It's so much fun (and quite humbling) to get to see, first hand, so many incredible designs from across the globe, AND to meet the many, many talented makers behind them. One of the true standouts of this past year for us is designer Betil Dagdelen’s handwoven furniture; and we're all head-over-heels for her latest piece (and one of our favorite designs from the entire last year, in fact)—the BD Ottoman.

Betil Dagdelen's

Dagdelen began teaching herself to weave in 2009, honing her craft through research, travel, and training from Navajo artisans in Taos, New Mexico. (Check out our feature story on Betil here, with gorgeous photos of our time spent exploring Storm King together). Her woven furniture is inspired by her personal experiences and composed of materials gathered on her travels.

From the first time I saw the DB Ottoman—half-complete, hanging from a loom in the Turkish designer's cozy Brooklyn studio—I was in love. Beyond the intricate weaving and bold size (one is apt to take a moment to contemplate just how to interact with the 5' x 5' piece—as a daybed, a tabletop, a footrest?), the ottoman draws one in with its unexpected, shifting pattern, textures, and colors—all reflections of Dagdelen’s time in NYC and Costa Rica over the past year.

Inside Dagdelen's studio

Detail of the DB Ottoman, in process

In anticipation of the piece's arrival to our shop this week, Betil shared the story behind her latest opus.:

AC: Travel is integral to the way you live and work. For those less familiar, will you please explain the roles that travel plays in your designs?

BD: Travelling is a departure from familiar and accustomed habits. 
It awakens me and forces me to pay attention. 
I am inspired to create patterns in weavings when my patterns in life are broken. 
I work on a type of pattern work that could be called metrical pattern—non-repetitive, non-hierarchical and de-centered shapes created by a flexible formula. Each shape is unique, independent, and of equal importance.

AC: What is the story behind the pattern of your latest piece?

BD: I began [the ottoman] in my Brooklyn studio in January 2014. 
The idea was to make a black-and-white story. As the winter approached and evolved into a solid frozen snowball, I took a trip to Costa Rica. When I came back, it was not possible to continue with any other color but greens. 
I also couldn't get this magnificent interaction I had with a snake out of my mind. I loved him, and I simply had to weave him in there; my way of a making anything [time]less. 
As much as I sketch patterns, the beauty in creating is to allow yourself the freedom to let go and not be attached to any patterns. The result is usually a log of my life, expressed with colors and texture, rather than words.

Costa Rican snakes, the inspiration behind part of Dagdelen's ottoman

The DB Ottoman

Costa Rican snakes, the inspiration behind part of Dagdelen's ottoman

Detail of the DB Ottoman

AC: What materials did you use in the ottoman, and where are they from?

BD: A mixture of churro yarn I’ve been collecting from my travels to New Mexico, as well as hemp and a rare copper wiring I found in Hudson, New York. 
I had the [rod iron] frame fabricated in Brooklyn. 
The story of each piece begins with the materials; I take great time in finding and understanding them.

AC: Your work is very much a reflection of your life at various points and places. As such, do you see yourself as a storyteller?

BD: I am more interested in listening to the stories others come up with when they interact with my pieces.

AC: Where are you heading next, and what projects are you working on?

BD: I am getting ready to begin a trip west with my teardrop trailer and collect materials along the way that will make a wall hanging piece.

If you'd like to learn more about Betil and her work, check out our Shop and our feature. All images courtesy of the designer.