Traveler's Secret Pocket Cowl

I am super excited to say I have a project in Spin Off Magazine.  I have been working on a number of projects that I cannot share until they have been published, and this is the first of the batch.  It feels so nice to be able to share it with you now.  

This particular project is in the Summer 2019 issue of the magazine, focused on "Wonderlust," or rather, the spinner as a traveler.

I'm still experiencing a little of an imposter syndrome.  It feels unreal that I would have a project that is published in a magazine.  I always flip through my fiber related magazines and think how much better all the artists on the pages are than me.  But now I realize that there is likely no better or worse, there is just inspiration.  I am always inspired by the work of others, and hopefully now I can inspire some fiber artists out in the world, as well.  It is simultaneously a humbling and SUPER COOL.  I am honored to be part of a global fiber community.

And just for fun, I thought I would share with you some of the work that went in to the pattern that found its way into Spin Off. This project started with fluff.  I spun three different yarns to create, what I hoped to be a tweedy look for the cowl.  It was fun, I used three different preps of fiber, as well.  There was a beautiful art batt with a mix of fiber from Purple Lamb, there was combed top, and there was roving. The color palette was warm, with a lot of orange. To give it a little punch, I used some blue. 

This project was designed for a rigid heddle.  It is a plain weave, so it is very friendly for even the most novice weaver.  I like using rigid heddle looms with my handspun yarn, it is much more forgiving.  There is less tension and the the plastic reed is less abrasive.  

I used my Ashford, 32" loom, but I certainly did not need so much room.  To be honest, I just really like that loom.  I find the reed size is really nice, it gives me a really even beat.  My 15" loom is more practical in size for a lot of my projects, but for some reason, with that loom, I always have one hand that wants to pull the reed more than the other one.  Using two hands to pull my reed always feels a little more natural to me, but I have to switch to a one hand pull when I use my smaller loom to remedy my own fault of unevenness.  

I really liked the look and feel of then final cloth.  It was fun to create the cowl, which has its own secret pocket to stash cash when traveling.  I hope, if you have a chance, you can take a look at the project in Spin Off.  Maybe even create your own Traveler's Cowl.  I would love to hear your thoughts or see your own projects!