fibre arts

My favourite place at home

Rhonda from the Down to Earth blog has been showing her favourite place at her home and has invited readers to do the same, so I thought I would join in!

This is what I call my studio, but in reality is a corner of our second living room. We are very blessed to have two living rooms. It is right next to a large window, which is important because it’s a darkish room.

This little space houses my sewing machines, weaving loom and spinning wheel as well as a lot of odds and ends that are regularly used. The less regularly used things are put away in various hidey holes around the house.

What I love about this space is that it’s mine! That’s not to say that the table is not a dumping ground for all things that “need fixing” (oh, so many!) but generally the space is reserved exclusively for my creative work. It’s also a functional and versatile space. I couldn’t list the number of things that I do here, but with my love of fibre and textile arts, you can probably use your imagination 🙂

Yes, I dream of having a larger space or a proper studio one day (there is the issue of where my next loom is going to go!) but I am so grateful to have a dedicated space where I can find what I need and don’t have to move things around too much.

I’m looking forward to seeing your favourite spaces too. I must confess, Rhonda’s front verandah looks like a dream come true!

I could never do that.

by Kelly 8 Comments

Then you probably never will!

So often I am asked about the various art and crafts I do. People want to know – “how do you find the time”, “Is it hard?” “Does it take a long time” or “You must be really talented!”

I don’t find the time, I make the time. This stuff is really important to me. So I make the time.

Is it hard? Most things are at the least quite challenging to begin with and become easy or easier over time. I have found most things are worth the effort.

Time? Yes, it takes time, just like watching the television for hours each night does. I know how I prefer to spend my time.

No, I’m not particularly talented. I just love what I do and make the time to do it. I research, I read, I watch tutorials, I talk to others who can help me to learn. This part of the process is so enjoyable!

If there is something you find interesting and would like to learn, instead of letting those defeating words of “I could never do that” slip out, how about changing it to “I’d love to learn that!”

Trust me, you can do it!

Beginning spinning

by Kelly 2 Comments

My long term goal to own a spinning wheel came to fruition recently! I bought a second hand “Sleeping Beauty” wheel and she sure is a beauty. She could use some repairs but still spins well enough for now.

I took some classes with Cathy of Cat and Sparrow Fibres and am so glad that I did. Something that seemed so complicated now makes sense and I’m continually building my spinning knowledge.

This was spun from some commercially prepared and dyed roving.

This skein was spun “in the grease” from a coated fleece and then washed, lovely!

And this one is from the same fleece which I washed first, dyed in two separate lots of pink and blue, spun as singles and then plied together. Interesting.

The last skein I spun that is currently drying is what I would consider a major improvement for me. I’m getting more control over the thickness and general consistency of the yarn I’m producing, which is quite exciting!

One of my main aims for learning to spin is to have a much greater involvement in the fibre items I produce. So, goal number one is to dye and spin enough yarn to weave a scarf with. I’ll keep you updated on that project 🙂

Hand dyed, hand spun and hand woven, sounds fabulous to me!