I’m a knitter, spinner, and (as of January 2010) weaver who lives in Ontario. Since 2008 I’ve taught spinning and other fiber arts workshops in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and occasionally other locations. I try to work with sustainable materials as much as possible, including a lot of locally grown fleece. I also regularly contribute to fiber arts publications such as Spin-Off and various others from F+W Media (formerly Interweave Press), and have won top honours at multiple skein competitions. I love to write and teach!
Contact me at lordal (at) gmail (dot) com.
Hi, thanks for posting on my blog. You asked about my yarn bowl. I really like it although it is vulnerable to breaking on that cut out portion that holds the yarn. I had the bowl on the floor and a clip board fell on it and it broke. I used a strong glue and fixed it. Now I put the bowl on the coffee table.
Hi Leslie,
I just came across your blog entry on Sally James Farnham. I administer the website you linked to in the entry. THANK YOU for such a lovely story of your seeking out SJF in her(and my) hometown! I linked to the blog from my SJF Facebook page, I hope that is okay?! It is heartwarming to know that Sally still has a pull after all these years!
Warm regards,
Michael
Not a problem at all to link to the post from your FB page, and glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for your kind words as well.
Hey Slipstream,
I am sorry for getting back to you so late. I am still learning how to do/use the blog system. Anyhoo, my wheel is a Fidelis from Heavenly Handspinning. They can be found at heavenlyhandspinning.com, and Jan, the owner, is awesome! Go on over and take a look at the wheels. Oh, thanks for checking out my blog. Yours is really beautiful!!!!
i’m having a hard time finding spinning classes for the no-experience type in the Caledon, Ontario area. Can you put me on to someone?
thanks
Michelle
Hi, Leslie:
Great post about Sally James Farnham, which I stumbled on while gathering thread on my great-grandfather, who made jewelry for Tiffany & Co and was acquainted with Farnham. As a fan of women’s periodicals, I loved seeing the clip from Needlecraft. Have linked to our Gustav Manz Facebook page so others can enjoy.
Warm regards,
Laura
I’m looking to buy my knitter/wool-loving friend a wheel so she can pursue fibre arts, but I know nothing about fibre arts. Any opinions on this? Do you think it works? http://halifax.kijiji.ca/c-ViewAdLargeImage?AdId=546348496&Keyword=spinning%20wheel
Hi Jennifer! That’s great to be encouraging your friend in her fibre arts endeavours. I wouldn’t, however, recommend buying an antique wheel, such as the one in the kijiji ad you linked to. Antiques are often missing pieces or badly in need of repair, and even the ones in the best of shape can be tricky for beginners. My advice is to buy her a gift certificate for a beginner spinning class. That way she can try out the craft, and she’ll also be in touch with knowledgeable folks who can guide her in buying a wheel. There are lots of wheels out there and it can be very much a personal preference as to which one works best for you! I see from your ip that you’re in Halifax–maybe try http://www.theloophalifax.ca?
Hello, i have a bit of an odd inquiry. I thought about it the other day and id like to have something to honour my Pomeranian for when he ever does pass… anytime i brush his fur i have kept it to distribute at the local dog park (so birds can make nests) i honestly find the fur that comes off him to be quite wool like- i wonder if i am able to turn it into yarn? have you ever heard of a request such as this- ? Id like to be able to turn his fur into yarn that can than be turned into maybe a small blanket (i have no clue what- but something to have as a keep sake) Let me know your thoughts and if you are still in the Montreal area. Thank you kindly !
Hi Jessica! Sorry for the late reply. I have spun dog hair before (“chiengora” is the fancy term for it) but am not able to take requests like this currently. I would suggest making an account on Ravelry.com and posting to this group: https://www.ravelry.com/groups/spinning-dog-fiber-aka—spinnin-chien
They’ve been a bit quiet for a while, but you might get a response if you post in the thread looking for spinners.
Also fyi, but best not to leave out pet fluff for birds, since nestlings are very sensitive to things like the parasite control medications (like flea and tick prevention), shampoos, etc. that we use on our pets. But sweet of you to be thinking of them!