Welcome to our February links we love roundup of fiber arts inspiration!
Discover what’s caught our eye this February.
What’s Trending in February?
Spinners are having their day.
Now I realize most of you don’t care about trends. You’re in this “business” of fiber, textile, and traditional arts because it defies trends.
But trends bring resources, opportunities, and inspiration.
Art yarn – handspun, textured, unique yarn – is growing in popularity. Fiber artists and needle art enthusiasts are using bold, tactile materials to push the creative limits of their designs.
Keep your eye out for this trend to start showing up in fiber shops, designs, and classes.
Exhibitions & Events coming up in March
Rose City Yarn Crawl
In March, we will be doing the Rose City Yarn Crawl in Portland, Oregon (March 6-9, 2025)
You might not live near Portland, but I’ll bet there’s a yarn crawl in your neck of the woods.
Search [yarn crawl near me].
A crawl (sometimes called a shop hop) pulls together independent shops in a geographic region. The shops combine forces to create an experience for you.
There will be giveaways, prizes, discounts, sometimes refreshments, and always eye candy.
It’s a fun way to join in the celebration atmosphere and check out the shops in your area.
Learn Something New
The Textile Indie Collective is open.
We launched our new membership this month. The Collective is packed with tutorials, workshops, and resources in a wide variety of fiber arts.
From basketry to natural dyeing – and everything in between.
The all-inclusive monthly pass gives you access to everything.
Included is a growing community of like-minded fiber arts creatives that enjoy dabbling. You can meet and interact with a supportive group of makers.
Reading Corner
92-Year-Old Fiber Artist Going Strong
If you need encouragement that it’s never too late, check out this article from Artsy.
At 92, Olga de Amaral is Still Pushing Fiber Art Forward
Amaral uses various fibers (natural, man-made, found) to create three-dimensional, large-scale art pieces.
Her story and beautiful work would be inspiring at any age. But the fact she’s in her ninth decade and creating such physically demanding pieces creates a sort of permission, if you will, that we should seize the day and try that new fiber craft we’ve always dreamed of doing.
As artists (and yes, you are an artist), I think it’s healthy to assume we have all the time in the world to develop and dabble freely, while also remembering the clock is ticking and there’s no time to lose.
It’s a creative paradox.
Listen & Watch
If you’re interested in raising exotic fiber animals (for real, or just in theory), spend an afternoon listening to A Fiber Life.
It’s a short-run podcast of five episodes, and it doesn’t look like Lisa plans to make more.
But you will be rewarded with a peek into the daily fiber farm life.
Listening to podcasts and handcrafts is a perfect pairing.
And don’t worry if you don’t know how to access podcasts – all you have to do is click on an episode here, and the audio player will be right there on your computer screen. It’s very easy.
Shop Spotlight
Frabjous Fibers/Wonderland Yarns
A must-visit online shop (IRL store in Brattleboro, Vermont).
Frabjous Fibers generously provided a collection of hand-dyed roving for Brittany’s color-spinning workshop (inside The Textile Indie Collective).
I (Cheri) don’t spin or knit, but I check out their site for color inspiration. They are genius at pulling together seasonal colorways and fun themes. The images and eye candy they create never disappoint.
For example, the site currently features a Jane Austen shawl club and a William Morris inspired yarn club.
Ganxxet
If you’ve been following along on Brittany’s temperature blanket, you’ve heard us talk about Ganxxet this year.
I was skeptical about the color combo when we took the yarn out of the box way back in December of 2023.
I think you’ll agree with me – I was wrong!
This blanket is gorgeous! And heavy! It feels like a wonderful, comforting, weighted blanket.
Bailey and Brittany are also fans of Ganxxet’s macrame cord. Yes, the price point is a bit higher than the mass-produced cord.
However, working with Ganxxet and cheaper cords side-by-side, we believe in paying a bit more for the high quality.
Not only are Ganxxet fibers beautiful and delightful to handle, they’re also eco-friendly and sustainable.
Use our discount code TEXINDIE10 at checkout to get 10% off.
Tools & Resources
YouTubers to Watch
One of our Textile Indie friends, Doreen, sent in her list of favorite YouTubers for the February links we love edition.
I think y’all will enjoy checking them out:
Slowstitch, bookmaking, natural dyeing, eco-printing. Lots of repurposing materials.
Sewing, stitching, and gardening in North East England.
Stitching, bookmaking, mixed media, all while aging creativity and gratefully.
Sewing tutorials, upcycling, and cat cameos.
Community Corner
Emma Ewadotter @ewadotter
Like Brittany’s knitter crush on Kuto Vakika, I am now a leeetle bit obsessed with the Swedish artist Emma Ewadotter.
Emma is known for her beautiful embroidery. She teaches all over the world. And, like us, she’s multi-craftual. I love her Instagram.
Her account is particularly apropos for February, as it’s filled with heart motifs and saturated reds.
Also, lots of visible mending. I highly recommend you add her to your Instagram friends.
Have a fiber arts resource you’d like us to feature?
Email us at [email protected], and we’ll take a look.
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