We can't say enough about the innovative eco-designer Annie Cadden of Fisher Cat Fiber Co. She's been a very important part of ScrantonMade since the beginning and we are always so excited to chat with her! We can't wait for you to see what she crafts up for Arts on the Square!
Hi Annie!
Hi Annie!
Tell us
a little about your company and what inspired you to start it.
Wow
that's a great question, not so easy to answer. Fisher Cat Fiber Co has been
and still is a process in the making. Never was it my intention to start a
business. About six years ago I told myself that I would not purchase any more
yarn or materials until everything in my stash was used up. I started felting
bags from scrap wool, weaving rugs from rags that I had saved and gave a try at
making plarn (plastic cut into yarn). I opened my Etsy Shop and
entered a few art shows. The upcycled plastic rugs really started taking off.
Since then, not only are the rugs available on Etsy but also in several online
markets in the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom.
Fisher
Cat Fiber Co was born as a way to be resourceful, to repurpose and to be
creative all at the same time. I believe it still holds true to that intention.
How did
you learn your craft?
My
educational background is in music, I have no formal training in the fiber
arts. I belong to a local weaving and spinning guild that consists of the most
generous members who share their skills and talents. I also took two classes at
The Mannings Handweaving School in East Berlin, PA. That is where I purchased
my first spinning wheel over 15 years ago.
My love
affair for colors, textures and fiber started at a young age. It began with the
simple pot holder frame and then my friend’s grandmother taught us to crochet.
We were probably about 12 years old, I never stopped. In high school my sister
taught me to knit. Over the years I kept pursuing the fiber related crafts. In
my 20’s I learned to use a spinning wheel and a few years ago I started to
weave.
What
kind of materials do you use to make your work? How long does each piece
take to make?
The
rugs are woven from several materials. The most popular are those woven from
plastic bags. I also weave vintage material made into rags, salvaged dress
factory material, t shirts and wool roving. The time it takes to actually weave
a rug is minimal compared to the entire process: winding on the warp, threading
the loom, preparing the fiber, weaving, hemming, cleaning and finally labeling.
All considered, it takes approximately 6 hours for a 2x3 rug.
How
would you describe your style & where do you find inspiration?
I am
not sure that I have a style. I would say it’s eclectic, traditional but
contemporary at the same time. My current inspiration are artisans who
re-purpose discarded materials into pretty much everything: clothing,
furniture, paintings, etc... some of it’s amazing!
What
items will you be featuring at the Arts on the Square festival?
I will
be co-vending with fiber artist Ellyane Hutchinson of Digital Leaf Studio. In
addition to the FCFC rugs, Ellyane will bring handmade lace jewelry, tatted
necklaces and earrings, bags made of vintage textiles and hand woven vintage
ribbon, knitted & crocheted pins.
What is
your most popular item?
The
upcycled rug, however the felted market bags have also become popular.
Made from local wool or project seconds, no two are ever alike. They are
a seasonal and limited item. I will have them in November at the Nyack NYArt Show and in December at the Bethel Woods Holiday Market.
What
are your can’t live without craft room essentials?
Scissors, lighting/lamps
and a sleigh hook for threading the reed.
How do
you make your workplace an inspiring place to be?
It is a
beautiful place all it's own. We are located in an isolated area surrounded by
many acres. My work space is on the second floor. One side of the room has
large windows without curtains. I am inspired by the day. Rain, sun, snow,
wind, sights, smells, sounds... it's all very inspiring. The only thing I
ever add is music.
Will
you be demonstrating your craft at Arts on The Square? If so, tell us a little
about it...
I will
be bringing my new spinning wheel. Ellyane will be demonstrating drop
spinning as well as tatting. I cannot say enough about the quality of her work.
Be sure to stop by to say hello and check out our demos.
Is
there any other information you would like us to share/highlight about you or
your work?
Thanks
to ScrantonMade, I was featured on Earth 911 this past April. That was a true
honor! http://earth911.com/home-garden/plastic-bag-rugs/
Follow Fisher Cat Fiber Co.
Website: fishercatfiberco.com
Facebook: facebook.com/fishercatfiberco
Twitter: @fishercatfiberc
Instagram: @scrantonmade_blog
Pinterest: ScrantonMade
No comments:
Post a Comment