Hi, I'm Brenda Dunse!

Maker, Teacher & Writer

Specializing in ancient textile crafts, handspun yarn & fiber arts.

It starts with fiber and an idea.

The foundation of my handcrafted art is fiber often acquired from small growers supporting good causes, like the conservation of rare sheep breeds. Many mixed-media pieces feature upcycled fabrics, repurposed yarns, and objects of nature.

I'm a fiber geek. I am fascinated by fiber structure, how it can be manipulated, and how the environment has affected it.

The backstory, from where did it come? Why is it important to you?

Have you collected it, maybe a favorite pet's fiber, a memory fabric, or a photo to create a spark of inspiration for your handspun yarn or finished work?

Let me know if you have a particular project in mind. I can't wait to hear why it is unique to you.

A journey "down the rabbit hole."

A peek into my fiber studio reveals a complex woman (what woman isn't) with curiosity and faith.

The lens of discovery.

While pursuing my life's purpose and meaning, I took a journey "down the rabbit hole." My experience was much like Alice's Adventures in Wonderland when introduced to an alpaca and its lustrous fiber.

Who could resist the allure of a newly born baby alpaca (cria) pronging off into a Wisconsin sunset?

Then I touched the fiber...

Seeds of passion took root for the ancient textile craft of handspinning and fiber art that June evening.

Serendipity: "fortunate happenstance" or a "pleasant surprise."

A subdivision stood between me and my beloved alpaca cria. Alpacas aren't allowed.

What's a girl to do?

The only reasonable thing. More research. I was drawn to this amazingly soft fiber. Then I met Detta online. And she invited me out to her homestead to try out spinning wheels.

It was June 2006 when Brad, my husband, gifted me a brand new Louet S-10 single-treadle spinning wheel. It propelled me into studio life. I became obsessed with learning how to transform fiber into custom yarns.

It's through Serenity Textile Designs that I can share my knowledge of fiber arts and antique textile crafts with you.

Are you thinking of making something special? What would you like to learn more about, or do you have a particular idea or project?

Let's discuss how I help you as a maker, teacher, and writer.