https://vimeo.com/991740486?share=copy July began with an exciting visit to a Twin Alpaca Farm and Fiber Mill in Millbrook, Ontario, organized by my local handweaving and spinning guild. On the first Saturday of the month, I arrived at the farm on a sunny day, greeted by green pastures and alpacas roaming around. It was my first time …
https://vimeo.com/971916081?share=copy Natural dyeing has always interested me. Using plants to dye feels like a way to connect with nature. I was intimidated by dyeing wool, so I hoped a workshop would help me start. When that didn’t happen, a friend encouraged me to try it on my own. So, I did and decided to share …
https://vimeo.com/950799894?share=copy I unexpectedly received some Valais Blacknose sheep fleece as a generous gift from a new shepherd, introduced by a mutual friend who knew I was a handspinner and weaver. These sheep are famously cute; just Google “cutest sheep in the world” to see them. Our friend texted me, asking if I wanted the fleece, …
Read more “Processing Wool Fleece at a Local Mill: Lessons Learned”
https://vimeo.com/940896192?share=copy I came across an old weaving pattern from the January/February 1994 Handwoven Magazine called “Winter Lichen Towels” by Jean Scorge. It featured two main aspects I wanted for my new project: 1) the twill color weave technique, and 2) a geometric/block design. These were not my usual preferences, but I was eager for a …
https://vimeo.com/928591072?share=copy When I started spinning yarn, people often asked why I bothered when it’s so easy to buy. It’s a fair question, and I often wish I could explain in detail why. So, here’s a brief reminder for myself and an invitation for others to understand why I love spinning yarn. I hope fellow handspinners …
https://vimeo.com/235215203 After the holidays, with a tight budget, I’m exploring creative ways to utilize the scraps of materials I’ve gathered over the years. Admittedly, I find it challenging to part with things, always believing I’ll find a future use for them. Whether that labels me a packrat or a hoarder, I’ll leave that question unanswered! …
Read more “Unleashing Creativity: What to Do with Fabric Scraps”
https://vimeo.com/906127457?share=copy Happy New Year, fellow makers! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. Reflecting on 2023, I achieved many crafting goals, reconnecting with weaving and rug hooking. With the start of a new year, it’s time for fresh beginnings. I feel inspired to set new crafting goals and face new challenges in 2024. While …
https://vimeo.com/895956021?share=copy Music: Underhill’s Angel by Geoffrey Castle Hey there! I’m so excited to share my latest cross-stitching project with you! I absolutely adore cross-stitching, but I’ve always struggled with finding ways to display my finished pieces. Frames can be limiting, customizing them can be expensive, and finding enough wall space can be tough. But, one …
Read more “Finishing My Cross Stitch Project: Adding The Magic Touch”
https://vimeo.com/886554317?share=copy Music: Passage by Jakob Ahlbom & Trust in You by AK Silla Nature is my go-to source of inspiration, regardless of the season. However, I must admit that the changing colors of leaves, the bright autumn afternoon sun, and the pine needles covering the forest grounds rekindle my imagination. I have a strong desire …
Read more “Harvesting Creativity: Crafting This Fall Season”
https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/874927464 Music: Wonders Abound by Joyspring I have been spinning since 2011 and I would spin for hours daily.I was addicted and couldn’t fathom taking a break. Unbelievably, I went an entire year without spinning. This unexpected pause happened because the drive band on my spinning wheel broke, and I needed to replace it. I’d …
Read more “Reigniting My Spinning Groove: Learning How to Spin Yarn Again!”