Artist Or Craftsman?

As a fiber person who sells handspun in addition to handdyed, I have quit using the term 'Art Yarn' and prefer the term 'Handspun'. It was not something I took lightly in making the conscious decision to quit using the term. Basically it was with quite a bit of soul searching that I came to the conclusion....  I don't want to be known as a fiber artist.  Because, I simply am not. 

What I am is a damn fine spinner and dyer with an excellent sense of color who can create a plethora of awesomely textured or sublimely smooth handspun yarns for my customers who make my pretties into gorgeous wearable/useable works of art. Seeing the beauty my customers make is why I do this!  It fills me with joy and pride in knowing my hands created something that enabled them to bring their beautiful ideas, garments, and creations to life!

I don't want to be an artist. I want to be and feel that I am a craftsman (or woman).  I work everyday to perfect my craft and share it with the world or at the very least those who can truly appreciate the work put into it. 

Yep. I'm definitely a Craftsman. 

Handspun love

Have gotten a little tired lately hearing people say that art yarn isn't good or useful for knitting. What is a girl to do?  Knit a fun art yarn shawl of course!  Here is a sneak peek before the ends are woven in. 

A bulky cashgora corespun yarn plied with a polyester sequined thread. Oh, and it is a rainbow gradient yarn:). Thinking it should be another shawl!

Really into bulky lately!

Fred helped me pick a batt to spin the other day. Basically if chunk- muffin touches/loves on  the wool I can't sell it. Like to keep the fibers kitty free for allergy sufferers:)

Applebutter was jonesing for more horsey treats the other day. Looking forward to when the cold weather goes away! 

Tailspinning

What a thrill last year was. Full of epic  ups and downs to thrill me to my soul. 

Last year Louet launched the 'art yarn' flyer with a giant orifice and sliding ring guide.  There are no hooks to catch large loose locks as the glide effortlessly onto the bobbin.  It made me fall in love with tailspun yarn again. 

Looking for the art yarn flyer by Louet, check it out here: Lunabudknits

Last summers Tour de Fleece Suri alpaca tailspun. 

American bred and raised Teeswater tailspun. 

More lovely Teeswater. 

Wensleydale locks waiting to be tailspun. 

Fred helped me take the photos for the article on blending fiber for tweed yarn to be published in an up coming issue of the American Livestock magazine. http://www.americanlive.com

Tour de Fleece 2012

The fun has come and gone from the Tour de Fleece... sigh... I miss it so.  In the event, you do not know what the 'Tour de Fleece' is, it is a group of fabulous crafty people on Ravelry who spin yarn during the Tour de France.  There are prizes, fabulous ideas and fantastically crafty and speedy spinners who share their yarns with everyone.  I find it to be very inspirational.  Had a fun time this year on team 'Breakaway' which is the hot spot for art yarns.  With out further ado, here are my yarns.....

One of my favorite yarns from the tour.  It is also one of the last yarns I spun.

This one is from a batt I traded for from Cobblestone Creek Farm.  LOVE IT!


From my Wicked batt



Sometimes my favorite yarns come from batts that are often overlooked at festival.  This batt hung out in my booth for the entirety of the 2011 Festival seasons.  So glad no one bought as I truly loved spinning it and adore how it turned out:)


The very last of my hand painted combed top was finished during the Tour.


Also spun up a quick little sample of my cloud for the shop during the tour:)  I also did a bit of spinning on my Bosworth spindle which I didn't finish in time for the tour to finish, but will post a picture of it soon!  All in all, I had an absolute blast as always for this years tour de fleece.  My only regret is that we have to wait for next year for the camaraderie to begin again!

Yarnside Gathering

I promise, I am not moving to Pensacola.  But I sure do like to visit there ever chance I can get!  This trip to the Panhandle of Florida will find me at a LYS (Local Yarn Shop) teaching classes.  The shop is Yarnside Gathering and it is located at 3480 Barrancas Ave in Pensacola Florida.


Here is the schedule for those interested.....


February 23rd
Beginning Drop Spinning......

Cost $20  Materials $20 

Details:  Learn to spin your own yarn using an inexpensive drop spindle.  Material fee includes drop spindle and fiber.  

February 24th

Beginning Spinning......

Cost: $30  Materials: varies

Details:  Learn to spin yarn using a spinning wheel.  You will learn fiber prep basics, spinning and plying.  Material fee will vary depending upon amount and type of fiber purchased to use.  You may bring your own wheel or use a demo wheel.

February 26th

Advanced Art Yarn Spinning....

Cost: $40  Materials: See Details.

Details:  For those who know and are comfortable with the basics of spinning a plied yarn.  You will learn the art of constructing Art yarns such as core spun, tail spun, coils, hives, 3-ply navaho and thick-n-thin.  Materials needed:  a spinning wheel, bobbin of pre-spun singles, darning needle, bobbins, fiber, & things you would like to spin into your yarn (beads, fabric, sequins, wool locks, batts, etc).   Fiber will be available for purchase and you are welcome to bring your own.  If you previously took the Beginning Spinning class, please ask instructor;)  Several spinning wheels will be available for use. 

A few of my art yarns as a teaser.....