This week’s spotlight is on Kendra, @ikendras:
Q. Favorite fiber to spin? Kendra: Alpaca. My sister-in-law has become an alpaca farmer after a number of years as a full time veterinarian and has gifted me with shearings!
Q. Do you prefer worsted or woolen methods of spinning? Kendra: Woolen feels natural to me. I am a self taught spinner (with lots of help from YouTube!) and the day when I was first able to spin successfully on my wheel, I actually cried because I was so happy! My cats and dog were with me and were greatly concerned about my exclamations and tears.
Q. Who or what inspires you? Kendra: I am inspired by a great number of IG spinners/knitters and Ravelry crafters as well. Also, I really love seeing knitwear in movies/tv such as Hunger Games and Outlander, and have great fun trying to duplicate some of the incredible designs that they wear.
Q. Any future spinning goals? Kendra: I want to spin all the fiber I have in my stash so I don’t feel guilty when I can’t resist buying more fiber! And I’d like to spin for production not just process.
Q. Do you knit, weave, or gift/sell your handspun? Kendra: I knit with my handspun, My first alpaca project was a blanket for my sister in law from fiber from her herd. I plan to sell the fruits of my labor one day.
Q. What has Instagram done for you in spinning? Kendra: Being a part of #spin15in15 has motivated me to get more serious and focused about my goal to one day sell my handspun or finished knitwear. Also, there is great power in knowing that it’s possible to spin even a little bit (almost) every day! At home, on vacation, in the doctor’s office….
Q. Without spinning, what might your other passions be? IKendra: Before I was a spinner, I was a knitter and beaded jewelry crafter. I want to incorporate beads into more of my work while I still have the dexterity to do so. I also really enjoy photography, reading and travel.
If you haven’t seen much of Kendra’s work, go take a look on Instagram,@ikendras
I want to thank Kendra for taking the time to answer these fiber-minded questions and for being part of the #spin15in15 movement on Instagram.
Until next time…
#spin15in15 Spotlight Spinner: @ikendras
The gradient shawl was a revelation. What a cool idea! I struggled on my own with the help of videos and books etc. But I do know that feeling!