I am Ellen A Thompson. I am a long time educator in Vermont known for all things literacy. I am also a fiber artist with a passion for clay! Currently, I am working on my weaving skills using the Saori weaving beliefs where nature, mood, and texture control the end product. My knitting has morphed using these same principals with color and texture leading the way. Clay has emerged as a new art interest. I am exploring different ways to incorporate fiber within my clay pieces. I find that firing in a Raku kiln can really raise the quality of a piece in dramatic ways.
My husband Jim and I raise Angora goats in South Hero, Vermont. These goats are sheared twice a year for their mohair fiber. This exotic fleece is mixed with sheep’s wool to ensure the elasticity of the yarn. Our blended fibers are then millspun into different yarn types. This yarn is hand dyed or painted by me using vibrant colors.
My handspun fiber starts with the rovings from the mill. These rovings are often hand painted or dyed
prior to spinning. Yarns are created in many different textures – from a regular two ply sport weight to textured art yarns to beaded yarns. All yarns are counted and measured using an antique yarn winder, one at a time. We love to hear the click of the weasel as we turn the winder!
Mohair yarn is considered an exotic fiber. It has a great loft to it. I keep my knitting and weaving of it to very simple designs, letting the yarn do the real work. Triangular shawls using larger needles, color and texture combinations with simple stitch additions allow the yarn to shine through the knitting. I also create hats that make me happy with their texture combinations.I All of my knitted products are created from our own fiber with only slight embellishments from other sources.
Lustrous mohair-blend yarn, mill and handspun available for the fiber artist, as well as finished knit, felted, and woven items.
Must Love Yarn, Shelburne, VT
Two Sisters Mercantile, Jeffersonville, VT
