2024: Reflections

I spent the morning organizing the photos on my phone.

With a hot mug of tea in hand, I went through the photos, reminiscing about the numerous projects from the previous year.

There was a LOT of fibre prep and spinning!

This beautiful fleece is a BFL/Gotland Cross from Crocus Country Shepherdess, a local wool producer in Alberta. Her fleeces are the cleanest I've ever worked with. These locks are strong and lustrous. I plan to weave this yarn in the upcoming year.

I prepped and spun an assortment of wool and wool blends (some from the fleece and some bought by the rovings).

The first row features mystery wool from a friend's farm. It is a medium-textured longwool with a beautiful lustre. I have a few of these fleeces, which will keep me occupied for the coming year(s).

Following that on the reel is a blend of alpaca and wool; it's soft and luxurious.

Following that, a hand-dyed merino and silk blend from Bramble Ridge. I don't often spin dyed fibre, but the colours were irresistible.

I experimented with beading and embroidery.

I continued a bandweaving project.

I learned how to knit socks!

I drafted and sewed a "Wednesday" costume for Halloween.

One of my favorite accomplishments of 2024, was setting up my studio space; a dedicated space for fibre arts and crafting.

All in all, it was a productive year on the fibre front.

In 2025, I hope to:

• Begin the Master Weaver's program through the Guild of Canadian Weavers

• Visit more museums and exhibitions

• Attend workshops, lectures and classes

• Research textile history and textile preservation/conservation

• Network with makers, academics and fibre enthusiasts

• Continue to share my enthusiasm for Canadian fibre, textile and craft

Onward!