Kathy Sparks has been involved with fiber in some way, shape or form for the past 45 years. She honed her craft both by earning a Master’s Degree in Dye Chemistry from Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA, as well as studying with and learning from other artists. A retired instructor at the college level, Kathy has taught biology, chemistry and geology for 29 years, but now devotes herself to fiber art full time.

As Kathy’s work evolved, it began to focus on historic techniques or the use of traditional materials. She has traveled extensively on 5 continents, researching dyes and fiber arts. The yarns she creates, often are dyed using ancient natural dyes such or dyes extracted from plants harvested from nature. She is the author of 3 books, including “The Song of the Muskox” about the animals and the qiviut fiber, traditional natural dyes, especially lichens, and the knitted designs of Dorothy Reade. Her numerous articles have been published in Color Trends, Spin Off, Ply Magazine and Rug Hooking Magazine. Kathy has taught many workshops over the years and enjoys discovering what wonders are out there ….especially those in the dye pot.

Email Kathy at elmshootfarm@gmail.com