Studio Life & Fiber Art Blog

 I’m super excited to share the news… It’s finally time for the Big Reveal. It’s All About the Crimp! No, I didn’t get around to remodeling the house yet. But, you know how I geek out a bit when I’m studying ‘bout wool and fiber! Maybe you’ve listened to me excitedly share some factual tidbit about the Bond or Corriedale. […]

Kudos to PLY Magazine – it’s been 5 years! It is difficult to even think of life as a hand spinner without PLY Magazine. It has become such a valuable resource in a relatively short period of time. Thank you, @Jacey Boggs Faulkner, and ALL (your entire team) who bring us this awesome publication! It is difficult for me to […]

Mr. Grimsby is a Leicester Longwool ram fleece I acquired from David at The Berryhill Farm in Pine Island, MN. While a vendor at Shepherd’s Harvest, Lake Elmo, MN I met David and his ram Grimsby. Having the opportunity to see Grimsby before shorn is a huge plus in selecting a fleece. Once the fleece was shorn, it was time […]

I wrote for the PLY Magazine, Issue 17, Summer 2017, Spinning A Variety of Fibers on a bobbin-led (single drive) spinning wheel. I referenced ‘fiber blenders’; they are like miniature hand cards. I’ve attached a couple of photos of these dynamic little tools. In my spinning bag, they have a permanent spot. I use them often to blend small amounts […]

Spinners can purchase this issue straight from our website: plymagazine.com/product/bobbin-led-summer-2017/ In case you didn’t know, I had an article published in PLY Magazine! The article is about spinning a variety of fibers on a bobbin-led (single drive) spinning wheel. In the article, you can read about using my hand to control the tension by rolling the drafting zone open and […]

Brenda demonstrated hand spinning at Shepherd’s Harvest Sheep and Wool Festival at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Lake Elmo, MN. The sweet and docile angora rabbit’s luscious fiber was presented in various preparations utilizing hand spindles and spinning wheels. Handspun yarns, mixed-media wearable art, and collage highlighting angora fluff were on display. In the weeks and years to come, we’ll offer into the studio of Brenda Dunse, mixed-media fiber artist, […]

The foundation of Brenda’s handcrafted art is fiber. Often acquired from small growers supporting good causes like the preservation of rare breeds. Many of the mixed-media pieces feature upcycled fabrics, repurposed yarns, and objects of nature. Pet fiber can be utilized, as keepsake items, memory fabrics, photos, and even fiber from a favorite pet can be utilized in a handspun yarn or finished work. Contact Us if you […]

A peek into the fiber studio of Brenda Dunse reveals a complex woman with the curiosity and faith of a child. While in pursuit of her life purpose and meaning, Brenda took a journey “down the rabbit hole.” Much like Alice in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was her experience of being introduced to an alpaca and its luster fiber. A passion for the ancient textile art of hand spinning and […]