Ep 4: Doris Strand @ bizzzyasabee

Weaving Community w/Amy D. McKnight

Today’s guest describes herself as a fairly new weaver/fiber artist who came to weaving after crocheting scarves, cowls, washcloths and an occasional baby blanket for a number of years.

While still employed full time at a local college, she would participate in about 5-7 local craft shows each fall. She noticed more and more crafters making similar items, so she thought, “what isn’t being represented?”

Pottery and weaving were a couple of avenues to explore. She ruled pottery out as it is messy, expensive … and breakable. But she had been inspired by some scarves she had seen on Pinterest woven by The Barefoot Weaver.

She decided weaving was the answer; Hey, I already had yarn.

At the end of December 2015, she retired from the college and started the next chapter in her crafting journey. After some research, comparing various looms and manufacturers, she purchased her first loom: a 16” Ashford Rigid Heddle. Down the rabbit hole, she went!

You can find pictures of her some of her beautiful handwoven items on her Instagram and facebook accounts under the name Bizzzy as a bee. This is also the name of her home-based studio where she creates unique handwoven scarves, hand towels, and table runners, as well as an occasional washcloth.