Curiosity and colour propel my fibre journey. To me, no day is complete without having carved out a bit of time for fibre preparation, spinning, weaving or knitting. I am constantly challenging myself to learn new skills and improve upon old ones. As I spin, weave or knit, I am ever present, mindful and attentive. When questions arise in my mind, I research and experiment until I find the answer. It is this melding of knowledge, intuition and observations that helps me to discern what characteristics the fibre and/or yarn will lend to my knitted or woven fabric.
I enjoy sharing what I learn through my writing and teaching. I am a regular contributor to Spin Off magazine and teach through SweetGeorgia Yarns, both in-person as well as through the online School of SweetGeorgia. I also teach at workshops and retreats through Sanjo Silk in Vancouver, B.C.
My teaching approach is to help students of all levels understand spinning on an intimate level. Before delving into different spinning draft methods, I help students improve their “signature” spinning method. I prefer the word signature to default because I believe the spinning style that feels the most natural for us, is akin to and as unique as our signature. As well as spinning draft methods I help students explore different fibre preparations. Understanding the relationship between fibre prepartion and spinning draft method helps students better understand how to achieve loft, elasticity, firmness, lustre, better consistency, etc. in their handspun.
I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Integrated Sciences from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. This education combined with my research and experience in the arts of spinning, weaving and dyeing provides me with a thorough understanding of the sciences involved.
I have been published in:
- Spin Off magazine. Winter 2021. Loft and Crimp, Rejuvenating Processed Fibers.
- Spin Off magazine. Fall 2020. “Woolcombing and the Importance of Planking”. https://spinoffmagazine.com/diz-tips-the-finer-points-of-wool-combing/ Check out this link for a great video on dizzing presented by Kate Larson.
- PLY magazine’s Summer 2016 and Winter 20I6, on bulky singles and plying, respectively.
- Spin Off magazine 2005 and 2007; spinning and dyeing techniques respectively, as well as their ebook edition “Spin-Off Presents: All About Silk”
I have taught workshops and lectured on dyeing and spinning for ANWG Conferences, Arts Festivals, Art Centres, Coniagas Textile Studio, Fibre Festivals, Fibres West, Guilds, Jansen Art Centre, Knit City Vancouver, Museums, Olds College (Fibre Week), Penelope Fibre Arts, Sanjo Silk, Schools, and Retreats.
In addition, I was instrumental in the development of Treenway’s Salt Spring Island Series, a line of hand-painted tussah silk roving.
In 2013/14 I was the faculty member in charge the Spinning and Dyeing Program at Place des Arts in Coquitlam.
In 2018 Diana Sanderson invited me to join The Silk Weaving Studio on Granville Island (Vancouver, Canada). It is an honour and pleasure to work along side this creative, skilled and sharing group of weavers.
I believe our hands are an extension of our hearts. Although I find teaching and collaborative projects challenging and rewarding, they are no more satisfying or special than those everyday, ordinary, well-used items that we are able to turn by hand to grace our homes or the lives of a loved one.