Zanny Cox, aka Zanny Adornments, is an artist who creates handwoven fiber art and handcrafted jewelry. Zanny draws on her multicultural heritage and history to influence her art practice. She acknowledges the significance of preserving the historical element of her craft and aims to continue this dialogue in her pieces. Her work is an approach to ancient craft with a modern aesthetic, a tangible expression in the boundaries of art, culture, and fashion. Every element of her craft tells a story. She believes the process is just as important as the final design.
What system do you use to organize your yarn?
Mostly by fiber type. I also try to keep the same tones together.
What furniture/storage systems do you use to organize your yarn?
An old cedar wood armoire that was my grandmothers. I like the cedar because it helps keep away pests from my yarn stash.
How do you like to de-stash?
Yarn swaps are so fun! I have participated in a few rounds of Fibreshare. I use a lot of leftover yarn for my weaving classes. That way my students are able to play with a variety of yarns+textures.
More often than not, what colors are always in your office/yarn corner?
Definitely warm tones. Desert colors; think rusts, terra cotta, peachy pinks, sand, etc. The beauty of the desert inspires much of my work.
Do you like to work in the same space where your yarn is stored? Why or why not?
Yes and no. I have a room dedicated to my yarn storage and looms, but since the pandemic my husband had to move his office in there, so now we share that space. My floor loom is permanently in there next to my yarn, but to save space I had to move my larger tapestry looms to another room. So sometimes I work there if my project is on my floor loom. On a nice day I really love to work outside, and will move my tapestry looms to my backyard to weave.
When you are working on a project, do you have a specific spot you put it when you aren't working on it, or does it follow you around beyond your space?
I like to carry whatever yarn I am currently using in little woven baskets; it's easy and portable for me to take wherever I am weaving.
Was the majority of your yarn bought with a project idea in mind?
Not really; if I see a certain color or texture, I will most definitely snatch it up because I know I will feel called to weave with it at some point. For certain commissions, yes, I will purchase yarn for that specific project.
Do you or have you ever found it difficult to manage/organize your yarn?
Yes, but I am getting better at it!
How did you find an organization system that works for you?
I arranged my yarn by type and tone. Cool colors together, warm colors together. Wool together, plant fibers together, you get the idea lol.
How important is a well-organized yarn corner/office to your mental wellbeing?
I like to have it organized when I begin a new project, but by the end of it, it’s usually chaos. I will reorganize before the next weaving begins, it's like a fresh start for me! I can't feel inspired to start unless my yarn is tidy.
Where did you purchase everything shown in your photos?
I like to work with natural fibers, specifically Navajo Churro Wool, and I try to purchase that from small independant farms and shops. I love supporting small yarn businesses and they usually carry unique fibers you can't find just anywhere. My floor loom is rather old and was gifted to me by a lady who was downsizing her home. Both of my tapestry looms are handmade by a local carpenter. Most of my tools are also purchased from local artisans.
Do you have any tips or advice you have for someone who is trying to reorganize their stash? I
Don’t get overwhelmed! Maybe just start by organizing by primary colors. You can always delve deeper into it once you have a basic organization.
Are there any current projects or promotions you'd like to share?
I’m working on a few large scale commissions I am really excited about. And collaborating on a blanket design with an artisan collective in Mexico :)
Photos courtesy of Zanny Cox.