This week’s spotlight is on Melanie, @mmbmeek:
Q. Favorite fiber to spin?
Melanie: Whatever fiber I’m currently spinning! But I do love targhee–it’s got such a plump and velvety finish. I’ve also been spinning a camel/merino/silk blend that’s to die for. It’s so soft and easy to draft. And of course an old favorite is a silk/merino/superwash merino blend, especially dyed as a tonal because I love the subtle color changes.
Q. Do you prefer worsted or woolen methods of spinning?
Melanie: Oh jeez. I’m still a new spinner and I always forget which is which. Most of my spinning is done with combed top, but over the last few months, I’ve worked a little bit with punis and rolags. SUPER FUN.
Q. Who or what inspires you?
Melanie: Craftspeople of all sorts. Woodworkers, potters, stoneworkers, people who work with glass. I think in part it’s that historical connection that I love, the sense of a history passed from hand to hand over generations.
Q. Any future spinning goals?
Melanie: I want to try everything! New techniques and new tools are so exciting for me. I tend to be very instinctive about spinning, so I’d like to know more about why things work the way they do.
Q. Do you knit, weave, or gift/sell your handspun?
Melanie: I do knit with my handspun and I’m made some lovely things, but my stash is growing faster than my ability to knit it!
Q. What has Instagram done for you in spinning?
Melanie: It’s so fun and exciting to see what other people do! Really, at it’s core, spinning is such a simple process: fiber…twist. It’s breathtaking to see what people can do with that.
Q. Without spinning, what might your other passions be?
Melanie: Teaching, spending time with my kids, and summertime in Vermont!
If you haven’t seen much of Melanie’s work, go take a look on Instagram, @mbbmeek
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…
