• Why Spinning?
There was just this idea in my head, if I can make some pretty yarns, maybe I can create something out of it to add to my existing range of home decor. And this desire only grew stronger with time. I was constantly trying different ways to make yarns / ropes out of waste that were also appealing aesthetically.
I first came to Shuttles and Needles to learn to weave. My first visit here, all the way from Mumbai and I immediately knew it's gonna be more than weaving alone. As an upcycler, learning to spin and weave under one roof, opened a world of possibilities for me.
• Since when are you spinning?
I have very recently stepped on the bandwagon of spinners. (2022)
• Your projects – where and how do you use your spun yarns? (weave or knit)
I use my spun yarns to weave.
• Is your spinning project-based ?
My spining is just purely spinning. I try and get as creative with my spinning with the existing material I have, that being waste / scrap. And that makes it exciting, because only when I look at what I have in my basket, I can ideate what I wanna spin that into. What I can possibly do with the spun yarns is not something that I decide at this stage.
• What inspires you to spin?
The sheer joy of spinning and the fact that the outcome is always so different (again because my raw material is never the same kind) inspires me to spin.
• How do you start on the wheel? Do you spin often?
For me, spinning is like meditation. It’s a part of my daily practice.
• When is the ideal time for you to sit on the wheel?
I start my day in the studio with spinning.
• How many hours do you spend Spinning?
As many hours as I feel like. I have spent the entire day spinning and it has still been a day where I felt fulfilled.
• Initial days on the wheel - how was your learning curve?
Initial days on the wheel were differently interesting. There was a self-induced pressure to be perfect. I remember my second day of learning and I just wouldn’t get it right. At times like this, it's okay to pause and restart when you are ready. And I feel grateful to my mentor, Naresh Sir for this reminder. 'Spinning is a lot like life. We want to control everything, we think we are in charge but in reality, we gain more when we can let go … not hold on too tight.'
With time my understanding about spinning got better each day, making it exhilarating for me to see the outcome and enjoy the process of spinning at the same time.
