This article has been written by Margaret Clark. Margaret holds a Master Of Arts, majoring in History, in addition to an advanced Certificate in Spinning and Weaving from Strathfield TAFE and a Diploma of Arts in Tapestry Weaving from Warnamboul TAFE.
Gerda Smith - Creator of Lustrous Fibres.
The workshop of Gerda Smith in the tiny village of Burrell Creek, near the
township of Wingham on the N.S.W. North Coast.
Gerda's workshop is equipped with a Patrick Green 4 way exotic Carder and Picker
plus a Mini Mills Drawframe, Spinner & Skein winder.
With these machines she has created some sophisticated blends... Mohair,
Cashmere, Alpaca and Merino Fleece have all been combined in a range of blends
to create a sumptuous texture. Gerda is also investigating the properties of
throwster silk waste, Ingeo that is a processed fibres made from corn kernels
and Tencel a product of wood pulp. She also is producing dolls hair both
straight and curls.
In addition to the carding and blending Gerda has also developed a range of
different colour combinations. Using a blend of Gaywool and Landscape Dyes she
has created fleece ready for spinning an a stunning array of colours.
Gerda's range includes batts of fleece ready for felting, slivers and rovings
for spinners and is now, with the aid of a 4 bobbin spinner, establishing a new
range of luxury yarns.
Freelance Fibres Australia Burrell Creek, 2429
Ph: (02) 6550 6042 Mob: 0414 615 181 e: freelance@dragnet.com.au