- Art & Design
Those who work on something with patience and passion can reach infinity. Ghent-based Delphine Cobbaert is a textile designer who uses a unique technique to make old looms her own, giving this honourable craft a fresh face. In her studio, handmade rugs see the light of day and she is on a constant quest for new improvements and possibilities. Thread after thread, experimentation and fun go hand in hand, in a place where you can marvel at authentic machinery.
Stepping inside Cobbaert's studio is a bit like time travel. Her imposing looms and twining machines exude a special glory that is hard to miss. Here she creates varied functional carpets, as well as tapestries and cushions that end up in contemporary interiors. Each result is unique, as the beauty of imperfection is unfailingly present thanks to the techniques used, the material and the designer's handiwork. On top of that, she takes an extra sustainable approach by always releasing limited editions. It is therefore clear that her textile creations are rare on several levels. On the one hand, she maintains a profound connection with the products herself through her way of working, but on the other hand, an intimate dialogue also develops between the object and the user. From idea to production and placement in a room, at every stage of life the craftsmanship of the pieces emerges in a wonderful way. This is also always made concrete by the accompanying certificate.
Stepping inside her studio is a bit like time travel
The tactile nature of raw materials such as wool, flax, mohair and jute acts as the foundation. These aspects were already a major influence on the designer, as was her drive to counter the ephemeral nature of our contemporary society.By really taking her time and making her rugs with patience and an eye for precision, she is developing a new standard in the industry.Furthermore, it is crucial to her that there is direct contact between customer and finished product; yet another way of breaking away from the hurried pace of everyday life.In Cobbaert's experience, it is therefore of great importance that people really come into contact with her carpets, and that the space in question starts to radiate a heightened sense of warmth and comfort. 
At least as fascinating as the final rugs is how the designer creates them. Each piece is handmade in her studio on an old weaving machine.Its very beginning is always a single thread that is twined with several others.'Twining' means as much as twisting two or more fibres together and is done here by a unique machine.This gives you a stronger, thicker thread where several colours, textures and types of textiles come together. Delphine Cobbaert is a young textile talent making the weaving industry more relevant than ever.In her workshop are authentic machines that she has readied for a second life, creating carpets with just the right dose of imperfection. 
We can only watch with respect and admiration as the designer patiently lays the final thread on yet another work, and wish her everything she wants to achieve in the future. Read more in Imagicasa Spring 2023.
Header image: Resonance © Delphine Cobbaert
Image 2: © Stefanie Faveere
Image 3: Woven Connection, Bondone geborduurd met leder, Project NF Home © Laetizia Bazzoni
Image 4: Resonance © Delphine Cobbaert
Image 5: Rug Aurora Project Komodi © Delphine Cobbaert
Image 6: Delphine Cobbaert Atelier © Delphine Cobbaert
Image 7: Woven Connection, detail © Delphine Cobbaert
Image 8: Rug Lino © Delphine Cobbaert
Image 9: My Poetic Line, Aligned @S tefanie Faveere
Image 10: Delphine Cobbaert Atelier © Birger Stichelbaut