PDX Profile: Adrienne Shaffer, of Mmm...Fiber

It won't be long before it's Scarf Season again - which makes me happy, because I love pretty scarves. So does Adrienne Shaffer, who makes lots of them under the most-excellent name of Mmm...Fiber. I love her use of rich, tasty colors!

Take a look at Adrienne's Etsy shop, or keep up with her on her blog. If you're interested in Etsy, then you might want to read this Storque interview with Adrienne, too.

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How did you come to start your business?
When I first moved to Portland, I picked up knitting and crocheting again after many years and took some classes as a way to get to know people. I happened to work in an office that was freezing all the time, so I crocheted some scarflettes to wear at my desk and they were a big hit with my co-workers. I made a few more and sent them to my friends as market research. They loved them as well, and Mmm…Fiber! was born!

What kinds of things inspire your work?
Colors! I love to create with color. The brighter the better! I am also inspired by interesting fibers, shapes and learning new crochet stitches all the time.

You're one of the earliest Etsy sellers. So how has the Etsy.com world changed since you began there?
Etsy has grown so fast in such a short period of time! I am amazed. The biggest change has been the inevitable move away from a close-knit community of sellers and administrators who all "knew" each other, to a more corporate-like structure. I still think it's a great site and have to give credit to all the people who have been dealing with such an explosion of growth, but I have to admit to feeling a bit of nostalgia for the smaller days. It was amazing to be there at the beginning of something so new and exciting.

What are the elements that make a really excellent scarf?
Scarves are an excellent way to express yourself on a small scale. I like the idea of a bright colored, funky scarf worn with a buttoned-up business outfit. Of course, it also needs to serve its intended purpose, to keep you warm! Something fun and unique that feels good and is also functional - that is the perfect scarf in my book!!

How do you define the difference between "Art" and "Craft?"
Before I was a part of the "crafty community", I had a very simplistic view – Art is something to be looked at and Craft is something to be used. Since being more involved in the world of art & craft, I've found that art does not have to be so static, and crafts are beautiful works of art as well. I do still hold on to that distinction of the utility of craft items, however.

What are some of your favorite creative spots in Portland?
I live near the Alberta Arts District and enjoy wandering around there seeing all the amazing things people do. Portland is such a creative place in general, I am always finding inspiration just living here and soaking up the crafty vibes! I also love the Museum of Contemporary Craft downtown, of course, and the Portland Art Museum.