This week’s spotlight is on Kat, @katwade:
Q. Favorite fiber to spin? Kat: My favorite fiber to spin has 2 answers… Currently I’m in love with my 50/50 merino yak top. Ugh. Sooo divine. But the fiber preparation I can go back to every day, any time, any color, over and over again is a 50/50 bfl/tussah silk top from Nancy Finn at Chasing Rainbows Dye works. Seriously the best prep I’ve ever touched.
Q. Do you prefer worsted or woolen methods of spinning? Kat: My default method of spinning is sort of a sloppy blend of both. But really it all comes down to the fiber. And the tool I’m using to spin. And the target yarn. And the……….
Q. Who or what inspires you? Kat: Everyone inspires me! What a lame answer I know, but seriously look at Instagram! I mean, @woolful and pretty much everyone she’s featured. Jacey Boggs. You. The Yarn Harlot. Erin Riley. Maryanne Moody. I could just copy and paste my whole following list here lol.
Q. Any future spinning goals? Kat: My only real future spinning goal is a sweater for my kid brother I’ve been “working” on for the last 2 years. Someday, Dunc, I promise.
Q. Do you knit, weave, or gift/sell your handspun? Kat: I keep my favorite handspun in large glass jars on my bookshelf to gaze at and I sell or gift most of the rest so I can afford to buy more fiber. I am hoping to make spinning and weaving my full time job soon, but really, I love spinning more than knitting or weaving or anything else I’ve found.
Q. What has Instagram done for you in spinning? Kat: Instagram has really opened up my concept of what can be done with the various fibers we have available to us. It connects us in a more controllable, intimate way than Facebook or blogs. It gives us such an amazing way to connect with other respectful, creative makers.
Q. Without spinning, what might your other passions be? Kat: I’m not sure. I think I would have found my way here eventually no matter what. Woodworking is neat. I would totally make spindles and wheels and looms. Fashion is cool. I’d use wool and knits.
If you haven’t seen much of Kat’s work, go take a look on Instagram, @katwade .
I want to thank Kat for taking the time to answer these fiber-minded questions and for being part of the #spin15in15 movement on Instagram.
Spin on!
One response to “#spin15in15 Spotlight Spinner: @katwade”
I like that Kat displays the handspun as a finished object on its own. When I finished a handpsun skein recently he asked: “What are you going to make with it?” Fair question, but it made me laugh! I felt it was “done”!