Moss art... the fiber way...

I do my best to stay true to what I know.. but then again, there are so many times when I just need to explore..and I feel most creative … I truly believe it’s how my love for fiber arts has grown over the years, just trial and error, but always trying out things that interest me the most - without “true” direction or step by step processes, just exploring with what feels good and works for me. I do end up with some unique finished pieces, and sometimes I stay there a bit , other times, I move on. “Free (fiber) spirit,” would be a good title for me.. lol… I do love incorporating pieces of nature into my work - that’s why I sort of jumped up and down when I came across these moss projects - well, they look like moss… made, of course, from yarn ❤️❤️❤️ SO I quickly got out my supplies - yes, of course I have like a bunch of these things in boxes and bins! - and started to work…. I liked what happened, but I also wanted to see other variations and explore more…I ordered a few of the kits to try out, and now, I explore more. Figuring out where to add my own elements, and where I can learn - and I love that combination! Ultimately, I’d love to try this one - or, again, a variation, of my own - botanical moss hand worked rug. It’s a beauty! I am also considering making some of these and stitching them together for a wall hanging… could be fun!

Have you tried these? Let me know ….. I hope to post some project pics over the next few weeks - posting here will keep me accountable too :) Happy fiber creating!!!!

Fun with Looms!

Click on the image to grab the PDF with the links! Enjoy playing with yarns and looms!

Free Form Art Yarn Hoop

Grab the PDF version here for active links.

You will need the PDF version to open the links - they are all suggestions, and you can add your materials and fibers to this as you work - most of all, enjoy the process! Have fun and leave a comment when you’re done!

The free form art yarn hoop is a fun project for anyone who enjoys working with art yarns and fibers in a creative way, or , for anyone who wants to expand their creativity with their fiber arts! The following is a framework for getting started, but feel free to add and edit as you discover more unique ways to create your art yarn hoop.

Suggested Materials:

• Embroidery hoop (wood or plastic, any size)

• Base fabric (linen, burlap, muslin, or felt)

• Handspun & art yarns (various textures and colors)

• Mixed fibers (silk ribbons, lace, roving, sari silk scraps)

• Embroidery floss or thread (coordinating or contrasting colors)

• Weaving needle (large-eye needle for thick yarns)

• Tapestry needle (for finer embroidery stitches)

• Beads, charms, or buttons (optional embellishments)

• Fabric glue or hot glue gun (for securing delicate elements)

• Scissors

Suggested Instructions:

1. Prepare the Hoop & Base Fabric

• Place your chosen base fabric in the embroidery hoop, tightening it securely.

• Trim excess fabric, leaving about 1-inch border around the hoop.

2. Plan Your Design

• Decide on a loose, organic layout for the fibers and embellishments.

• You can create an abstract pattern, landscape, or textural composition.

3. Weaving Elements (Optional)

• Weave thicker art yarns across sections of the hoop using a tapestry needle.

• Use an over-under pattern, looping yarn loosely for a more dimensional look.

• Incorporate mixed fibers like silk strips or lace into the weave.

4. Embroidery Accents

• Use couching stitches to attach chunky handspun yarns.

• Try French knots, chain stitches, or lazy daisy stitches to add texture.

• Secure delicate fibers (like roving) with gentle stitches or glue.

5. Adding Embellishments

• Sew or glue beads, charms, buttons, or vintage lace for extra details.

• Create small tassels or fringe from art yarn and attach them at the bottom.

6. Finishing Touches

• Flip the hoop over and trim the back fabric neatly.

• Glue or stitch the fabric edge to prevent fraying.

• Add a hanging loop using art yarn or ribbon.

Ideas & Variations:

✨ Boho Texture Hoop – Use neutral tones with macramé fringe.
🌿 Nature-Inspired – Green & brown yarns for a forest theme.
🌊 Ocean Waves – Blues and whites with free-form weaving.
🌙 Celestial Vibes – Add metallic embroidery and tiny bead “stars.”

Making space...

Recently I was asked if, in my new home, I’ll be opening another studio space, or creating one…. Oddly enough, we have more room , and overall “space” in our new home (and mini farm), but I feel as though I’ll need less. Me, my wheel , my knitting needles and some fiber…. Of course, who am I kidding? I’ve already taken over the guest bedroom! :) But - joking aside - making space for our work is important. Even if it’s a small corner of a room, or just some area to spin or knit. A special chair, or a tranquil spot on the porch. Prior to our move I made my sunporch my studio - it was lovely, but it was also cold and really hot - so lots of “versatile” moments and changes through the year. Here, in our new home I have plans for a pretty little studio on the back of the property. There’s an old building I’m hoping to salvage and create a very special space for my work. It will take quite some time - and, of course, some funds - but I know it’s destined to be a beauty of a space. I’ll be able to share it with the goats! :) ,… and guests, of course, too. It’s a lot bigger than my little sun porch, it too will require some “Seasonal adaptations” as it’s made of a lot of glass (which I love!), but it will definitely provide an amazing and inspiring place for my work.

Space, for me, is also “here and now”- that beautiful studio in my back yard is going to take some time - it’s not even close to being worked on yet… So, for here and now, my deck, a piece of the guest bedroom or the super oversized chair in the living room are my studio space, and they’re perfect. They work, they keep me comfortable and focused. That’s the best kind of space we can find…. It doesn’t have to be a woodsy cabin, a 1000 sq ft loft or a cottage - lovely as they are - it’s where YOU find yourself working, happy, and inspired. Here and now.

Knitting.. & Gua Sha

I love big yarn, big knitting needles and big knits! So yes, at times, my wrist, arm and hands do feel a little pain - which may also come from computer work, texting, house work, etc… One of the best methods I’ve found to help with “knitters arm” is gua sha! I’ve made two quick videos to give you some information about how to use gua sha and what it’s all about… If you’re interested in learning more about gua sha, leave me a comment and let me know. I’ll be adding gua sha stones/tools to my shop in October. Stay tuned!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hwRqN3quKxT9bxSMj4fTfvRlQOJz3P6A/view

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18lGWEvHbtLZiEMTFaOCNz4lSavCjrAiH/view

hope you enjoyed these!

happy knitting!

-Tara

Different.....

Spinning and knitting … didn’t come from grandma, any of them… Although they were crocheters, and really good ones too! They would put a crochet hook in my hand with some yarn any time they could. By time I was ten I think I made one toilet paper cover - in yellow. Progress. After that I was done, my fiber “art” time was put away and never seen again, until motherhood hit… Not sure if the “nesting” thing hit hard but when I was pregnant I HAD TO get some yarn and start knitting! (maybe grandmas were telling me something from the heavens?!) I had NO idea what I was doing, but I watched, read, and repeated - and I got it. I kept going and didn’t stop and soon had a baby blanket big enough to cover the state of New York , but damn , I knit the heck out of that thing! Over the years, of course, I honed in on some “fine tuning” of my knitting skills. Got MUCH better at baby blankets too. My spinning skills also needed some refining, but I noticed that my work was a little different - I didn’t like pattern. Not knitting patterns - although I’m awful with those too - but just pattern in general. I liked bits and pieces that were different, uneven, oddly shaped -so I left them. For a few years, I feared showing my work - it just wasn’t like what I was seeing online or at some shops I visited. But when I wore my pieces in public, I received compliments - so, I finally got myself signed up for a few fiber shows and events, built my website and haven’t turned back since. Different is my niche. My yarns are different , my knits are too and I really like them. I don’t do well with fine and lightweight yarns either, I only do art yarns and the chunky stuff. I was never really sure if it was “ok” - then I realized, “oh well! I’m loving them and so are other people!” The idea of making everyone happy, nope, not happening. The idea of being different and embracing different, yes, happening. The little bits and pieces of fiber in my yarns, the little bumps and wire-like fibers that stand up in my knits , love them. All of them. They’re different, they’re unique and they usually look pretty amazing too! I’m looking forward to finally teaching my method, my “different” and so far, finding quite a few others who are sharing and enjoying it too! :)

New Adventures....

Two months ago we picked up and moved out to Indiana… Not easy, even as a small family - with way TOO much stuff! By no means are we near done unpacking - not sure that ever happens. We left 20+ years of the same home, same work, same people, same everything and moved to a town we NEVER even visited. There are many “transitions” and “adjustments” to be made still, but life here is good. We are the proud owners of a small farm, a few chickens and some dwarf goats - so far. :) Our home is nestled in old pine trees, apple trees, beautiful walnut trees, ginkgo trees and so many wildflowers and greener than green plants. It’s home. I plan to grow my fiber business , teach fiber arts and wellness and help our family bloom into this new and beautiful place. Stay tuned for lots of fun fiber posts, natural wellness, tutorials and more! It’s an exciting new adventure for Wheels & Wool, and our family!

A Meeting of the Minds... & Goats

Moving out to our little farm meant we could finally have our goats! and chickens… and - well, at some point - a yak and llama :) So we researched, asked, networked - and found Bridget & Oliver, two of the most adorable little Nigerian Dwarf goats ever! We picked them up and never put them down! They’re still so tiny at just about 3 months of age, but they have already taught us a lot about our new found farm life! With them came a small flock of chicken - my husband insisted we have egg layers - so 16 baby chicks later, we have 2-3 month old chicks who are adjusting to a new coop. Never thought I’d love a chicken like I love my dogs , or goats, but I do! They’re adorable, they all have personalities! I want to knit them something for the winter! little caps and ponchos maybe?!!! Hey - I’ve seen Pintrest! These things exist!!! :)

So our small farm is getting more “farmy” - we even were gifted a 1950s Ford tractor to ride around on once we got here! (My husband is on it A LOT!) I plan on spinning from my MachIII all over the place - once the bugs die down somewhat! UGH ! SO many bugs! Spinning outside is one of my favorite things to do - feel the grass under my feet (and yes, a mat under my wheel), fresh air, birds … It’s mindful and keeps me so present. In the snow - well, windows are a good option. I highly recommend getting outside and spinning - and knitting. Get outside - on your deck, porch, front stoop - start spinning, knitting, crocheting - feel good and enjoy!