In this episode of Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast, we were treated to an inspiring conversation with Michelle Saliers and Linda Williams from Color Me Happy Fiber Arts. These two incredible women have been collaborators for 25 years, first as professors and now as natural dyers in the fiber arts world.
Lifelong Fiber Enthusiasts
Michelle has been knitting since she was a kid and recently added weaving and spinning to her impressive skill set. Linda, who grew up sewing and cross-stitching, discovered her passion for knitting over 25 years ago. During the pandemic, they combined their love of fiber, nature, and research to start Color Me Happy Fiber Arts.
The Pandemic Pivot
Like many of us, the pandemic brought about a significant shift for Michelle and Linda. Michelle dove into the world of natural dyeing while recovering from neck surgery, moving from Kool-Aid dyes to more sophisticated, environmentally-friendly methods. Linda, with her deep love for gardening, began exploring which plants could be used for dyeing.
Natural Dyeing Techniques
Michelle and Linda shared their extensive knowledge of natural dyeing techniques. They explained the process of mordanting, which involves treating yarn with alum to make colors more vibrant and long-lasting. They also discussed their favorite dye sources like marigolds and coreopsis and the exciting results they achieve.
Solar Dyeing Fun
One of the coolest parts of the episode was learning about solar dyeing. It’s a simple, eco-friendly way to dye yarn using just the sun's power. All you need is some pre-mordanted yarn, natural dye materials (like marigold flowers), and a mason jar. Fill the jar with yarn, dye materials, and water, then leave it in the sun for a few days. Voilà! You’ve got beautifully dyed yarn with minimal effort.
Projects and Tools
Joleen also shared her current project: using a drill press to create three-dimensional art pieces from book board. Michelle is busy swatching different yarns for upcoming projects, while Linda is enjoying her new I-cord maker, which makes creating cords for knitting projects a breeze.
Color and Creativity
Michelle and Linda emphasized the importance of color and creativity for mental and physical health. They believe that working with natural materials connects us to the ecological systems around us, fostering a sense of well-being and happiness. Their passion for their craft and the joy they find in experimenting with colors is truly contagious.
Tune In Next Time!
Don’t miss the next episode of the Happy Time Craftcast on August 14, featuring Katie and Dean Tuberville and their yarn adventure truck. It promises to be another delightful and inspiring conversation.
Stay crafty and colorful, friends!
Show Notes for the Happy Time Craftcast:
🌟 In this Episode:
Join Joleen as she chats with Michelle Saliers and Linda Williams from Color Me Happy Fiber Arts. Discover their journey from academia to fiber arts, their love for natural dyeing, and how they use creativity to enhance mental and physical well-being. Learn about solar dyeing, favorite projects, and the magic of combining science and art in their unique fiber arts studio.
🌟 Notable Quotes:
- Michelle Saliers: "Bringing color and texture together through natural dyes is like creating magic every day."
- Linda Williams: "Connecting people to nature and color through fiber arts is a pathway to happiness and health."
- Joleen: "There’s something incredibly fulfilling about making things with your hands and seeing the colors come to life."
🌟 About the Guest:
Michelle Salyers and Linda Williams are lifelong friends and crafters who transitioned from their roles as professors in an academic medical center to natural dyers in the fiber arts world. Both are well steeped in the world of fiber arts. Michelle has been knitting since before she was 10 and added weaving and spinning to her fiber arts skills in the past five years. Linda grew up sewing and doing cross-stitch before finding knitting more than 25 years ago. During the pandemic, they came together to start a new venture that combines their love of fiber, nature, color, research, and teaching. They believe that color and creativity are key influencers of our mental and physical health, and that making things with natural materials is one way to ground and connect us to the ecological systems around us in ways that make us all healthy and happy.
🌟 Highlights of the Episode:
- 0:01 - Introduction and episode overview.
- 1:34 - Guest introductions and backgrounds.
- 3:00 - Friendship and crafting origins.
- 4:53 - Transition to natural dyeing during the pandemic.
- 9:04 - Natural dyeing process and favorite sources.
- 14:58 - Techniques for creating variegated yarns.
- 16:10 - Description of their dyeing studio and balancing creativity with production.
- 22:50 - Engagement with nature and harvesting dye materials.
- 23:18 - Steps for solar dyeing.
- 36:58 - Current projects and tools: Joleen’s drill press, Michelle’s swatching, Linda’s I-cord maker.
- 40:52 - Personal insights: favorite words, least favorite words, and more.
- 58:29 - Business philosophy and the joy of combining science with art.
- 1:01:39 - Conclusion and next episode preview.
🌟 Links and Resources Mentioned and Promoted:
📌 Follow Color Me Happy:
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Visit their website for exclusive discounts and more: Color Me Happy Fiber Arts
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Follow them for daily inspiration:
👍 Facebook
▶️ YouTube
🌟 Upcoming Events:
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