Morna Crites-Moore * Wicked Waif

http://www.mornacrites-moore.com

There is a soft spot in my soul for old and worn items, especially textiles. I find great pleasure in recycling abandoned articles of clothing into new works of art. I have a special kinship with old woolens, particularly old sweaters, which I turn into felted wool through a fulling process of repeated agitation in hot, soapy water. The resulting wool felt is thick, luxurious, and available in all the  rich colors which seem to find their way to me via thrift stores, yard sales and caring friends.

My household motto, passed down from my grandmother, through my mother, and now from me to my daughter, is waste not, want not.  I find it very difficult to throw anything away because I can imagine a potential use for almost any object. My studio overflows with stuff waiting, ever so patiently, to be used. It can be overwhelming at times to have so much in the way of raw materials. I actually work best when I have a limited amount of materials to work with. Nonetheless, when I handle my many vintage textiles - velvet, silk, lace, wool - often incorporating found objects, metals, jewels, and antique buttons into the creative process, I am quite happily in my element.

The making becomes a meditation and I become lost in the process.

The outcome runs the gamut from small art quilts, to penny rugs, garlands, ornaments, flags, purses, pincushions, scarves, cuffs, small samples of sewn folk art, dolls, and so on. I never know what direction I’ll head for . . . it’s a mystery.

Artist's statement:  I'd like to set dreams free - yours or mine. I'd like to create things which are so meaningful they may just break my heart, or speak to your soul. Through my work, I hope to know us both better ..... to become closer to my core truth, to meet you (and you, and you), to learn about and honor this earth we all share.

I like it when my work speaks as well as when it listens.


Location:  Redding, Connecticut, USA
Online shop:  Wicked Waif Fiber
Blogs:  
   mornacrites-moore
   mornacrites-moore (tumblr)
Social Media:  LinkedIn
Memberships:
   SAQA - Studio Art Quilt Associates 
Languages spoken:  English

FLYING GEESE - recycled wool sweaters 

and vintage buttons, 16” x 16.5”

Tags:  "recycled sweaters" "felted wool" "vintage textiles" "buttons" "flags" "dolls" "little quilts" "penny rugs" "make do" "wicked waif"

Long Ridge Farm

http://www.longridgefarm.com

I am Nancy Zeller, shepherdess and natural dyer. I have co-owned and operated Long Ridge Farm since 1995 and have raised CVM/Romeldale sheep, the rarest breed of sheep in North America, since 2000. My sheep yield a fine wool of 26 microns or less, with a very defined crimp.

I offer a line of yarns I created using their wool along with other precious fibers. I also dye fabrics in accessory pieces as well as yardage.

My passion for natural dyeing began in 2005. I have never used synthetic dyes and plan to remain true to my passion. Through an ongoing process of combining classroom learning with experimentation I have succeeded in achieving rich, strong color from natural dyes and only two non-metal mordants.

My quest is ever-changing, challenging and exciting with regard to natural color and my work.

My studio is located on the farm and I am available by appointment.

Mission:  Through a combined passion for raising my flock of CVM/Romeldale sheep and natural dyeing I am constantly exploring technique and innovation when appling color to cloth and fiber.  Both my rarest breed of sheep and natural dyes face extinction so I am ever conscious of their protection and care. I am turning more to working with bio-regional dyestuffs and ways to coax their colors to my work.

Location:  Westmoreland, New Hampshire, USA

Online shop:  Long Ridge Farm

Blog:  Long Ridge Farm

Social Media:  LinkedIn

Memberships:

   Weave Spin Dye

   Surface Design Association

   Turkey Red Journal

Languages spoken:  English

Natural, hand dyed yarns from Long Ridge Farm sheep.

KnoxFarmFiber

KnoxFarmFiber.etsy.com

Need yarn?  Got yarn....

Handspun, hand dyed yarn from the fiber animals at Knox Farm State Park in East Aurora NY---and other animals raised with love and care.

Spinning for the new age: organic fiber, natural colors, eco-friendly dyes, hand processing, local shepherds, rare breeds, evolving techniques, online sales, compostable mailers, social media networking.

KnoxFarmFiber is the founder and an active supporter of the Western New York Fiber Festival. This festival was first held in 2005 and has grown to include fiber artists and fiber guilds throughout the region. Its focus is on fiber education for the public and networking opportunities for artists.

-Judith Bunn

Location:  Buffalo, New York, USA

Online shop:  www.KnoxFarmFiber.etsy.com

Memberships:

   Genesee Valley Handspinners
   On Etsy:   Etsy FAST, etsy Knitters, ecoetsy

Languages spoken:  English

Handspun, hand dyed yarns from KnoxFarmFiber.

Dottie, Norma, Louise and Thelma.  The girls at KnoxFarmFiber.

Tags:  yarn, handspun, hand dyed, corespun, lockspun, wool, mohair, organic, bulky, natural colors, art yarn

Feltwerker

http://www.feltwerker.com

Fiber Artist – recycling wool sweaters into wool felt; flower pins, fingerless gloves, scarves, pincushions, etc;

Felt making maniac since 2006. Denise has been drawn to making things since she first learned to knit at 10 years of age.

With an old washing machine, simple sewing machine and crochet hook she creates a myriad of felted objects with the intention of marrying beauty to function.

Denise can be found exhibiting her work throughout Chicagoland.

Artist's statement:  To create beautiful functional everyday objects.

Upcycling sweaters into felted objects satisfies Denise's desire to help the planet and work with beautiful natural fiber.

She strives to minimize waste and packaging in her business and uses recycled paper whenever possible.

Location:  Chicago, Illinois, USA

Online shops:

   feltwerker  (Etsy)
   feltwerker  (Artfire)

Blog:  feltwerker
Social media:  Twitter

Languages spoken:  English, Spanish

Recycled sweaters into accessories by Feltwerker.

Tags:  recycled, fiber, wool, felt, accessories, flower pins, brooches, felted wool, fingerless gloves, flower pin kit

Kim Buchheit

http://WildlyWoolly.com

As the owner and Creative Director of Buchheit Creative Services, Kim offers a full complement of design and marketing services to clients all over the country. From art direction and graphic design, to corporate identity and branding, she brings over twenty years of professional experience to every project.

Over the past few years she has developed and produced a line of fine art and fine craft items including felted sculptures, wearable art, and unique home decor items; many available online. Most recently Kim has created a collection of surface designs for use in apparel, home textiles, or gift and paper goods markets. This collection is ideal for interior designers, publishers, product developers, or retail customers looking for unique and/or custom fabric and repeat patterns.


Artist's statement:  I'm a designer and mixed-media artist living and working in Grand Canyon National Park. I love making items for gift and home that delight others and celebrate our natural world. The forest is my muse and the canyon is a constant inspiration. I am most happy when working with my hands and do so in gratitude.

As an artist, I am constantly developing new problems to solve in the studio. I love the creative process and allow my art to continually grow and change. This way of working is as organic as my chosen subject matter. While professionally I'd like to get more of my surface designs into the marketplace, I'll continue to explore in the studio with fiber and paint. Everything seems to inform everything else in a life, so the plan is to just keep loving, living and making!

Location:  Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

Online shops:

   kbuchheit  (etsy)

   Repeats So Sweet  (spoonflower)

Blogs:  

   WildlyWoolly
   RepeatsSoSweet
Languages spoken:  English

Felted Pods by Kim Buchheit  (Wildly Woolly)

Tags:  fiber art, wool, felted wool, fiber artist, kim buchheit, wildly woolly, textiles for the home, wool sculpture, handmade, felted bracelets, eco-friendly gifts

Three Sheep Studio

www.ThreeSheepStudio.com

My name is Rose Clay.  I am a wool artist with a passion for wool textiles, hand embroidery and traditional wool rug hooking.

I enjoy experimenting with color and hand dyeing soft 100% wool fabric.  Wool is a natural and renewable resource and handles beautifully with the various techniques I use.  I also enjoy the hunt for unique and beautiful woolens.  I use a combination of different wool textiles in my designs.  I will often use crystals, glass beads and semi-precious stones to embellish my pillows, wall hangings and table runners.

I also design Patterns and Kits that incorporate wool fabric.  My designs are original from conception to finished product.

All my work is inspired, created and completed by me, in my Studio, in historic Lititz, Pennsylvania.  My items are also available at ThreeSheepStudio.

Artist statement:  I enjoy the step by step process of "Handmade".
It allows me to slow down, experiment with techniques and ideas and take them to the next level.
My inspiration comes in moments of quietness and the simple beauty of nature.

Location:  Lititz, Pennyslvania, USA

Online shop:  www.ThreeSheepStudio.com

Languages spoken:  English

Wool Rug Hooking by Three Sheep Studio

Tags: Hand Dyed Wool, Hand Embroidery, Felted Wool Fabric, Applique, Textile Supplies, Embellishment, Wool Rug Hooking, Pillows, Wall Hangings, Patterns/Kits

HandBEHG Felts

http://www.handbehgfelts.com/

Hand-felted wool balls, adornments and kits are a whimsical touch of fiber for art quilt projects, jewelry and bead, mixed-media art, wearable fiber art accessories and more.  HandBEHG Felts....a project waiting to happen!

We sell thru our shop on Etsy and through independent resellers. 

Location:  St. Louis, Missouri, USA

Online shop:  HandbehgFELTS

Languages spoken:  English

Felted Wool Balls and Kits available from HandBEHG Felts.

Tags:   felt balls, felts, fiber, fiber art, ball, wool, bead, embellishment, adornments, kits

Green Mountain Spinning Wheels

www.greenmountainspinningwheels.com

We are a family owned and operated business handcrafting Saxony spinning wheels from local Vermont materials.  We also handcraft a variety of spinning accessories from Vermont materials such as niddy noddies, lazy kates, drying racks, and orifice hooks.  To go with our wheels, we sell a variety of alpaca and alpaca/wool rovings from our own alpacas, and local sheep. 

We show our wheels in several Vermont stores, and at fiber events and farmers' markets.  We welcome visits (by appointment) to meet our animals and see our products.

-Paul and Kris

Mission:  As a family, we strive to create and share beautiful, durable, affordable spinning wheels and accessories.

Location:  Leicester, Vermont, United States

Online shop:  green mountainspinning wheels

Languages spoken:  English, Spanish

Alpaca rovings available through Green Mountain Spinning Wheels

Handcrafted spinning wheels by Green Mountain Spinning Wheels

Tags:  Saxony spinning wheels, Niddy Noddies, Lazy Kates, Drying Racks, Alpaca fiber, Wool Rovings, Niddy Noddies, Lazy Kates, Drying Racks, Alpaca fiber, Wool, Rovings

Linda Running Bentley

lindarunningbentley.com

My weaving practice is inspired by traditions, materials, and colors of the American Southwest.  I  weave with on two-treddle/two-harness Rio Grande-style walking looms. I've been nurtured by New Mexican master weavers.  I spin from wool from local Navajo-Churro sheep, and I dye wool with plants grown and harvested where I live in Colorado.

Artist's Statement:  I learned tapestry-weaving techniques at Ghost Ranch at Abiquiu, New Mexico and at the Tierra Wools Cooperative, in Los Ojos, New Mexico.  Master weavers Eppie Archuleta and Norma Medina have generously shared their family's weaving tradition while mentoring and encouraging me.

I weave with on two-treddle/two-harness Rio Grande-style walking looms designed and hand-made for me by a New Mexico craftsman using re-worked gears and used lumber. My rugs use two types of wool. Black, white, and grey wool I hand-spin from Navajo-Churro sheep raised by a family in the "Goat Hill" neighborhood of Denver, Colorado.  The colored wool I use are woolen mill ends dyed with plants harvested in the Southwest, primarily Colorado.

The natural wool is hand-dyed with plant materials gathered and harvested in the spring and fall.  The plants, flowers, and nuts are dried, then soaked and boiled in large pots.  Clean wool is added to the dyebath, boiled, soaked, and dried in the sun. The beauty of the process is watching the plants grow, scavenging for and harvesting plants, then watching the natural wool transform into colors that are often unexpected. Bright red hibiscus flowers dye green; walnuts hulls dye dark brown to black; dahlia flowers dye bright orange; rabbit brush from the Platte River bank dye an intense gold. Combining this very down-and-dirty plant processing with the soft fiber of the clean wool is my work, my process and my expression.

Although I create textiles in the tradition of Southwest Rio-Grand-style weavers, my designs are influenced by Bauhaus textile artists, Anni Albers and Gunta Stolzl; also by contemporary and traditional Danish design and Scandinavian rug weavers. While admiring the colors and patterns created in Medieval European manuscripts and vellum musical notation,  I limit my materials, colors, and processes available to me in my urban Denver, Colorado community.

Location:  Denver, Colorado, USA

Online shops:

   lindarunningbentley.com

   artworknetwork.com

Memberships:

   Scanweave
   ChuroChat
   Tierrawools.com

Languages spoken:  English

Detail of a weaving by Linda Running Bentley

Tags:  weaving, rugs, rag, churro, wool, hand-dyed, southwest, natural dyes, vegetal, weaver, handweaver

Salley Mavor

www.weefolkstudio.com

I am a fiber artist and children's book illustrator. My fabric relief sculptures are photographed and reproduced in picture books. The books are not just for children--they're also used as art and reference books for all ages. I've also written the instruction book for adults, Felt Wee Folk: Enchanting Projects.

Salley Mavor

Artist's statement:  I have had a life-long fascination with little things and needlework. Toward the end of art school, I rediscovered my childhood delight in sewing and creating miniature scenes. Leaving traditional illustration mediums behind, but still interested in narrative work, I taught myself stitching and fiber art techniques, which I used in my class assignments. For me, manipulating materials with my hands with a needle and thread was so much more satisfying than rendering with a pencil or brush. I found that I could communicate my ideas more clearly this way and that my hands would direct me in a compelling way.

My early pieces were soft sculpture, and then turned flatter, with raised figures and objects on a fabric background. I came up with the term “fabric relief” in 1982 to better describe my evolving method. My 3-dimensional pictures resemble miniature, shallow stage sets, with scenery, props and characters telling a story. I embroider, wrap, appliqué and paint different materials and found objects to create scenes in relief, with figures imposed on an embellished fabric background. My work is decorative and detailed, full of patterns from nature, all stitched by hand.

For the past 20 years, I’ve been working in the field of illustration, making artwork which is then photographed and printed in children’s books. The original fabric relief pictures have a second life when they are mounted and framed under glass in shadow boxes, ready to show and sell as individual pieces. Through my books, I hope to inspire children as well as adults to see art in fresh and unexpected ways.

Location:  Falmouth, Massachusetts, USA

Online shops:  Amazon, Wee Folk Enchanting Projects

Blog:  weefolk

Memberships:  SAQA, SCBWI

Languages spoken:  English

Detail of Self Portrait by Salley Mavor: a personal history of fashion, fabric relief, 2007, 12”H x 12” W x 1”D

Click on the slide show images to go to Salley's books on Amazon:

Tags:  mixed media, found objects, wool felt, dolls, beads, wood, RISD

Meg Hannan - Rag Sky Art Studio

 

www.meghannan.com

My journey into the microcosmic world of Fabric Jewels, coincided with my arrival at Artwood Studios in Seattle in 1985. I have made my home and studio here in two former school classrooms since then. Every bit of it is used in the course of this little rodeo. I share my life with my princely cat, Mister Mustafa, and the other artists, and their families, who work and dwell in the school with me. I have been assisted in the studio by a chain of spectacular young interns who help me grow and keep me focused. It’s a lively and fertile ground for shared art inspiration, lessons in community and opening of hearts.

Making and selling my original fiber millefiori jewelry has been my full time profession for over twenty-five years. To create my Fabric Jewels, I fully saturate fabrics and fibers with glue, roll them up and when dry, slice the roll cross-section. It’s about getting inside the heart of the fabric through the window on the edge and painting little paintings inside that view. Color is key. And fiber, well, what’s not to love? The process is ever challenging and evolving. I investigate, contemplate, and intend. There are surprises and rewards. You can learn much more about it on my website.

I sell my work nationally at Quilt, Fiber and Bead Shows and through Museums, Galleries and Shops. The link between the creator that flows through me and the audience who appreciates my work is crucial. I am truly grateful for all the energetic support given me over all these years. This connection brings value and meaning to what I do, that greatly enhances my personal joy in the work’s creation.

As I circle the building’s property on my late night 2 am walks, I fall deeper and deeper into this plot of earth. I do not own it, but it is mine. The dark edge of the treetops sways with spirits and calls me to wake and feel this earth, which with all its woes, still astoundingly continues to be paradise here and now.

And so it is too, that as I circle and rustle through the vast and verdant fabric heap I have amassed, even with the struggles to manage all the pieces of my business, my soul finds stillness and peace diving deeper every year into the mystery of the simple and complex act of spinning fabric into jewels.

Artist's statement:  My mission in life is to be and see the Bhudda everywhere, to ever grow in kindness and love and make the passages of whining less and less frequent. Also, I really like it when I can make others laugh and jiminy cricket, I love to laugh too.

Location:  Seattle, Washington, USA

Online shop:  MegHannan

Blog:  meghannan

Languages spoken:  English

Carnival Night Beaded Diamond Pin by Meg Hannan

Tags:  fiber jewelry, millefiori, fabric jewelry, fiber art, wearable art, hearts, recycled art, Meg Hannan, Fabric Jewels, Rag Sky Art Studio, textiles, unique jewelry

EKOHAUS

www.ekohaus.etsy.com

I am a wool artist, working in Vilnius, Lithuania in Europe. I am from the same country as the Men's Basketball players Arvydas Sabonis, Darius Songaila and Zydrunas Ilgauskas :) 

I make giant-sized men's shoes as well as the normal-sized men's, women's and children's shoes. My felted shoes can be worn outside and inside, you can choose them with or without water-proof soles.

My felted shoes are made from 100% natural wool. For excellent performance of the wool, my shoes are very soft, lightweight and comfortable. In addition, wool naturally resists microbial proliferation, protects from bacteria and neutralizes odors. Since ancient times it was believed that the wool is similar to acupuncture: it has pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and body-enhancing properties. 

The wool felting came into my life only few months ago when I was visiting my countryside. Once I entered the attic of the house, opened the my great-grandmother's antique chest and saw clouds of old gray wool. The spinning wheel was standing beside it. My Dad remembers his childhood when he wore very warm felted shoes made ​​by his grandmother. My Dad's stories have inspired me. From this it all began.

My felted shoes look little bit different from those ancient ones or those made by my grand-grandmother. Here, Tradition meets Modern. I'm interested in new trends, fashion colors, and in making innovations. I have a very high priority on quality. 

During the last twelve years I worked in the various companies. This experience taught me a lot. Now I am doing what I really love. I create alone and strongly believe that everything is possible to make, if you put all your mind, creativity, experience and efforts in it. 

I sincerely hope that you will like my designs and I will do my best to provide quality pieces and good service. I also want to mention that I can accept wholesale orders.

-Dovile

Location:  Vilnius, Lithuania, European Union

Online shops:  ekohaus on etsy, dovilart, ekohaus on bonanza

Blog:  ekohausstore
Other social media:  Twitter, kaboodle

Languages spoken: English, Russian, Lithuanian

Felted Wool Shoes from Lithuania by EKOHAUS

Tags:  traditional felting,  felting art, Lithuania, wool horse, felted miniatures, felted shoes, slippers, warm, comfortable, regulate body temperature, national traditions

KnittyKnittyBangBang

http://knittyknittybangbang.etsy.com

Janie Bull and Ashley Ammons have known each other for nearly 25 years.  Ashley and Janie's eldest daughter, Amanda have been best friends for the span of that time as well.  This is how Ashley and Janie are ""related."" 

When Janie moved up to the Fort Worth area to be closer to her girls, she brought all of her knitting with her, naturally.  So this rekindled Ashley's love of knitting.  Janie and Ashley began their Etsy shop, KnittyKnittyBangBang, during the spring of 2008 and have been going strong ever since.

We both specialize in knitted apparel and accessories.  Janie prides herself in being an expert sock knitter while Ashley likes to crank out the hats and scarves.  Every item is knit by hand with knitting needles.  When they say ""handmade,"" boy do they mean it!

Ashley and Janie welcome custom orders and want to see their customers happy with the product they've purchased.

Ashley and Janie are typical knitters who love to buy good quality yarn.  Recently, they've become fans of spinners and yarn dyers on Etsy.  Ashley has branched off into her own ""solo career"" as a spinner and yarn dyer herself.  This couldn't have been possible without a little help from her future husband, Erik, who bought her an Ashford Traditional Spinning Wheel for Christmas (2010).  She's been spinning ever since.  You can find her Etsy shop at dye2spin.

Artist's statement:  It is the mission of KnittyKnittyBangBang to create a high-quality hand-knit product for its customers.  This mission is fulfilled using yarns and other materials that not only speak to them as knitters but also work up into a premiere product.

Location:  Fort Worth, Texas, USA

Online shops:  knittyknittybangbang, dye2spin

Blog:  knittyknittybangbangetsy

Ravelry: knittybangetsy

Memberships:

   Etsy Knitters Team

   Etsy Fiber Arts Street Team (Etsy FAST)
   Etsy Fort Worth Street Team

Languages spoken:  English

KnittyKnittyBangBang by Janie Bull and Ashley Ammons

Tags:  knitting, handmade, socks, hats, scarves, afghans, local, merino, wool, texas

 

Obelisk Fiber Arts

www.etsy.com/shop/ObeliskFiberArts

My emphasis is working with organic, and sustainable natural fiber and natural dyes. I love the versatility of fiber, and the myriad of art and craft interpretations in woven textiles and hand spun yarn.

The natural world gives me a lifetime of inspiration and direction.

-Jan

Artist's Statement:  I strive to create high quality beautiful and useful yarns and textiles of the finest organic and natural fibers.

Location:  Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
Blog:  obeliskfiberarts

Online shops:  ObeliskFiberArts (Etsy)

Memberships:  Minnesota Weavers Guild

Languages spoken:  English

Fine weavings for the home by Obelisk Fiber Arts

Tags:  handspinning, weaving, natural dye, scarves, home interiors, runners, placemats, rugs, winter, apparel, accessories

Hofmonsters

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Hofmonsters

Hi!  My name is Vanessa Orantes. I make recycled-sweater monsters, called Hofmonsters.  I have always made things with my hands. I love making and collecting  jewelry, I crochet, and sew. I love material, especially natural fibers. Hofmonsters came out of this love.

I started collecting natural fiber sweaters, going to all my local antique stores to find vintage and antique buttons, and I started sewing!

I want kids and adults to have toys that they will remember (and hopefully keep) their whole lives. Toys that are as unique and individual as they are. All Hofmonsters are made of 100% natural fiber recycled sweaters. They are stuffed with Eco fiber fill (made from corn!). All buttons are either vintage or antique .

 Mission:  To make Eco-conscious, earth friendly toys for children and adults.

Location:  Willits, California, USA

Online shop:  Hofmonsters

Language spoken:  English

Hofmonsters, All Recycled with Eco Fiber!

Tags:  recycled, natural fiber-sweaters, vintage buttons, monsters, fiber art doll, Eco fiber fill, one of a kind, handmade, GREEN

IngerMaaike

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ingermaaike

I am IngerMaaike and fiber is my medium. All kinds of fiber: from silk to leather, from cotton to wool and everything in between. 

I sew clothes from my own designs, knit on my very old and trusty knitting machine (again designing everything myself), felt luxurious scarves and home decor, spin yarn, dye fabric, silk and wool and have even been seen to construct leather boots, which I still wear to this day.   :)

In all of my endeavours one thing has always been the main focus: the very best materials. This is what drove me to start creating for myself:  I could not afford what I desired, so there was no option but to learn to make it myself.

Over the years, my skills have expanded to cover a range of fiber which gives me the chance to combine and expand the knowledge further with each passing moment.  Each day brings me new joy in creating.  I love what I do as well as sharing the knowledge I have built up over the years.

Artist's statement:  To learn and to always be open to new experiences, to share beauty and smiles.

 

Location:  SørFron, Oppland, Norway

Online shop:  ingermaaike

Blog:  ingermaaike

Other social media:  Tumblr, Twitter  
Languages spoken:  Dutch, English, Norwegian

 Felted shawl by IngerMaaike

Tags:  fiber, felt, wool, fabric, silk, handdyed, nuno, scarf, art, nature