Weaver Interview || Hello Tangle

Today’s weaver interview is extra special, because it’s with both of the ladies behind Hello Tangle. Bibi & Veronica are sisters that together create the most creative and interesting art I’ve seen. They have a really fun style and I’m very excited to share this interview with you. So let’s get to know them a little better…

How did you first come across weaving?

Bibi: Our mum has always been a knitter and hand quilter and has always encouraged us to be crafty. We could never find any books or materials on weaving so we taught ourselves, originally experimenting with homemade cardboard looms and our mum’s knitting wool and cooking/household twine. A couple of years ago we were able to take an afternoon weaving workshop, thinking we would learn the “correct” way to weave only to discover we were already pretty much doing all the same techniques in the same way.

What time of day do you feel most creative?

Bibi: It depends, I spend a lot of time daydreaming and forming ideas in my mind. This can happen throughout the day but my making mostly takes place in the afternoon/evening.

Veronica: I’m kind of the same. I’m often thinking of things during the day, seeing colour or inspiration everywhere, but never get around to actually doing anything until the evening. Having 2 kids has definitely reduced the amount of time I have to spend being creative, so after the old night time routine is done I get a bit of me time to create.

Do you have a creative ritual?

Veronica: It depends what mood I’m in. I used to always watch tv series, generally something that doesn’t take much concentration, but now I prefer to listen to music and concentrate on weaving a bit more. Lately I’ve been squeezing a bit of weaving in while the babes nap, and have found myself so immersed I realise I’m in total silence and haven’t even put music on! Very unlike me, as I always have music on in the background pretty much all day. I think as I’ve become more time poor any ritual has gone out the door!

Bibi: I like to have a tv show or movie going while I’m making. I usually like to put movies on that I’ve seen many times before, particularly 80’s films.

Are you a messy creative or an organized creative?

Bibi: Messy. I can’t really plan a project further than deciding on the colour ways to use. Each project I do evolves as I’m making so planning doesn’t work. Anytime I’ve planned a project it never goes to plan.

Veronica: Very organised!! I like a clean and tidy workspace, with all my materials laid out, and only the colours/fibres I’m going to use for that particular project at the ready. We are very different in this respect!

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

Bibi: Colour and shape always start my ideas rolling. I’m always looking through fashion and interiors magazines and scrolling through Pinterest for colours and shapes that catch my eye.

Veronica: I always start with colour. I will get an idea of what colour scheme I want to work with, then I’ll rummage through our supplies to see what we’ve got, and usually end up with something totally different to what I originally had in mind. From there I really just get started and see where it takes me. In that respect me and Bibi are really similar, we never plan a piece beyond colour.

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

Bibi: I like to use natural fibres like cotton, linen and wool but I also like to use embellishments like wooden beads, sequins, leather and pieces of acrylic.

Veronica: I’m a bit less adventurous than Bibi when it comes to fibres, but similarly I love to use natural fibres, mainly cotton and wool.

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

Bibi: I’ve always made things and I feel like I’m wasting time if I’m not creating something. Being a maker is definitely part of who I am.

Veronica: I love having a creative outlet. I’m an accountant by day (borrrrring!), and also a mum, so I love having something that is just for me, totally different to what I do for a day job, and nothing to do with my kids or husband, just me.

What is your most favorite creation and why?

Veronica: Mine would have to be the piece that I made for my daughter earlier this year, which I finished on the day she was due. I was feeling so happy and content, I loved the colours and the style, and it all just seemed to come together perfectly. Knowing it is something that she will (hopefully!) keep forever makes it that little bit more special.

Bibi: My favourite weaving is called ‘Sea Greenie’. We grew up by the sea and I wanted to create something that reminded me of the ocean and seashore. Everything in that weave came together perfectly and I realized I wasn’t too bad at weaving!

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

Bibi: Having an inspiration board or book is very handy, where you can lay out colour ways and patterns or that Gucci dress that you saw in Vogue because sometimes you just need a little reminder of the things you like. You’ll realise you’re drawn to a particular colour or texture that could form the basis of your style. Also remember that trends come and go and to think beyond what is in fashion at the time.

Veronica: Totally agree with Bibi. An inspiration board can be so handy. I often have ideas floating around in my head and if I don’t document them somehow they tend to disappear. I need to be reminded of what I loved yesterday or last week, and not just what is in my head at this very moment. Also, just keep practicing. The more you do it, the better you become, and the more your own personal style will shine through.

|| Five mini questions to get to know you a little better ||

Are you a eat in or take out person?

Bibi: Both. I like going to cafes and restaurants but I’m also a sucker for good takeaway!

V: I love eating out, can’t get enough. I get fomo if I haven’t tried the hottest new café on the block – which happens regularly living in Melbourne! Also I’m not great in the kitchen so happy to pay someone else to be 😉

If you could pick your last meal what would it be?

Bibi: Crayfish, prawns and spaghetti.

V: Cheese saganaki. Or just any cheese in general. All the cheese!!!

What is your favorite color and why?

Bibi: I used to be a turquoise/aqua girl but for a few years now I’ve been obsessed with various shades of dusky pink and blush.

V: Green, particularly when it comes to clothing. Not really sure why, I just always find great statement pieces in green that stand out to me.

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

Bibi: Both. At the moment I’m reading Ben Aaronovitch’s ‘PC Grant’ series and I can’t go past Ghostbusters (original) and Desperately Seeking Susan as my favourite movies.

V: Hmmm tough one. I’d have to say both too, although I don’t do much reading these days. One of my fave all time books is ‘My Uncle Oswald’ by Roald Dahl. Absolute classic.

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

V: I love both, and like to combine them whenever I can. I like to start off with sightseeing and cultural stuff, and then finish with some total relaxation in the sun. However these days if I could only chose one it would be the relaxing beach kind. With a beer in hand!!!

Bibi: Sight seeing for overseas holidays because everything is so far away from Australia so you have to make the most of overseas trips but locally beach holidays, we have some of the best beaches in the world!

You can find Hello Tangle at:

• Instagram: @HelloTangle
• Online store: https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/HELLOTANGLE

Thanks Bibi & Veronica!!

I love that these sisters came together to create, and it tickled me that Bibi said she’s a messy creative and Veronica said she’s very organized. I have a sister myself and we’re so different that none of her hobbies include making things…like seriously she’s never gotten into making anything, I’ve tried many times. Anyway, don’t you just love the unique style of Hello Tangle?! I was hooked from the beginning when I first saw their work on Instagram. They use such interesting materials and in such unique ways.

What is your favorite Hello Tangle piece? Is there anything about their work that inspires you? (Like all the beading, it’s so good!) Did any part of the interview really resonate with you?

Happy Weaving!

Kate

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