TinyStudio is now into its fifth year of publication; I can’t believe how fast the time has gone by. It is truly a testament to the phrase ‘time flies when you are having fun’. This issue is all about paying tribute to time, in fact this IS the ‘Timey Wimey’ issue, packed with articles to help boost your creativity, and stories linking what is past with what is still to come. Inspiration can be drawn from learning about spinners who came before us, the tools they used, and the ways they spun. It is wonderful to see how spinners are taking the traditions we have been bequeathed and adapting them to new styles, new ways to use them, and creative projects with a modern twist. We can also look to the future, as technology is developed that can be life changing, and will enhance our creativity in new ways.
Much of our fibery heritage is simply a series of innovations, whether in the use of fibre, or creating new tools, and it is easy to be grateful to the spinners whose legacy we enjoy today. It is also really fun and rewarding to consider that one day, WE will be the ancestors, and the next generations of spinners will be learning from the fibre legacies we have left for them to discover!
In this issue you will find a beautifully informative article from Laverne Waddington about the tradition of Ikat weaving, and how she has created her own twists on the process.
Inspiration can also be found in the gorgeous ways Lauren Halsall puts her art yarns to use, and she has tips and tricks for knitting and designing with these kinds of handspun yarns too!
Jen Johnson shares her beautiful Shetland flock with us with lots of fascinating information about breeding sheep for fine fleece, and ancient breed that hand spinners still love today.
Something to inspire those who love crochet are Priscilla Bradburn’s amazingly detailed amigurimi dolls. Her design work and attention to form is amazing!
We also have an article by Arlene Thayer in which she has enlisted four fiber artists to talk about what they think of ‘new’ tech in spinning and how they do, or don’t use it. Followed by an article by Suzy (Editor) on changes and trends in Art Yarn spinning over the last decade.
There is so much more in this issue, including an expanded ‘Community Makes’ section with contributions from so many of our tinyStudio Facebook community, I am starting this year very thankful to have such wonderful connections with spinners and fiber artists around the world!
And don’t forget, Module 4 of the Golden Fleece Fiber Creativity course is included in this issue!
Issue 18 is now heading to email inboxes everywhere, and if you are not currently subscribed (you can get your subscription at www.fiberygoodness.com/subscribe) you can also make a single issue purchase right here too!
I hope you will love the Timey Wimey issue as much as I do!
Suzy
We are proud to be sponsored by our favourite wheel makers: Majacraft, and Daedalus Spinning Wheels!
