Hand spinning is a very fascinating and highly complex artisan technique. It is essential to have a profound knowledge of the material, namely the fiber, but also to be well versed on a technical level. There are not many hand spinners around and it is for this reason that it's very difficult to find qualified ones to craft what you desire. Obtaining a handcrafted yarn, therefore, is not an easy undertaking.
I was lucky enough to come across Sammie from Koke Me Designs. A small boutique of artistic yarns of immeasurable beauty. A palette of colors so vibrant that they recall Kandisky's paintings. Clusters of thick yarns that look like waterfalls of wisteria, mimosas, and orchids.
For us Sammie has created an inspirational collection of artistic yarns with some of our fibres and the result truly speaks for itself.
You can enjoy these yarns by perusing the photo gallery. In addition you must check out the interview with Sammie. It is worth every single minute spent reading.
What�s the first thing you do in the morning and the last thing you do in the evening?
I�m going to answer this question the wrong way around. The last thing I do in the evening is usually read a chapter or 7 of a book, then regret it due to the time. I then get woken up most mornings with a coffee from my partner when he�s walking out the door for work. I enjoy it with catching up on my favourite makers on social media.
Which animal would you like to be?
I mean it�s a dogs life right? Or a cat!�
What�s your favourite motto?
Smile, it makes people wonder what you�re up to.
What is most important to you: money, free time or recognition?
I think this is a really hard question to answer. If I had money I would buy all the different fibres to create amazing yarns in my free time to then be recognised for my creations!
What does koke Me mean?
Originally Koke Me started from making kokedamas which is a Japanese art form of planting potted plants, I wanted to incorporate kokedama into my business name. Kokedama literally translates to �moss ball�, so I took Koke from it & Me seemed to have worked with it. I do still occasionally make kokedamas but not like I do my yarn. So now Koke Me means a wonderful small creative business trying it�s best to create happiness through creativity.
Tell us about your passion for artisan yarns.
I feel like this is a topic I could talk about for hours. I love the fact anyone can make something if they want to. I love the joy from myself and others when they create something from nothing, how proud and complete you feel. Artisan yarns have become my life. It only started because my mother was spinning & I wanted huge chunky amazing yarns but she wasn�t able to do that for me. I wanted to try it and as soon as I started I was hooked. From making a colour blend to then spinning it is such a unique process beyond words. Each yarn is completely different in their own way and to see what they turn out like is incredible. I love the fact that you can do anything when making yarn, you can play with thick, think, smooth, textural fibres. You can literally do anything with yarn, it is just purely up to your imagination.
Your favourite fibers and why?
Honestly, I feel like this depends on the day. I�m yet to find a fibre I dislike, it�s most likely because I like anything soft. I love merino, it is a favourite staple fibre for me. I love adding in alpaca, mohair, various silks as well. I love texture so combining lots of different fibres is fun for me. I enjoy the way they feel as I spin them as well as the different techniques to spin them.
How do you see the handcrafting sector in 50 years� time?
I feel with the current state of the world it�ll continue to grow. In just the past year with the pandemic I�ve watched so many people pursuing creative outlets, I don�t know if it�s due to staying home more and having more time or if it�s for mental health or combinations of things. I do know that anything handmade & creative is incredible and should always be something people do if they wish to. I truely believe it�s good for the soul, if not important for it.
It�s so exciting to see new makers creating beautiful pieces no matter what it is, to see pieces made from someone else brings me so much joy & happiness because I know exactly how they feel once they�ve completed it.
It blows my mind to think about what will be in the next 50 years with new technologies & products, but with what people are still doing after 50 years already, I think we will all still making incredible things & enjoying it just as much if not more.
If you enjoyed
learning about Koke Me Designs then we suggest you also read�the interview we conducted with Lanivendole,
while if you're interested in learning something different�we suggest browsing our playlist for a video.
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