Exploring the World of Fiber Crafts: My Journey and Passion
Over the past 70 years, I have engaged in various crafts, ranging from knitting and needlework to sculpting and painting. However, among all these, the fiber crafts have left a lasting mark and have brought immense joy to my life. Here, I will share my journey and passion with these fascinating crafts.
My Tapestry of Fiber Crafts
While I have experimented with a wide array of crafts, the ones that have resonated with me the most are fiber crafts. These include knitting, crochet, tatting, and handspinning, which involve working with yarn and thread. I also enjoy cross-stitch, needlepoint, traditional embroidery, weaving, macramé, and temari. Although I have always been interested in bobbin lace, I have yet to delve into it fully. While I had some experience with sewing, it has been quite some time since I used my sewing machine for something other than making masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Quilting: A Long-Lasting Passion
One of my favorite fiber crafts is quilting. Unlike painting or sculpting, where I feel limited by my artistic abilities, quilting has allowed me to create something that lasts and provides warmth and comfort. Now that I am retired, I can indulge in quilting daily without any restrictions. I have accumulated a large amount of fabric over the years, and it never feels like enough.
Other Fiber Crafts I Enjoy
In addition to quilting, I have extensive experience with embroidery and beading. I can work with almost every type of embroidery, though I tend to avoid genuine crewel-work due to a mild allergic reaction to wool. However, I enjoy other types of embroidery such as counted cross-stitch, needle-punch canvas work, goldwork, and ribbon embroidery. I am also fond of bead weaving, seed bead work, and bead embroidery, and I even make my own jewelry.
Creative Endeavors Beyond Fiber Crafts
While fiber crafts are my passion, I have also engaged in other creative activities. I make my own costumes and have helped with costumes for dolls. I have done various types of leatherwork, including boot making. In my past, I have also made candles and practiced needle-felting, which can be quite therapeutic on days when I just want to stab something a million times.
Quotes that Inspire Me
Over the years, I have come across many inspiring quotes that have shaped my perspective on creativity and craftsmanship. Here are a few:
“Creativity is intelligence having fun.” - Albert Einstein
“Art is the lie that enables us to realize the truth.” - Pablo Picasso
“There is no such thing as a cultureless person. There are only people whose cultures have not been discovered yet.” - N. N. Taleb
These quotes remind me that creativity knows no bounds and that there is always more to explore in the world of crafts.
Conclusion
Fiber crafts have been a significant part of my life, providing both pleasure and a sense of accomplishment. Whether it is knitting a cozy scarf, stitching a meaningful embroidery, or making a unique piece of jewelry, each craft has its own special place in my journey. As I continue to explore new projects and techniques, I find joy in the process and the satisfaction of creating something meaningful.