This week’s spotlight is on Monica, @mestitcher :
Q. Favorite fiber to spin? Monica: At the moment, my favorite fiber to spin is Falkland though I’ve recently been trying more new-to-me fibers so that’s subject to change.
Q. Do you prefer worsted or woolen methods of spinning? Monica: Definitely worsted. Woolen spinning is something I do want to learn.
Q. Who or what inspires you? Monica: So many things inspire me! Recently it’s been all the amazing spinners who’ve been taking part in #spin15in15. One of my favorite books is Spin Art by Jacey Boggs. Flipping through the book and watching the dvd makes me want to try spinning everything! The other thing that always inspires me is color.
Q. Any future spinning goals? Monica: I want to try as many different things as I can – fibers, techniques, color combinations! I’m feeling adventurous!
Q. Do you knit, weave, or gift/sell your handspun? Monica: I don’t really sell anything but do occasionally knit things on commission or as samples for a few indie dyers. I do give my handspun and my knitting as gifts. One of my daughters knits but doesn’t spin and she is usually quick to tell me when something I’m spinning is in her color!
Q. What has Instagram done for you in spinning? Monica: IG has made it possible to be part of a virtual spinning group with members from all over the world. It’s also been very helpful to me seeing all the progress photos and reading discussions about the problems and successes other are having. IG has also added to my would-love-to-have list: drum carder, blending board, Turkish spindle, Manx Loaghtan fleece…I could go on and on!
Q. Without spinning, what might your other passions be? Monica: If I didn’t have spinning, I’m sure I’d be doing a lot more knitting. I was a quilter before I found the world of fiber and yarn so maybe I’d be making more quilts again. I’ve always thought it would be interesting to learn pottery, too, so maybe I’d be making yarn bowls. I’d love to make a mug with a spinning wheel design on it!
If you haven’t seen much of Monica’s work, go take a look on Instagram, @mestitcher
I want to thank Monica for taking the time to answer these fiber-minded questions and for being part of the #spin15in15 movement on Instagram.
Spin on!
