When I reflect on my life in the "arts" I see many avenues I traveled to get to where I am now. As a child I always felt as if I had no artistic talent. Then, in fourth grade I was introduced to the art of music, as in band instruments. I chose to learn the saxophone. From there I added piano and then organ and a little instrument called a melodica.
After playing the saxophone for about two years I could hear the harmony parts. When we sang in music class I could hear the harmony, so I added choral music to my "arts" list.
As I traveled on I continued with music and added some drama, acting in several plays in high school. My husband and I lived with his parents while our house was being built. My mother-in-law was a knitter and as I watched her knit she asked if I would like to learn.
My first project was a pair of socks. You can imagine the size!!! They became boot socks for my husband! My next project was a baby sweater. It was abandoned because I didn't start it in time to finish it before the baby arrived. Then I found a toddler sweater pattern which was very simple. I started it and finished it and all of our children wore it. Now the grandchildren are wearing it!
I didn't knit very much for quite a few years while our four children were growing up. I discovered knit dishcloths, so I made a lot of those. Four years ago I discovered my great, great, great(?) Grandmother's spinning wheel.
I began to spin on a borrowed wheel, with all the free fiber I could get my hands on! I decided that since I was making all this yarn I had best be using it! I started knitting a pair of socks with acrylic so I would not ruin my hand spun yarn. Then I knit a pair of socks with the hand spun. Ironically, I have not used my hand spun yarn in a scarf yet.
I have discovered the scarf as a wonderful accessory so I am featuring that as my specialty. You will see some other examples from time to time-felted bags, hats and who knows what else I am inspired to create.
Annette Reisbick: Fiber Art
