There is so much to say about the online community of hand makers and who it can bring into your circle. I am lucky to have participated in an Instagram giveaway alongside other small business hand crafters, indie dyers and artists last year. This is where Miriam found me.
I think there is no denying that Miriam has a love for colour, patterns and texture which is why many of my ribbons and yarns have fallen into her hands. It was truly exciting for me to see some of my products used in a different way and in processes I don’t know anything about. This of course meant I just had to ask her to be one of our features so I could show you just how creative this lady is. Miriam also likes to explore new things so she is a crafter of my own dreams, and the way she starts her Boro pouches is amazing. Miriam also proves once again how important for self care and healing craft can be. Let’s go learn some more about Miriam.
Tell us in a few sentences a little bit about yourself: Some info you may like to include is where you are from, do you work outside of your fibre obsession, family etc.
I'm from Perth, Western Australia. I'm currently not working, after suffering an aneurysm in 2019 and prior to this I had to stop working full time after having ongoing issues with endometriosis.
My friend Hollie had suggested I start to crochet to keep myself occupied while I wasn't working and then I discovered embroidery when I did a course with my friend Bex two years ago at Pauline Franklyn's studio, who is an amazing Textile Artist in Perth.
Please share one random/ interesting fact about you.
I love cats! Though I'm sure everyone knows that by now! 😹
Which fibre art/s has sent you down the rabbit hole?
Definitely free form embroidery and Sashiko, it's definitely my style, I like to get a piece of fabric I have eco-dyed and just stitch around the marks that the rust, roses, leaves or tea bags has made, also boro style stitching.
How long have you been creating?
I have been crocheting for about 5 years, embroidery for 2 and I have just discovered eco-dyeing and doing free form embroidery with the eco-dyed fabric and Sashiko stitching and Boro style stitching.
How/Why did you get into it?
I got into this due to Illness, I needed something to do while I spent a lot of time either in hospital, at doctors’ appointments or in bed and crochet is perfect for this, also I can hand sew anywhere so that is also a bonus! It's all portable so I can take a project bag with me wherever I go.
What are your future fibre goals?
My future fibre goals is for people to visit my Etsy store and get them interested in unique and quirky pieces that they won't find elsewhere.
I also want to learn more advanced stitches and becomes more adventurous with my stitching.
What is it about fibre art that makes you love it the way you do?
It's the ability to be able to be an individual and do something that is mine and have fun doing it, also if I make a mistake I can either undo it or step back and look at it and decide is it a mistake or can I make it into something else?
How have you learnt your craft - self-taught, workshops, books, online tutorials?
A bit of everything:
Workshops
I have done some workshops with Pauline Franklyn, anyone in Perth who is interested in learning more I highly recommend her workshops, she is such a joy and so enthusiastic with each workshop she teaches (also she provides a delicious cake and coffee!)
https://paulinefranklyn.com/
On-line Tutorials
Mirjam Gielen
Mirjam was the one who got me into the eco-dyeing and free form embroidery.
https://instagram.com/mirjamtextiles?utm_medium=copy_link
Etsy
https://www.etsy.com/shop/mirjamtextiles/
And
Ariane Zurcher
Ariane has amazing tutorials and YouTube videos, she has taught me a lot on how to be less critical of my work and she is so calm and soothing to watch and has a beautiful cat named Merlin who makes the occasional appearance!
https://youtube.com/c/ArianeZurcherOntheOtherHand
Do you have a favourite book or tutorial you would recommend?
See above!
Is there a fibre artist that inspires you the most?
There are so many talented fibre artists out there it's hard to name them but there are a few that I really admire and I have already mentioned them
Pauline Franklyn
Mirjam Gielen
Ariane Zurcher
What would you say to someone who is thinking about getting into the craft but isn’t sure?
I think everyone says this but just give it a go! If you have family or friends who are into it, ask them to have a craft afternoon, I'm sure they would be more than happy to show you the ropes.
I have held craft days before for family and friends who were unsure and made them their own little kits that they could take home and continue with.
Neutrals or colour?
Colours! All of them at once! I love colour so much, the more colour the better!
Are you drawn to pattern or texture?
Both! I have a big bag of fabric scraps which I use for my boro style pouches and I just love putting my hands in it and finding pieces of fabric by the texture and then matching up the patterns.
What would you say is your style? Geometric, boho etc
Probably Boho and rustic, though I'm a bit of everything! I do love Japanese style fabrics and also a fun cat print fabric.
Also I will add some beads or sequins to a very geometric style piece or some fine lace to some heavy linen.
What is your favourite VADA BLUE fibre to use and why?
Oooh I do love the the sari silk ribbons. I use these a lot in many different ways, I cut them up and tear them down the middle and use them in an embroidery piece or use for couching or sew pieces together on a wall hanging.
The embroidered sari cord is also amazing. It's great for couching onto fabric and it's perfect for using as the string to hang a piece.
Where can you find your work? Ie: online, markets, website, shop?
Currently I have an Etsy store:
Etsy store name: loveandcatwhiskers
https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/LoveandCatWhiskers
Also you can email me at withloveandcatwhiskers@iinet.net.au if you want something special made up, or you see something but would like it in a different size or colour.
If you have a social media account – let us know.
@With_love_and_cat_whiskers
https://m.facebook.com/withloveandcatwhiskers
Feel free to add anything else you think of that people might find useful or interesting.
Music is very important to me while I'm creating, I always have music on and I even have a Spotify playlist that inspires me while I work!
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4xJMy6ipAZJk3BaF7F3WWz?si=sm5jfwiDTMa5
-7NyetcpcQ&utm_source=copy-link