FAQs
Do you make all of it by yourself?
Yes. Every cut, stitch, seam, zipper, decision...everything is done by me alone.
How did you learn how to do this?
I learned to sew in my teens + I learned the intricacies of dyeing wool fabric when I started rug hooking 20+ years ago. These skills, combined with a LOT of experimenting + many prototypes, have resulted in my current line of woollen home goods.
How do you get the amazing variation of colours and textures of wool?
I accumulate as many different patterns + textures of wool as I can over time. I also hand-dye a lot of it to expand the variety of colours. It's not unusual for me to use over a hundred fabrics in a collection.
Isn't wool hard to look after?
Wool is resilient + naturally repels water. I recommend you soak up liquid spills when they happen, with a paper towel or napkin. Messier (thicker) spills should be left to dry – the mess will sit on the surface and can be easily scratched or brushed off later. If a more thorough cleaning is needed read the Care Instructions.
How long does it take to make?
The simple answer is "hours + sometimes days." Aside from the time spent on dyeing the wool plus the design + colour selection, each piece of wool has to be carefully pressed, cut + joined to the others, and then of course the finishing is always very time consuming. So many steps means there is lots of work involved in every finished piece.
Do you use recycled wool?
I use mostly new wool. This allows me to control the quality and also get the desired quantity + variety I want for what I'm making. I incorporate recycled wool whenever I can.
Where do you get your wool?
I purchase most of the wool from the USA. Unfortunately there are no manufacturers left in Canada.
Do you have a store or shop? How can I see your product in person?
No brick + mortar shop at the moment. I do have my online shop + I also participate in several juried art + craft shows each year. You can find a list of events here.
Do you wholesale?
Not at present. Please email me with your information + I will be sure to contact you if this changes in the future.
How did you come up with your {old} name Fish Eye Sisters?
Well the 'Sisters' part is because my sister Sandra helped me turn my textile art into a full time business. The 'Fish Eye' is what we thought was a catchy name + a carry over from my rug hooking business called Fish Eye Rugs. I originally used 'fish eye' in reference to our Gramma who was the first rug hooker I knew. She was well known in our family for playfully giving all us naughty grandkids the "fish eye" (AKA the stink eye!) for misbehaving.
What's the fish head all about?
The fish {with a really large eye! } pays tribute to my past creative pursuits, through Fish Eye Rugs + Fish Eye Sisters, and honours the first artist I remember knowing as a child: my Gramma {see above for a bit more of an explanation!}
Have other questions? Please ask! jen@jenmanuell.ca