Stories from the Studio: Cathlin's Flock
H E L L O F R I E N D S !
Today we are thrilled to introduce Cathlin McReynolds, the artist behind this fine feathered collection. Cathlin has spun yarn for knit chicken feathers for almost ten years! When she brought the idea of this special collection to our table her eyes were dancing with excitement. I enjoyed reading her answers to our questions and hope you do, too! If you would like to view more of Cathlin’s creative work, please visit her website, A Jolly Yarn.
PS — A *very special thanks* to chickener Karen Tholen for her most diligent stitching feat to date with this collection. We appreciate you, Karen!
- Sally & thecgf studio
1. What was the inspiration behind this collection?
In 2019, there was an exhibit on Stonehenge at Union Station; one of the mannequins had a twined cape, which interested me in the technique. The more I looked into it, the more curious I was about wrapping a chicken in twined feathers.
2. Will you please describe your process for creating these feathers?
It was important to spin the yarn with a tighter twist than usual so it wouldn't fall apart during the weaving process; twining is usually done with very long plant fibers or fabric strips that don't risk unraveling. Then I wrapped a twining loom frame with yarn and measured my color changes. After that, it was about weaving and twisting and weaving and twisting and weaving and twisting. At the very end, I soaked the fabric in hot water to set the wool in the twist.
3. What is your favorite part of chickening?
Usually, I'm a spinner, and I love the variety of colors that we get to work with. The challenges of specific projects that need careful color planning and the creativity allowed by the more open-ended feather projects mean that it never gets boring. I really enjoy the methodical, repetitive process of both spinning and twining.
4. What other creative work do you enjoy?
I am also a bookbinder and printmaker. I have a dye garden of plants that I use to dye wool, sometimes I get around to sewing or crocheting, and recently I've started learning to throw pottery.
