Terry Jarrard-Dimond, "She Came Undone"©

I read lots of blogs written by fiber artisans. Most are informative and visually appealing. A few are exceptionally good in describing their plan and process for a piece of work or application. In sharing their art techniques and resources, these artisans teach and inspire.

Fiber and textile arts is fast growing in popularity with art enthusiasts who both collect and who create as well. Artisans who share their vision and explain techniques do much to increase awareness and appreciation of this medium.

Here’s three blogs that which teach and inspire:

Terry Jarrard-Dimond

Terry Jarrard-Dimond’s, whose work is shown here, has a blog that features process “how-to’s” with photos.  Terry also offers tips for better organization of your studio and working smarter.

Jeanne Williamson

Jeanne Williamson, is an accomplished and awarded fiber artisan, who also shares process, and gives perspective on arts in the media, availability of grants in this economy and more–a broader view of the art world.

Jamie Fingal

Jamie is also well-known in the arts community and her blog, “Twisted Sister,” provides a wealth of resources about instruction in a quilting arts TV series, publications, exhibitions, and groups too.

Here’s a good news piece about Lonesome Dove Alpacas owned by Julia and Dave Swickard of Stillwell, KS. There’s also a great picture with the alpaca of “Santa Fe Sushi,” who is my alpaca boarding at Lonesome Dove Alpacas. Here’s the link:
http://www.kmbc.com/money/17741606/detail.html?taf=kc1”

I raised alpacas for over 10 years, attracted to the business because of the beautiful fiber. Through those wonderful years, my knowledge of fiber and skills in fiber arts grew. Last year I transitioned from farm to my studio in town to focus solely on my fiber business. I still own a few of my alpaca livestock and board them with knowledgeable caretakers, like the Swickards.

With many thousands of alpacas now in the United States, it is a livestock that is here to stay. Those raising and breeding alpaca livestock with knowledgeable husbandry and an viable end product as goal, the future is bright. The alpaca is a ruminant, clean, and environmentally friendly. Quality alpacas produce fiber comparable to cashmere in properties.

As interest in fiber arts and the trend in cottage industry has grown, the demand for all natural fibers has increased dramatically. Fiber artists and entrepenauners wanting small, manageable businesses have found raising alpacas, various breeds of sheep, angora goats and other fiber producers to provide a renewable source of good fiber. More and more “fiber shows and festivals” are appearing on the calendar and growing.

Coming up this week: The Fiber Materials You Use…

Ever wonder why your sweater or scarf didn't turn out like the pattern showed? Did you use the "right fiber?" The nature or characteristics of the fiber may be part of the problem. Watch next week for "Chosing the right yarn to get the results you want…"