Twisted Love: An Artist Measures Twist & Grist

Whenever I pick up some fibers—animal, plant, or even a fabric strip—the first thing I do is twist them! In twist, I see the roots of an artfully functional textile. Simple twisting gives me an intuitive sense of what the fibers could do. Measuring the angle of twist allows me to quantify the twist. Balancing intuition and measurements allows me to unlock the possibilities of the little fiber twist between my fingers.

Before I was a spinner, I learned to knit, crochet, sew, dye, embroider, and weave. The first four skills were inherited; the last two I studied on my own. Combined with design training in college, these skills allowed me to enjoy a successful career as a fabric developer in New York City’s garment industry for many years. Eventually, I wanted to work beyond the constraints of ready-made materials and trendiness. My love of textiles and the study of textiles were leading me toward the creation of blankets, rugs, and other fabrics. I wanted more room for expression, and I wanted to engage my familial needlework. This, as you might guess, led me to spinning when my explorations deepened into the inherent possibilities of yarn itself.

So here I am today, exhilarated by the feeling of simply twisting fibers between my fingertips. Making yarn focuses my creative attention. Having the ability to design textiles that are both artful and durable continues to arouse my curiosity, constantly stimulating my practice and personal art. I want to share a bit about my practice, and I hope it helps you explore more, spin more, and create more fearlessly.