#spin15in15 Spotlight Spinner: @bakewell_hearts

This week’s spotlight is on Melanie, @bakewell_hearts:

Q. Favorite fiber to spin?

Melanie: Anything. As long as I don’t ever run out of fiber then I’m quite happy spinning. However new to me fleeces and fibers I’ve not spun before are always welcomed challenges. I love a challenge. 

Q. Do you prefer worsted or woolen methods of spinning?

Melanie: I spin to how the fiber dictates, each type of fiber has different properties and its easier to let them spin the way that suits them, then decide what to use them for after.

Q. Who or what inspires you?

Melanie: Everything. I’m like a sponge. I soak up everything I see around me. The spinning community on instagram are very inspiring also. Lots of talented spinners and fiber artists out there. 

Q. Any future spinning goals?

Melanie: Oh yes lots. I have a mental list I add to every day! I’d like to spin some hardwearing fiber and knit socks. I’d like to master the honeycomb. I’d like to get better at core spinning. I need to get better at the navajo ply. I have a pile of Jacob batts I need to spin for a project I have in mind…. but all in good time…. 

Q. Do you knit, weave, or gift/sell your handspun?

Melanie: I mainly crochet, but have recently dusted off the knitting needles. I’m seeing such beautiful knitted items by instagrammers. I also feel handspun can be showcased rather beautifully with some styles of knitting. I do gift my yarn… only to family so far… Since getting my wheel I warned them all they would be receiving yarn! I haven’t sold any yet. I feel the market is rather saturated with handspun and I think people prefer to buy my batts than my yarn. Weaving is on my mental “to do” list…. One day I’ll give it a go…

Q. What has Instagram done for you in spinning?

Melanie: Lots. Its given me a great community of spinners to learn from and to be able to chat to like minded people is fab. No one else quite understands love of fiber like a spinner. If you said you pet your yarn or sniffed your fleece to a non-spinner they may have you sent off to the looney bin…  

Q. Without spinning, what might your other passions be?

Melanie: I’ve always been a crafter. I always have had something to make or do. I don’t sit still well. So I would be sewing. Quilting. Crochet. Drawing. Painting…. I love making things for my little ones. Lots of amigurumi! I’ve always had projects on the go… I also like rescuing tired old teddies and dolls… always joked I’d open a toy hospital!!! 

If you haven’t seen much of Melanie’s work, go take a look on Instagram,@bakewell_hearts

I want to thank Melanie for taking the time to answer these fiber-minded questions and for being part of the #spin15in15 movement on Instagram.

Until next time…