Personal Statement ....
"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
In 1987 Roberta became interested in horsehair work and learned how to braid, hitch and dye it. She was one of only a handful of people practicing this ancient art form at that time. In 1995 the Murray's bought a small flock of Angora goats and Roberta's interest in the fiber arts shifted to spinning and knitting. She 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 Roberta graduated from the Olds College Master Spinners program.
Fiber Arts Instruction....
- 2005
- Salt Spring Island Guild - Got Your Goat (spinning goat fibres). March
- Deep Cove Spinners & Weavers Guild - Spinners Palette (color blending) and Spinning Fine Shetland Lace. March
- 2004
- Edmonton Weavers Guild - Spinning Fine Lace Yarns. September
- Salt Spring Fibre Festival - Spinning Fine Lace Yarns. July
- Olds College - Spinning Fine Shetland Lace. July
- Fibrefest International - Spinning Fine Lace Yarns and Spinners Palette. April
- Spinning Jennies - Spinning Fine Lace Yarns. March
- 2001
- Rocky Parks & Recreation - 3 Day Horsehair Braiding.
- 2000
- Spinning Jennies - Needlefelting. July
- 1992
- Rocky Parks & Recreation - 5 day Photography workshop.
Published Work....
- Interweave Press (Spin Off) published Get Your Hackles Up Spring 2007
- Spinners Quarterly published article Unleashing Your Creativity July 2006
- ALBC News published Shetland Sheep: Beyond The Islands December 2004
- Cashmirror Newsletter published article Spinning Fine Lace Yarn. November 2002.
- Running Threads (HWSDA): Kromski Spinning Wheel Review.
- Interweave Press (Spin Off) published Shetland sheep article. Summer 2000.
- NASSA News published article and pattern Fleece Stuffed Mittens. January 1999.
- NASSA News published article Shetland Wool: A Beginner's Perspective. October 1998.
- NASSA (North American Shetland Sheepbreeders Assoc.) News published article Overnight Lessons In Lambing. July 1998.
- AMPA (Alberta Mohair Producers Association) News: numerous articles. Held executive positions as secretary and newsletter editor.
- Numerous on-line articles have been written.
Awards and Exhibits....
- Pacific NW Shawl in Medicine Hills Arts Festival juried show and sale - August 2007
- Meerie Dancers Shawl won Best of Category - Hand Knitting at Focus On Fibre Art juried show May 2006.
- Meerie Dancers Shawl won Best of Show at the Focus On Shetland Fibre Arts exhibit in July and People's Choice Award at the HWSDA Conference in June 2004.
- 3 pieces in the Spun Exhibit at Visual Arts Association of Alberta Gallery, Edmonton, Alberta November 2003.
- 3 pieces in the Fibre Works Exhibit at Visual Arts Association of Alberta Gallery, Edmonton, Alberta. June 2003.
- Highland International Spin-In Bothwell, Tasmania. Finest Yarn competition 1st in Canada, 8th in the world. March 2003.
Other
- Olds College - Content writer for Master Spinners program Level III
- Old College - Fibre Week workshop organization
"I've discovered in myself that my love is of color. Whether it is painting, photography, gardening, or working with fiber, it is color that draws me in and holds my fascination. I continue to explore different aspects of the fiber arts with a special interest in ethnic traditions. In addition to spinning and knitting, I dye, bead, felt, crochet, braid, and have just started learning some basic weaving skills. I am wandering down several paths on my never ending quest for knowledge. This is my journey, my transmigration."
- Roberta
On this page...
Personal Statement
Workshops
Written Work
Awards & Exhibits
Close up of hand knit camel bag using yarns that were blended from a limited color pallete.
Detail of the award winning Meerie Dancers shawl. Meerie Dancers is a Shetlanders' term for the Northern Lights. I tried to capture the dark but colorful nature of the northern lights in this piece.
