Today we’d like to introduce you to Flora Daniels
Hi Flora, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been a crafty person, and did many art projects when I was younger. After graduating college and starting a job, I had free time to dive back into those interests. When I was little my Oma (grandmother in the Netherlands) taught me how to crochet, and when I saw my Mom crocheting again, I wanted to pick it up as well. From crochet I saw someone weaving and had to try, then decided to add spinning. People say that fiber arts is a rabbit hole, and that was certainly the case for me.
A couple years ago, I had a lot of woven fabric, and I decided to start making purses and project bags, and started selling them at a friend’s booth at fiber shows. Within 8 months, I had added jewelry, and started vending at festivals myself.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I started my business, one thing I was very intentional about was to make sure my projects remained fun and enjoyable. My primary job is not fiber related, so while I’m selling my work, I only have a limited time to dedicate to it. This does mean I can’t do all the shows and projects I’d like to. This has meant a bit of a balance, but I’m fortunate that things have gone well overall.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My business name is Flora’s Fiber Farrago, and I chose the word farrago because its synonymous with a hodgepodge, jumble, or assortment. I say I do a bit of everything fiber related, and sell a variety of products, including 3d printed fiber tools, such as yarn bowls, stitch markers, needle gauges. I also enjoy making accessories with my handwoven fabric. Earrings are probably my best seller, followed by bookmarks. I also enjoy larger projects, like bags and scarves.
I also do a lot of Saori and freestyle weaving, which blends color and texture, to make completely unique fabric that can’t be made with a machine, and really shows the human touch. Much of my work uses hand dyed yarns, and fiber from small farms, which add another layer of personalization, as well as support to other makers.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have many fiber friends that have encouraged me over the years. I am a member of the Western Reserve Spinners and Weavers Guild, which I joined when I wanted to learn to spin in 2019, and have been a member ever since. Our members have a huge variety of interests and talents, and I get so much inspiration, as well as practical skills at our meetings. I recommend anyone who is interested in fiber arts find a guild or a club.
I also have several vendor friends that have given me encouragement as I’ve delved into selling my work. Laura, of Laughing Cat Fibers, first let me set up my bags and then earrings in her booth, and her colorways are amazing inspiration for projects, and make a great base to pull together color combinations I haven’t seen before, or inspiration from books and art. There is also Alk & Me, Bewitched Pigments, Braiders Circle, Why Not Fibers, and so many more, who have been sources of yarn, materials, and answers to many questions about different shows, travel, displays and more.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://floras-fiber-farrago.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/floras_fiber_farrago
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/100092676021395
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Floras_Fiber_Farrago
- Other: https://bsky.app/profile/florasfiberfarrago.bsky.social
