2008 Crafty Bastards Vendor Spotlight: Folk Tale Fibers
Get to know this year’s Crafty Bastards vendors! We’re posting a series of interviews of crafters who will be at the CB festival Saturday, June 28, at the Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center in Silver Spring, MD.
Folk Tale Fibers are the creations of a full-time spinster “devoted to seeking out animal, human, and environmentally friendly fibers and spinning them into yarny adventures.” Abby’s brilliantly colored yarns are a magnificent sight for sore eyes and also soft and welcoming to the touch! Let yourself pore over her scarves, gloves and more yarns at her blog and Flickr site.
1. Using just three words, how would you describe your work?
fuzzy earthy love
2. What are you doing to prepare for Crafty Bastards? Are there any new products or techniques that you will be trying out for this show?
Spinning like crazy! I have tons of ideas for new things and not much time, but some of my plans include felted objects and screenprinting, two things that I don’t normally do much of. I’m also dyeing some commercially spun yarn, which I haven’t done in years!
3. Is your craft widespread in the handmade community? What makes your stuff different from others in your craft genre?
Not really. I think fiber arts is a big chunk of the handmade community, but spinning is a small part of that. I like to spin a lot of so-called “art” or novelty yarns, which tend to be really unique because each spinner has their own style, aesthetic, and inspirations. Most of my yarns have a story behind them.
4. Starting an independent shop takes a lot of dedication, planning and hard work. At what point did you realize you had the chops to start your own indie craft business?
I have always made things to sell, ever since I can remember, so I really wouldn’t know what to do with myself if I stopped. I think it’s easier for me because I’ve never had a “real” job, so I’m just doing what I’ve always done. I have to admit, though, I’m not as good at the business aspect of selling as I am at the actual crafting!
5. Where are your favorite places to find your supplies?
My favorite place to get supplies (fiber in my case) is small local farms and fiber festivals. I love getting to meet the farmers and the sheep, and washing and processing the wool myself. I also find myself at thrift stores and yard sales a lot. I like recycling and repurposing old things, and I search out ‘damaged’ things, like sweaters with moth holes in them, that I know wouldn’t be used otherwise, and incorporating them into my yarns.
6. Crafting is a grassroots revolution of sorts. It’s catching on as people appreciate all things handmade, original, recycled and environmentally/socially conscious. Does this influence/inspire your work? If so, how do you incorporate it into your craft?
I have always had a deep love for handmade and environmentally/socially responsible items. Even as a kid, I’d beg my mom to take me to the local craft fairs and couldn’t have cared less about the big toy stores. Last year, I made the decision to only use fibers that are animal- and eco-friendly, so I’ve stopped buying & working with most commercially processed wool. I use mostly local farm wool, mill end wool (leftovers/waste from large spinning mills), and sustainable plant fibers. I’m really happy to see that caring about where things come from is becoming more and more popular!
7. After seeing your work, many would-be crafters are inspired to start their own creations. Will you have any DIY kits available for sale at Crafty this year? Could you provide any simple how-to’s or tips for readers who want to get started on their own designs?
Most of what I’m selling is meant to be made into something else. I plan on offering lots of tips and help for using my yarns to anyone who wants to know! Any spinners are welcome to stop by and ask questions about my techniques as well.
