Back when I made teddy bears January was inventory month. I'd count eyes, discs and rivets, measured out mohair, ribbons and lace. The sewing machine would go it for a routine check up and cleaning. My daughter at the time was in elementary school and thought helping me out to count supplies was great fun! Ledgers were balanced to get ready for my accountant for taxes.
Even though this was years ago, some of the habits from back then haven't completely gone away. I still take the Holidays off until January. Instead of counting supplies, I take the time to read up on some "how to's" and dream of what I'd like to happen and what I'd like to attempt. And finish off some end of the year works.
A few months ago, I decided to return to fiber arts.
Fiber arts can be a tricky art because it can verry easily lead into crafts...which there is nothing wrong with that but it's a very fine line, if you really want to stay in that art lane.
While working on an altered book, the lines that held pages together (original pages were glued in instead of sewn) looked sparse, so after a few moments of consideration, I started to do a weave, I was very happy with the end result that I just had to do more weaving.
I've done a matchbox, the spine of a handmade book and 5 different types of tapestries, none are for sale since they are mostly learning certain stitches. This has led to spinning! I've been reading up and learning how to spin with a drop spindle.
It's a world of sheep, alpacas, and any other natural fibers. I am very excited about this because I can use natural dyes to color the creamy, fluffy wool. Or it's a combination of others left overs from their crochet and sewing projects.
I found magic when I weave and spin. A deep quiet happens and the mind becomes silent. If an intruding thought swings by, mistakes often happen. So far I find it impossible to think about the grocery list and keep a weave straight or keep the wool from tearing apart in a spin.
I think I'm in love!
Peace and Love,
Dolores
