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Slow YarnThe art of hand-spinning has been introduced to me over five years ago by a Russian crochet artist. I then developed my skills during the journeys to Ireland and Iceland, where I connected with local spinners and worked with raw wool purchased directly from the farms. Since then I have been interested in using only the wool from conscious sources, where animals have not been harmed or merely intended to serve the humans' business.
I am in love with the whole process of the yarn-making: from birth of a lamb, through hand sheering, washing of the wool, carding and then spinning. All of it feels sacred to me - the ancient art that I wish to maintain and represent in the modern world. My dream is to tend a flock of sheep, bond with them, and use only their "home-grown fleece" to create my yarns. I am convinced that the compassionate relationship between human and animal is crucial for having to use any of the animal resources and I am devoted to deepening these relationships within my own life. I usually spin on the fabric spread across my lap or on the ground. Each skein I make is unique and soaked with love. During the making process, I often sing and chant, sending the intentions of peace, joy and inspiration into my threads. I believe it to enhance, strengthen and give them some extra magic that is later forwarded to the person who uses them. I work with the Russian support spindles and usually craft loosely twisted, single-ply yarns. I sometimes hand-dye them and experiment with heat to make them more felted. My yarns are of different weights, made from carded and uncarded fleece. Although the favourite material of mine is a simple sheep wool, I also use other natural fibres, such as linen, alpaca and dog's fluff. Spinning has become my meditative practice. It creates a beautiful opportunity for tuning into my body and cleanses the spirit. It also allows me to purposely focus on singing which then feels like a prayer. The act of spinning contributes to bringing more mindfulness and ease into our daily life; it can serve as remedy for chaotic times and become a useful tool and alternative to the industry of ready-made-supplies. You may recall a vision of the Old Times - when each family had to slowly manufacture threads of their own in order to remain warm and dressed. It humbles me to keep that image in mind and I wish to encourage others to create a more intimate relationship with the fibres that can later become their clothes. |
© Agnieszka Olszewska