Weaver Interview || Amanda J French

Yep that’s right, it’s Wednesday and I have another Weaver Interview! Today’s interview is with Amanda, who is not just a weaver, but also the super talented owner of Serene Fiber Arts. If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, then you know that I love the yarn colors and textures that Amanda creates. So now let’s get to know about Amanda and her weaving journey…

How did you first come across weaving?

I first came across weaving in 2014, the same year I started spinning yarn. Since I like to spin textured and bulky yarns that aren’t always suitable for wearable knitting with how warm it is here most of the year here, I was looking for a craft where I could actually use all the fun yarns I was spinning. Then I saw some beautiful wall hangings on Instagram, and just HAD to learn how to do that. So I looked up a tutorial online for the basic workings of how to weave, and it all went from there.

What time of day do you feel most creative?

When I wake up before the sun rises and all the hustle and bustle starts. Unfortunately, I have a tendency to also stay up late, so I don’t always wake up early enough to hit my ideal creativity time. I’m trying to adjust my sleep schedule though so I can actually have that early morning creativity boost on a more regular basis. It’s all a work-in-progress.

Do you have a creative ritual?

Hot tea is a must. I stick to herbal teas since I’m super caffeine sensitive. I usually have some kind of music or Youtube/Netflix playing, but while I’m weaving I get into such a state of flow that I don’t really even pay attention to what I’m watching/listening to and it’s more there for background noise. On my ideal days, I like to do a short yoga routine or even just spend some time quietly doing nothing before I start making, to get the creative energy flowing.

Are you a messy creative or an organized creative?

As an INFP, I tend to be a bit more spontaneous or “messy” and not follow a routine, but then I am also a Virgo so sometimes that organized and structured side of me comes out in random ways. I make to-do lists and write out plans all the time…and then completely disregard them and do what feels right in the moment. To the outside looker, my workspace probably looks like a total mess. But I know where everything is and actually have a bit of a system even if it doesn’t look like it. I like to call myself an organized mess 😉

What is your process for coming up with new ideas? Do you start with materials or an idea first?

I like to pick out my yarn palette first and go from there. I used to sketch out an idea first, but at this point I know I’m never going to follow it so I skip that step now. I like to just let my ideas come to me while I’m weaving and see what becomes of it.

Do you have a preferred material that you like to use?

Well, I’m a wool spinner so I’m a bit partial to wool. But I also like to switch it up and use cotton and reclaimed sari silk. I love the texture and depth of color in sari silk.

How is making things important in your life? What does being a maker mean to you?

I’ve always felt the need to make things. As a kid, it was through drawing, playing violin and crocheting. And today it’s through spinning, weaving, knitting, and painting. I have so many ideas running through my head all the time, if I don’t bring them into existence then they start to all clog up my brain and stress me out. Creating is a necessary part of my existence/sanity. If I didn’t have hands, I think I’d learn to use my feet because I just have to be making things. If I lost my eyesight, then maybe I’d get into playing instruments again and create music. No matter what, I think I’ll always have a basic need to create things.

What advice do you have for those wanting to find their own style?

Just make things. Don’t worry about a style. It will come to you naturally. I personally feel like I don’t even have a unique style just yet, and if I obsessed with trying to find it I’d overwhelm myself and not be able to make new things. Be genuine and create from your heart, authenticity is the best thing in my opinion when it comes to making art, instead of trying to just do what you think will sell well.

|| A few mini questions to get to know you a little better||

Are you a eat in or take out person?

Honestly, I’m a fairly picky eater and most restaurant/fast food makes me feel sick, so I prefer to eat at home. If I do go out to eat, I do it sparingly.

What is your favorite color and why?

I find it hard to commit to just one color as it depends on my mood. But, a lovely tarot-reading lady once told me I had a turquoise aura, and I have a tendency to be drawn to turquoise and teal colors. So I’ll say turquoise. But I also really love purple, pink, deep reds, greens and golden colors.

Are you a book or movie person? And what is a good one you’d recommend?

I’m more of a book person. I’m a total nerd though so I mainly read non-fiction books (art, language, health topics mostly). As for fiction, J.K. Rowling and J.R.R. Tolkien are my favorite authors.

Do you prefer relaxing beach vacations or on the move sight-seeing vacations?

I prefer vacations with lots of walking and things to see. I love the beach, but rather than sunbathing I’d rather be taking long beach walks or visiting local sites and taking tours.

You can find Amanda at:

• At her website/fiber shop: www.serenefiberarts.com
• Etsy shop: www.amandajfrench.etsy.com
• On Instagram: @serenefiberarts and @amandajfrench
• On Twitter: @serenefiberarts
• On Facebook: www.facebook.com/serenefiberarts

Thanks Amanda!!

I love how driven Amanda is to create and that she uses to many different outlets. Did I mention that she draws and paints too?! And how great would it be to spin and dye yarn and then get to weave with it (I really really want to try spinning and dying yarn… one day!)

I think the most interesting part of these interview is seeing that some people are tidy creatives, some are messy, and some are in-between. I definitely fall into the messy side. I work best if my brain can wander, but it also drives me crazy so then I’ll tidy up, but it’s not long before I’ve spread everything out again (yikes). How about you? Are you more tidy, messy, or in-between?

Happy Weaving!

Kate

For more fun, follow me here ->