasized, “For the record — all of my classes are designed for beginners. I will help you succeed!”
Exuding warmth and whimsical brilliance, Wright creates a safe space where new skills can be learned, mistakes can be made and the foundation for a lifetime of creativity and confidence can flourish.
“Upholstery and sewing are one of the five original industrial arts … I really hope that as we shift culturally and as a human race that we can understand our impact and that this tool can feel really accessible no matter where you are and how you want to relate to it,” Wright concluded. “I hope everyone feels welcome and able to approach me with their ideas or projects … I want Cosecha to feel like a place that is a resource for all people.”
Grab a friend and your projects, because the next DIY night is happening on Dec. 3 from 4 to 9pm. To learn more about upcoming workshops and Cosecha’s extensive offerings, visit www.cosechatextiles.com