Introducing Sue from Spindle & Spool. Where every item is handmade!! From her home studio in the northern coastal suburbs of Perth, Western Australia, Sue loves to hand-spin natural fibres into beautiful yarn for cowls, scarves, and so much more.
Find out why Sue started creating and why she is so passionate about the value of handmade.
Tell us about your creations and your handmade process.
I use natural fibres such as Merino Wool, Alpaca, Silk and Linen to spin my own yarn, either on one of my spinning wheels, or one of my many handmade wooden spindles. Once the yarn is spun and rested, it is then plied together to create a stronger more usable yarn. It is then rested again, wound into skeins, washed, dried and then finally wound into balls ready to create with.
My favourite things to create are cowls and scarves, which I generally either crochet or weave, and as I can't bear to waste anything, I use any smaller left over yarn to create bookmarks, candle mats, or shawl pins.
Tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a handmade artist.
I was an Early Childhood Teacher for over 30 years, but unfortunately I was diagnosed with Meniere's Disease and Psoratic Arthritis and retired at the end of 2022. I have always been creative in some form or another and around 10 years ago I fell in love with natural fibres and spinning became my passion.
After retiring I felt that I really needed a focus and so Spindle & Spool evolved. I joined Madeit just over a year ago and have loved the support, the constant learning and the purpose it has given me.
What is your inspiration or where do you find inspiration?
I am inspired by nature and love handmade pieces created out of natural materials in earthy tones, especially if they have a rustic texture. I once saw the word 'Meraki' and it's meaning 'To do something with soul, creativity, or love; to put something of yourself in your work.' and it has resonated with me ever since.
I try to create things that I love and feel connected to.
Occasionally I create items with a bit more colour and this usually occurs when my front garden (which I over look from my studio) is bursting with spring flowers.
Where did you learn your craft?
I taught myself to crochet once my arthritis made it too difficult to cross-stitch and then I fell deep down the rabbit hole of fibre crafts. I joined the Handweavers, Spinners & Dyers Guild of WA and have never looked back. There is always something new to learn and never enough time to try everything! I am however, learning the ancient Viking technique of Nalbinding at the moment.
Why is handmade artistry so important to you?
I have always loved handmade and can't imagine living in a home that doesn't have the character and warmth that comes from items created by hand with a unique story attached to them. Handmade is good for the soul - the act of creating is so beneficial for well-being and generally makes the world more beautiful!
Sue is a much loved member of the MadeIt Collective, posting regularly in our Facebook Group ~ MadeIt: Handmade not Massmade Australia ~ and sharing her new creations as they are released. If you haven't connected with Spindle & Spool make sure you join our FB Group and say hi!
