Expanding the narrative of fiber art using a crochet hook and hand spun yarn.

Inspiration comes to me from a variety of places from nature, books I read, and spiritual beliefs. Once the project is formed, my art process begins with wool that I prepare and spin into one of a kind yarn full of life, texture and color. Using this gift from sheep I create unique yarn then crochet art.

My crochet style is strictly free-form. This means I do not use patterns other than stitch dictionaries. I rely on the inherent texture and pattern of crochet stitches in concert with my yarn to draw the viewer in and invite them to touch and be touched by the art.

Wool is a natural, tactile product. Fiber artists who have used wool vs man made yarn, understand the difference. There is a life and vitality to wool yarn that can only come from a natural product. Wool is also biodegradable. It is a gift given to us from sheep and the people who love them so that we have wool. Not everyone can wear wool, but there are aspects of wool that everyone can enjoy and appreciate.

Goal & Purpose

While I love to make yarn and crochet art, I have a larger purpose for what I am doing. I vividly remember the day I first learned to make yarn. It was a transformative experience. I learned on a spindle and then did what I thought would make me a real spinner: I learned to use a spinning wheel. While I still use both tools, spindles are my first love. Making yarn on a spindle is intimate. It is intentional. As a general rule it is slower than a wheel, but that is OK. I am making art not producing large quantities of yarn for garments or large weaving projects. Fortunately, I am a super fan of small art, so spindle spinning is perfect for me.

Another transformative moment in my life was the day I discovered free-form crochet. My brain is not wired for left brain activities – following patterns is a very left brain method of making things. My heart and soul sing when I use yarn and a hook and just create on the fly. I liken it to painting with wool and a hook.

My desire is to not only make yarn and art for others to enjoy, but to pass on the skills I have spent years practicing so that others will consider spinning yarn and crocheting one of a kind pieces of fiber art. That is the contribution that SMC is devoted to accomplishing.