bethanyhomecrafts's Profile

Bio

Surprise! My name is MaryLynne, not Bethany!

I am an inveterate crafter. I was giving handmade gifts by the time I was 10. My mother made clothes for me, and my grandmother made everything! So it’s in my genes. I also got it by marriage – my mother-in-law inspired me to make my first braided rug, and I haven’t looked back. I’ve always been inspired to make new things from the things that make up the fabric of life, the very clothes we wear. So my quilts have been pieced from the scraps of the clothes I’ve made, and my rugs are recycled coats and skirts.

Today I still practice this, call it recycling, upcycling, refashioning…I use wool sweaters that are given to me or thrift-shop finds to make cozy wearables. People often give me blazers, which now sport my original needlefelted designs. Sweaters also find their way into potholders, wall hangings, Christmas stockings…

My favorite pastime, aside from working with my hands, is being outdoors in my garden or hiking in the woods, watching nature’s glories around me. My needlefelted designs are inspired there.

Favorite Materials

any kind of wool, angora, cashmere, sweaters