In The Ply is unique handspun yarn inspired by life in Ottawa, places I have been, the things I think about and the people I love.

I'm Carmen.

I wear a lot of hats (including my own freeform crocheted ones). Some of my titles include: fibre artist, creative, maker, Mom, partner, sister, friend, community builder, entrepreneur, constructive disruptor, teacher and designer of epic learning experiences.

I focus on the design and creation of art yarns, wall hangings, hats and other cool stuff out of local fleece and fibre as well as recycled materials and repurposed objects, such as vintage dresses, my husbands' old t-shirts, and discarded supplies from my daughters’ craft box.

I am inspired by fibre and its potential.

My 'Why?'

The first time I ever sat down to learn to knit, I hated it. It was hard and frustrating and my hands wouldn't do what I wanted them to. But for some reason, I sat down with it again the next day. And soon thereafter, I was hooked.

From knitting I expanded my 'portfolio' into spinning when I inherited my first spinning wheel. Again, I didn't love it and didn't even want to try it but something in me said 'give it a chance'. So, I did. That first spinning wheel sat as furniture in my home for awhile before I took a class. And once again, I found myself wondering how I had lived my life to this point without this amazing hobby.

Now, many MANY years later (and many more fibre-based skills under my belt), I don't know what I would do without these beautiful, creative, meditative and transformational arts that have enriched my life and given me an outlet for my creative energies.

And so I say (to anyone that will listen): Making things by hand will calm you, slow you down a little from the rush of everyday life and make you happier!

I want you to slow down, enjoy the act of making things by hand, learn new things and make meaningful connections with others in inviting spaces.

I want you to come make stuff with me.