Community Roots Found in Fiber Arts

By Kari Roslund

I recently found the quote “Sewing is a universal language where identity and creativity connect all communities,” by Jennifer Nobile. I have certainly found this to be true. From my earliest memories, I recall my grandmother crocheting continuously. From infant sweaters to Christmas ornaments to wedding doilies, she used her evenings and creativity to express her affection for her family. Even my mother, who was not an expert seamstress, would for special occasions, take out her sewing machine and create dolls, quilts, and even dresses to help celebrate a noteworthy event.

Preferring pencil and paints, I was not drawn to fiber as a creative medium until my daughter began raising sheep. While I had grown up in Woolrich, Pennsylvania, and developed an affinity for woven woolen wares, I was unaware of the diverse creative possibilities found by working with the fibers themselves. While raising sheep, I learned to work the fibers from their raw state into usable roving and yarn. While some of my knowledge was gained through trial and error, much of my foundational skills in working with natural fibers came through fellow fiber enthusiasts. It was then that I began to appreciate my history with fiber. 

Often gathering multiple times a month, these communities would gather to work on their projects. Whether it was a spinning and weaving guild or a fiber arts guild, all seemed to offer a community of individuals willing to share their talents or area of interest with the group. While passions were diverse in such groups, there were two common threads, an environment that was tactically friendly and a passion for comfort, encouragement and connection with others. Like my grandmother and mother, often their projects would be for family and loved ones to commemorate special occasions. But these groups were not just limited to creating functional crafts, but sought to communicate their own personal passions and perspectives through layering and complex patterns. My husband’s career has had us relocate multiple times; Consequently, I am often looking for ways to connect with others in my new area. It is often through these local guilds I find individuals with a similar history and passion for fiber.