My family history is rooted in the fibre arts, or textiles. From my mother to  my great grandmother (who used to try to teach me to knit and crochet), to as many generations back as known, there has always been a strong connection with textile work. Milliners, seamstresses, knitters, mill workers, farmers, weavers, tailors, dyers……..these occupations are all well represented in my family history, so it is no wonder that these skills seemed to almost come naturally to me.

My journey into the fibre arts really began in 1987,  when I became interested in horsehair work and learned how to braid, hitch and dye it. I was one of only a handful of people practicing this ancient art form at that time. In 1995 our family bought a small flock of Angora goats and my interest in the fiber arts shifted to spinning and knitting. I seemed to pick up both of these skills easily and naturally. A real thirst for knowledge on the techniques and history behind spinning and knitting grew quickly. In 2007 I graduated from the Olds College Master Spinners program with distinction.

Along the way we maintained a large flock of Shetland sheep and owned a fibre arts mail order business. The history of textile work in the Shetland Islands became a special interest of mine, and I have done quite a bit of research on the subject. There is an interesting history there, with a lot of misconnecptions originating in the Victorian era.  I am fascinated with both Shetland lace and Fair_Isle knitting; and the spinning that goes with it.

In addition to conducting fibre arts related workshops, I have worked with Olds College writing content for Level 3 of the Master Spinners program. I spent several years as their Workshop Coordinator, helping to set up the schedule of workshops and instructors.  Although my career direction has shifted back to photography, where it was before I started into the fibre arts,  spinning, knitting, beading, or weaving are still a daily part of my life.

“Spinning is more than just a hobby. It’s a means of finding peace in this busy, crazy world of ours. It’s feeling in touch with a land that produces such riches. It’s the thread of humanity that binds us all together. It’s the satisfaction of producing beauty with our own hands. It’s a way of life…..a way of being connected to life. The fiber arts are a vast subject area rich in history. To open your mind to the creative possibilities existent in this area is to begin a journey down a road of never ending learning. I wish to share my knowledge with others and promote the fiber arts. I strive to stretch people’s preconceived boundaries, push their limits, and spark their imaginations.” - Roberta

You can view my CV from my main photography site: Uncommon Depth or download a PDF version.