Welcome to our monthly roundup of fiber arts inspiration!
Discover what’s caught our eye this January.
What’s Trending?
The fiber/traditional craft world is experiencing a revival. For the past year, textile arts have been center stage in fashion.
Sustainable Fiber Arts
The movement toward eco-friendly materials and upcycles continues to grow.
Artists are incorporating innovative practices into their work to draw attention to sustainable practices.
Patchwork Renaissance
We will see traditional patchwork techniques applied to contemporary fashion and art.
If last year was the year of granny square fashion, will we see patchwork on the runway this April?
Exhibitions & Events
Subversive, Skilled, Sublime: Fiber Art by Women
A groundbreaking exhibition at the Smithsonian American Art Museum showcasing works by pioneering women artists who transformed fiber into profound artistic expressions.
Birds of a Fiber – Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum
Running January 22 – March 23, 2025, at the Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum, featuring avian-inspired fiber artworks from regional and global artists
The Red Dress – Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum
Opening January 8, 2025, at the Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum, presenting a unique perspective on fiber art.
Fresh From the Studio
Fiberart International 2025
A prestigious exhibition seeking innovative works rooted in traditional fiber materials, with submissions open until June 30, 2024.
The Resurgence of Fiber Art
An interesting article by Kat Odina Ail for Vacation with an Artist (www.vawaa.com).
The article explores the intersection between fiber art and fine art.
Specifically profiled are the Gee’s Bend Quilting tradition, a Columbian embroidery artist, and a Spanish rug tufter.
And the eye candy images in this post…WOW!
Note: Case in point! Did you notice the connection between this article and the Smithsonian exhibition of Fiber Artists in the Exhibitions and Events section above?
Learn Something New
Textile Indie Collective
Our new fiber art and traditional craft dabblers membership is launching on February 1st.
We will offer our email subscribers an introductory price for the lifetime of their membership.
If you would like to be notified, be sure to join our email list, and you’ll hear about the special offer next week.
Reading Corner
Knits to Wear: Effortless Patterns
and Knit This! 21 Gorgeous Everyday Knit Patterns
by Veronika Lindberg (Kutova Kika)
Brittany received Kutova Kika’s new book for Christmas, and she’s in love.
The book features 17 thoughtfully crafted patterns ranging from timeless basics to modern pieces with decorative details.
The books, available in English and Finnish, are packed with beautiful patterns and clear, high-quality tutorials from Kika, a full-time knit designer and YouTuber.
Yes, you will have to order the books from Finland for now. The shipping is a bit steep, but Brittany loves these books that much.
Listen & Watch
Creativity Challenge Playlist
A creativity challenge aimed at developing a daily creative practice.
Follow along and build a 15-minute works-in-progress daily habit.
A Great Alternative
Basket weavers, check out this great playlist from A Great Alternative.
For those who enjoy making materials, you’ll be busy all year.
And if you need more entertaining videos to watch as you finish your WIPs (unfinished projects) this month, Jason tells stories of makers, gardeners, and people like us doing cool stuff.
Shop Spotlight
Emerald Ewe
We’ve partnered with Emerald Ewe (Samantha) for all things Kromski. You’ll be hearing more about that in the months to come.
But something exciting we want you to know…
Samantha takes custom spinning commissions. She will create your dream custom handspun yarn to order.
Samantha works with you to design the perfect yarn for your project. Perhaps you’re a crocheter searching for Z-plied yarn or a weaver wanting fun, new textures for your next tapestry.
You can customize everything, including ply, weight, and yardage, and choose from any of over 100 colors of Merino Wool!
Fiber Circle Studio
Brittany teaches at Fiber Circle Studio in Petaluma, CA, once or twice a year. Her next classes are in October.
Fiber Circle Studio is a beautiful shop – if you’re in the area, it’s a must-stop.
Alisha and her staff are the most welcoming and accessible fiber people. Fiber Circle Studio is committed to the community – both downtown Petaluma and the fiber community.
The shop is filled with eye candy for your shopping pleasure, and there’s a full roster of fun events, meet-ups, and international travel.
Tools & Resources
Handweaving.net
A comprehensive digital resource for weavers offering patterns, drafts, and technical information.
Handweaving.net is a treasure for weavers.
2025 Fiber Festivals and Events
A great resource to stay up-to-date on US fiber festivals of all kinds.
Allyson at Thatched Roof Cottage put together a list of upcoming fiber events.
We’re planning to attend several fiber events on the West Coast this year, and this calendar has helped us sort out the options.
Community Corner
@Rockonthemoor
We made many new fiber friends during the Creativity Challenge this month.
Like us, maybe you want to meet people who are interested in the same things you are.
Connecting with fellow fiber enthusiasts on social media opens up the world.
For instance, see Misty Williams at Rock on the Moor.
She is a broom maker, visible mender, basket weaver, and all-around maker of beautiful things.
Check out her Instagram and DM her to say Hi!
Have a fiber arts resource you’d like us to feature?
Email us at [email protected], and we’ll take a look.