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Vivian Hsu ▪️The Fabricatorium

@thefabricatorium

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This is where I occasionally sell my handmades. Please read the pinned post. To see what else I'm up to, I'm also @whatvivdoes

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Still here, doinking around with fiber. Several people in my close circle are going through huge life changes right now and it’s been a lot. I am trying to stay positive and focus on small things, like the joy on my kids’ faces when we dropped them both off at birthday parties this weekend, getting two handwritten letters in the mail, and Gene painting the orange dining room a neutral color so we no longer have to feel like we are swimming in a pumpkin spiced latte while eating dinner. (Oddly, the paint color we chose is “Steamed Chai”. ☕️)

I’ve been not so productive on the spinning front lately, but I did manage to fill up one spindle and start a second. Fun fact: I made matching batts for Viv and me (the batt I’m currently spinning), which she spun and wove into the fabric that she used to sew this project bag. 🤯

#thefabricatorium #whatvivdoes #allenrberryspindle

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I am in the throes of gift knitting and have officially reached my grumpy grinch phase, so I took a break and spun for a bit. This is a new redheart/walnut Shirley’s Mjolinor from @lady_greensleeves_ that reminds me of a chocolate covered cherry, and I’m spinning THE NICEST pin-drafted roving I’ve ever spun—Corriedale from @victoriarowdenknits. It’s shiny and soft, drafts easily, and there is virtually nothing to pick out. Those of you who know me personally know that I am a compulsive picker outer of VM and neps to the point that I flick everything before I run it through a drum carder. This roving is pristine. I’m sufficiently cheered up.

#greensleevesspindles #victoriarowdenknits #thefabricatorium

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I finished spinning the last of this guts batt from @mellyknits! It’s Corriedale/cashgora and I started spinning it back in July. It feels so good to finish this. I still need to ply it but it’s one small thing that I can cross off of my mental to-do list.

#mellyknits #fabricatorium #spanishpeacockspindle

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I am really enjoying using my @thefabricatorium ring distaff on this drop spindle spin. @whatvivdoes has a reel of using it down instead of up, which felt immediately comfortable to me. I put it on my middle finger, pointing toward my elbow.

#spookyspin15in25 #the1764shepherdess #thefabricatorium #whatvivdoes #allenrberryspindle

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I try to spin everyday because it makes my brain happy, but for #spindlebingo2025, I plan to work through some stash and continue practicing with my support spindles a few times a week.

Today I just finished knitting a gift for a friend and I’m about to cast on two test knits, but I took a break and spun a little Shetland from @the1764shepherdess on one of my @allenrberry drop spindles.

#the1764shepherdess #spin15aday #allenrberryspindle #thefabricatorium #dropspindlespinning #stashdive2025

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Every time I finish a vikkel braid, I tense up so much that I have to consciously remove my shoulders from my ears after I finish. They sure do look lovely, though, and one color is infinitely more fun than two color, imo!

#foxandfolk #cozyseasonsocks #the1764shepherdess #corriedalenylon #handdyedsockyarn #thefabricatorium #whatvivdoes

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Vivian Hsu @whatvivdoes is one of the handspinners that worked with the Flaxmobile Project to spin flax into linen over the winter. These photos capture the linen-silk blend she was working on for craftsperson Andreea Murgu @la.la.2lips. About her process, Vivian writes,
“Flax and silk are both such beautiful materials on their own, and the trick was to make a yarn where the two would enhance each other. Flax is somewhat grippy and long, while the tussah silk is slippery and shorter. The resulting 2-ply yarn was one of the loveliest little skeins I’ve ever created, with the characteristic crispness of the flax foremost, but elevated by the glow and drape of the silk.”

Follow Vivian and spread the word about her lovely work!

This portion of the project is generously supported by Canada Council for the Arts.

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#craftspeople #textileartist #textile #weaving #plantfibres #artists #farmers #fibre #fiberartistsofinstagram #fashion #slowfashion #upcycle #connection #collaboration #flax #flaxplant #linen #textileproduction #handspinning #handspinners #handspun #handspunfibre #spinningwheel #silk #tussahsilk #silkblend #linenblend

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After another beautiful harvest season, we are excited to introduce the team of hand spinners, who will be spinning long line linen into thread for participating artists and craftspeople.

Meet Vivian Hsu @whatvivdoes:

Vivian Hsu is avidly curious about all things textiles. She has been spinning yarn for over 10 years, for use in her knitting or weaving practice, and to indulge in exploration of the craft of handspinning. Vivian has lived in various areas of Mi'kma'ki for most of her life and is currently settled in Amherst, Nova Scotia.

It’s a pleasure to have Vivian on the team of Flaxmobile hand spinners!

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#artsns #craftspeople #textileartist #textile #weaving #plantfibres #artists #farmers #fibre #fiberartistsofinstagram #fashion #slowfashion #upcycle #connection #collaboration #flax #flaxplant #linen #textileproduction #handspinning #handspinners #handspun #handspunfibre #spinningwheel

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A few years ago, @thefabricatorium aka @whatvivdoes posted a babka loaf she had made. I was inspired to make my own. Fast forward to Easter 2022 and this chocolate sourdough babka tradition is in its third year AND I have my very own handwoven tea towel by @thefabricatorium herself to go with it!!
He is risen. (And so did the bread.)
Recipe by @maurizio.
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#textile #weaving #kitchentextile #sourdough #babka #easter #eastertraditions

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Storm chips and brownies for work today!!

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🌅 Is there anything better than an early Sunday morning coffee and knitting session before the week presses in and you head for home?
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Thank you @jamessmullin for my #wacacominipresso that keeps me fueled and @alxmullin for your hospitality !! 🤗 xoxo
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(Swipe ➡️)
One of my latest projects is
by @espacetricot

📖: #sundaymorningwrap
🧶 #sundaymorningdk “Shhh…”
💼: @fringesupplyco
👝: @thefabricatorium

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🌻Happy Friday All!
It’s was a chilly 10°C here on the East Coast and I wish I could send some of this cool air to our friends suffering under the “heat dome” 😢!

I’m knitting the #foxglovesocks this weekend. How will you knit your way through the weekend?

Some favourite makers …

📖: #foxglovesocks @sewsweetviolet
🧶: #bloomsock set @lizzieanneyarns
PB: #moreismore @stephanieearple
Notions: @whatvivdoes handwoven fabric
🛍 @thefabricatorium 🥰
Wrist strap: @kampyukon

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