Customer Spotlight- Casey Hudson
Has this year been rough or what?! We don't know about you, but we have to say that crafting, color and creativity have really been a life line for us over the last six months. (Along with being hermits a bit - not going to lie!) When the world gets heavy, it's important to make tangible connections to life, love and hope. One of the most valuable aspects of the work we do here at Created by Elsie B is the opportunity to build community, and we just wouldn't be half what we are without all of you. Today we're thrilled to showcase the lovely and talented Casey Hudson. She's a regular contributor to our Facebook group, lighting up the world with her friendly face and stunning work. She makes the world a better place, and we're so glad to share in that just a little bit.
How long have you been a fiber artist? How did you get started?
I have been spinning since October of 2015. I became interested in spinning and fiber arts when I would visit my grandmother's neighbor who had a wheel and had acquired an alpaca fleece. As we talked I became more and more interested. I started out as a knitter but wanted a way to acquire yarn in colors that appealed to my tastes. However, other than shopping online, my resources were limited. One day I was just on my computer researching spinning and discovered that you don't necessarily need a big expensive wheel to spin yarn and that the same goal could be achieved using a drop spindle. The more that I read and learned the more that I wanted to jump down the rabbit hole. I joined a few groups on Facebook and finally ordered a beginner spindling kit. The fist yarn I spun was very thick and thin and over/under spun in areas, but it was yarn nonetheless, and it just went on from there and the rest is history.
What inspires you?
Color. I love playing around with and manipulating colors to see different results when colors are paired and mixed with one another.
What is your favorite part of the craft?
Seeing the process from raw fiber to the finished item.
Do you have other hobbies and interests?
Aside from spinning, I also enjoy knitting, cross stitch, gardening, bird watching and many outdoor activities.
Do you have a favorite fiber type to work with and why?
I really like Rambouillet. Its has a nice bounciness and it spins up really easily.
Tell us about a project that stands out to you and made you particularly proud. Was it your first project, a new technique that you nailed or a colorway that just sung for you?
My favorite project even though it took along time to complete (after having to frog it several times and restart it) has been my Eiku Shawl that I knit from the Thistle colorway. (We stalked Casey on our Facebook group, and you can see a finished photo of this project here. Swoon!) It turned out really lovely, and I can't wait for cooler weather so I can drape it over my shoulders.
What is your favorite Elsie B fiber of all time?
What do you wish you would have known when you were a beginner to fiber crafting?
What fiber breeds are best suited for beginners.
The lovely photos above showcase Meadows & Mist on 100% Polwarth. Casey spindle spun this as a 2-ply yarn in DK weight and knit these gorgeous fingerless gloves from a center pull ball. We love how it came out - the ombre effect is gorgeous!
We had so much fun getting to know Casey better. We're always fascinated by both the differences and similarities in each artist's creative journey. We just love seeing younger crafters pick up the baton and carry on the spinning tradition. There is just something grounding about working with your hands, and that's definitely something the world could use more of right now!
Want to be featured in the customer spotlight? We want to share your story on our blog. Check out the easy to navigate application here! We look forward to learning all about your love of fiber, spinning and, of course, Created by Elsie B!
