Our February Fibre Artist Feature is Anne and I am so excited to share her journey with you all.
Anne is a self-confessed maker “just for me” and I love that about her. Exploring her way through macramé and weaving with a vigorous passion because it makes her feel good, Anne enjoys the craft, the process and is right there 100% with the connection and community that it brings us all as well. Something that I am absolutely all about myself.
Anne and I first met a couple of years ago now at one of my Macrame Wall Hanging Workshops and has been a part of Vada Blue ever since, having now attended 3 of our workshops. Making regular trips to the shop previously at Morphett Vale and now to the Cabin at Cherry Gardens (although unfortunately for her this has meant her 2 minute trip is now a 25 minute trip) with her yarn basket and often some bubbles or chocolate for the kids, she has of course become more than a customer but a friend too.
I’m excited to see what she can create this year as her knowledge with weaving expands. In the meantime, let’s go see what she is all about.
Tell us in a few sentences a little bit about yourself:
Hi I’m Anne and I’m a creator of all sorts. I’d definitely call me a dabbler in all things beautiful. During the day I am an educator of little people and by night I like to try out new things. Now that my son is an adult I find I have much more free time on my hands and use it to stretch myself. Pinterest and face book constantly inspire me.
Please share one random/ interesting fact about you.
Collecting crafting materials is almost as fun as doing the creating. And the older I get, the more pleasure I get in creating for myself rather than needing others to like what I’ve done. I’m definitely an amateur at a lot of things and a master of not many. But I do it for love. My dream has never been to create to sell or for others.
Which fibre art/s has sent you down the rabbit hole?
Lately the craft that has sent me down the rabbit hole has been my macrame and just recently macraweave. All those beautiful colours and textures appeals to my tactile nature. If only my home had more wall space to display all those creations. I’ve tried punch needle and embroidery lately too which I’m keen to keep exploring more.
How long have you been creating?
I’ve been creating my whole life – inspired by my grandma who was a seamstress many years ago. Every time she would sit down to sew something for my grandpa, she would either make me something or something for my dolls/teddies. I can remember her and my mum teaching me to sew, to turn hand towels and flannels into toys with a few folds and a bit of ribbon. Add to that cooking/baking at grandmas or mums’ elbows anything I wanted. Whether it was knitting, felt, old dress materials, or paper, crafting and creating stopped me feel less lonely as a child who didn’t have many friends. I created new friend’s – my own world full of colour.
How or Why did you get into it?
Getting into Macrame was a freak thing really. Id been watching to learn for a while and the facebook algorithm must have been listening in. Low and behold – one Thursday I saw an ad for Vada Blue and the last chance for a place in her wall hanging workshop happening that weekend. On a chance I thought why not and bought a ticket on the spot. And basically have gone from there.
What are your future fibre goals?
Macraweave has unleashed a desire to do more weaving, mixing colour and textures. I’ve got the bug for sure. I’ve started collecting different fibres and have even bought a beginners frame though at this stage I have no idea how to use it!!
What is it about fibre art that makes you love it the way you do?
I love macrame as its so free flowing. You only need to know a few basic knots and with not much you can create such diverse things. The same knots are in wall hangings of every description, in plant hangers, jewellery, home décor – the possibilities are endless!
How have you learnt your craft - self-taught, workshops, books, online tutorials?
I’m a workshop addict. I love the sense of community they give you, connecting you to others with like interests. Crafting can be mostly a solitary endeavor so working together, learning new skills is something I love. I find it so much easier than looking at YouTube clips which can be tricky to follow at times. Though that technology has its place.
Do you have a favourite book or tutorial you would recommend?
My favourite tutorial would be to attend a workshop in person with someone like Vada Blue. You’ll get so much out of it. And when I buy from a local store like Vada Blue I can pick my materials in person. Computer monitors rarely do the stunning colours justice. Basically, I just like to see and feel my fibres.
Is there a fibre artist that inspires you the most?
I follow so many Facebook macrame groups. There are so many talented people out there.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about getting into the craft but isn’t sure?
Do a workshop with someone in your local area. Buy your fibre supplies in person so you feel and see them for yourself. And form a friendship with your supplier as they will be able to help make sure your buying quality Australian materials and that what you buy is going to be the best for each project you want to do. All cord and ropes are different and have pros and cons for certain type of projects. The texture and size of your materials can have a dramatic effect on the finished item.
Best Tip or Trick
Tape the ends of your cord/rope so it doesn’t unravel as you work on your piece. And consider your project first then buy the fibre that will work best for what you want it to do.
What is your favourite knot/technique to do? Why
DHH (Double Half Hitch knots) are my favourite as the can create such structure and drama in a piece.
Neutrals or colour?
At the moment I prefer a natural for my pot hangers and single colour for my wall hangings. I’ve yet to do anything with multi colours in one piece. I like that the single colour showcases the piece. I feel multi colours might be too distracting.
Are you drawn to pattern or texture?
One of the reasons I love fibre arts is the tactile nature of the medium. So many just beg you to reach out and touch – connect with them.
What would you say is your style? Geometric, boho etc
My style if definitely Boho. I love that vintage, homemade vibe. It’s very organic and earthy. Original – no two pieces exactly the same.
What is your favourite VADA BLUE fibre to use and why?
I have so much of the 5mm Australian Cottons and Luxe ranges. In so many gorgeous colours. It’s just beautiful to work with.
Where can you find your work? Ie: online, markets, website, shop?
I started macrame and fibre crafts for my own enjoyment. So I don’t have any intention of selling my projects. I’ve sold one after a friend who saw something I did for myself and wanted one too, and I’ve gifted another couple to friends for gifts, but my craft is more for me
If you have a social media account – let us know.
I have both Instagram and Facebook but I don’t post my crafts on them. Putting something out into the world I create, for strangers to comment and critique doesn’t help me create. Call it a sensitive artist temperament or whatever. I create for me and my mental process.
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