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In this episode of The SweetGeorgia Show, host Felicia Lo speaks with Star Athena, a multicraftual creative and founder of the Tour de Fleece. They explore Star’s journey through the fibre arts, her experiences across different crafts, and how the Tour de Fleece grew from a small idea into a global community. Star reflects on her creative path, the impact of her autism diagnosis, and the healing nature of making. Their conversation highlights the value of community, personal growth, and the joy that comes from crafting.

Takeaways

• Star Athena's journey in fibre arts began at a young age.
• She has a diverse background in various crafts, including knitting, spinning, and crochet.
• The Tour de Fleece was inspired by her love for cycling and spinning.
• The event started small but grew into a global community of spinners.
• Star emphasizes the importance of creativity without strict rules or guidelines.
• She has experienced burnout in her crafting journey but continues to explore new avenues.
• Star's diagnosis of autism at 45 has changed her perspective on creativity.
• Creative pursuits are seen as a form of meditation and healing for Star.
• The impact of the Tour de Fleece on the crafting community is profound and lasting.
• Star values her identity beyond the Tour de Fleece, focusing on personal growth and creativity.

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In this episode of the SweetGeorgia Show, Felicia Lo speaks with Victor and Amber Mazza, founders of Gealach Fola Acres, about their transition from military service to becoming first-generation farmers and textile producers. They share their experiences in the Navy, their deep passion for fibre arts, and the challenges they face within the local textile industry. The conversation touches on their vision for the farm and mill, including their plans for fibre production and building community through the creation of a local tartan. They also talk about acquiring and restoring mill equipment, emphasizing sustainability and the importance of supporting local farmers.

Takeaways:

• Victor and Amber are first-generation farmers who founded Gealach Fola Acres in 2022.
• They met while serving in the US Navy in Japan.
• Amber has a long-standing passion for textiles, starting with crochet at a young age.
• Victor has always dreamed of a self-sufficient homestead for fibre and food.
• The couple aims to process local wool and bast fibres at their mill.
• They are addressing the challenges faced by small farmers in the local textile industry.
• The acquisition of mill equipment was a significant milestone for their business.
• They designed a community tartan to unify the local heritage and families.
• Their farm spans 81 acres, mostly wooded, with plans for fibre trials and production.
• They actively engage with the community through events and social media.

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In this week’s episode, Felicia chats with Lisa Graves, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Weft Magazine. Together, they talk about how the magazine began, how it's structured, and what kinds of topics readers can look forward to. They also dive into the value of weaving education, both in-person and online, and what makes Kawartha Weaving studio such a special place to learn. Their discussion touches on the challenges and rewards of teaching weaving, the rich content featured in Weft Magazine, and the vibrant community that surrounds the craft.

Felicia and Lisa also explore how weaving education is evolving. They talk about the importance of mentorship and community, as well as the role technology and social media play in supporting the craft. From the benefits of online learning to the continued relevance of guilds, their conversation highlights the many ways weavers can learn, grow, and connect, always with an emphasis on sharing knowledge and building community along the way.

Please join us for this inspirational conversation around craft, learning and community.

Takeaways

• Lisa Graves is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Weft Magazine.
• Weft Magazine aims to provide accessible knowledge about weaving.
• The magazine is structured around specific themes each issue.
• Future issues will explore topics like warp, drape, and sustainability.
• Kawartha Weaving offers a unique retreat-like learning experience.
• Lisa emphasizes the importance of in-person learning for weaving.
• Online teaching has opened doors for students unable to attend in person.
• The community aspect of weaving is vital for education and support.
• Weaving education should empower students to work independently.
• Lisa's studio is designed to create a welcoming and inspiring environment. Ergonomics and technique are crucial in crafting.
• Online workshops can enhance learning experiences.
• Structured learning formats improve student retention.
• Guilds play a vital role in preserving weaving skills.
• Mentorship is essential for passing on knowledge.
• Social media can inspire new weavers.
• Sharing details about projects helps others learn.
• Community support is key to sustaining interest in weaving.
• Technology can bridge gaps in traditional learning.
• Encouraging others to teach fosters a vibrant craft community.