Thursday, July 16, 2009

Spindipity.etsy.com

Spindipity! is officially open for business as of 15Jul09. I am pleased to report that my first sale was 4oz of superfine merino top, appropriately named, Scots-Irish.

I find it interesting to learn how people decide what to name their creations. I automatically assume that each name is derived from the artists personal experience. Most of time, I wait until the product is finished before I bestow a title that I feel describes some event or thing that I've experienced within my lifetime. Other people see their creations as people, food, holidays, or even ideas. Interesting. My creations, once complete, always remind me of some thing or some place that holds meaning for me. My first sale, Scots-Irish is appropriate for many reasons. Mike and I are Scots-Irish and we predictably love blue and green. Every little accessory or gadget that we purchase is always blue for me; green for Mike. Hopefully, the first sale and the meaning of the Scots-Irish colorway will be a good omen for all things Spindipity.
As I was packing fiber orders for shipping, I have to admit that I felt as if I were selling off a beloved family member. Each braid of fiber has it's own story to tell. Where it came from, how the colors were selected, how it was prepped, method of dyeing and drying. And finally, how it was braided and photographed. As I looked at each braid of fiber, (and said goodbye), I found myself thinking back to it's metamorphosis. I can remember the time of day, how I felt, and what was going on within the house as I set out to create a unique piece of art.

As stated on my etsy site, a lot of thought and preparation goes into each item. Before I dye fiber, I tend to putter around the house thinking about color combinations and how I want the finished product to appear. How it should spin. I've spent a lot of time with each batch of hand dyed fiber and can't help but feel that I'm not only selling fiber, I'm selling a little piece of me. Each braid of fiber represents a snapshot of time from my life. I can't help but feel a little nervous when I ship an order. It's not just fiber, it's a part of me going to points unknown.