16 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY SEPTEMBER 3-9, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com A growing community of knitters, spinners and other fiber artists are making things that are beautiful—and that stand the test of time. By Celia Jiménez and Sara Rubin Spinning a Yarn In a time when the average screen time in the U.S. is nearly one-third of the day, a growing number of people are expanding hands-on skills in some of the oldest art forms. Fiber arts have seen an uptick in recent years. Historic guilds, newer clubs and local libraries are bringing people together, turning what can be a solitary activity into a group project where people can connect, learn new skills and brainstorm ideas. “It grows every year, more and more and more and more,” says Jaki Canterbury, owner of Slowfiber, a textile supply shop in Monterey that offers workshops and a space where local crafters build community. Canterbury says that through Upcycle Camp, an annual four-day sewing retreat at St. Francis Retreat Center, and other workshops she offers, people have found their village, and many continue to gather and create their own communities. “We have friendships that have come together and are meeting in people’s homes, but they started here,” Canterbury says. “People want experiences.” For Canterbury, the best thing about her store hasn’t been a specific fabric or vintage piece, but social bonding. “The community-building was the miraculous part. People needed each other so much more than I thought,” she says. “I didn’t realize how much people needed each other in this world.” Avery Gould, 32, a fiber artist and member of Monterey Knitting Social Club, learned how to spin by watching YouTube tutorials. After joining the spinning group at the Carmel Crafts Guild, she says her technique greatly Kris Nardello has been spinning for more than 50 years (at top and right, she demonstrates the walking wheel at Tor House in Carmel). A rug she wove is on the table (bottom left). Her advice to new learners: “Find a group.” The good news is there are many to choose from in Monterey County. DANIEL DREIFUSS DANIEL DREIFUSS DANIEL DREIFUSS
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjAzNjQ1NQ==