Andrea Lyn Van Benschoten

Name: Andrea Lyn Van Benschoten

Age: 38

Location: Rockaway, NJ

Profession: Seach Engine Optimization Analyst

Craft(s) of Choice: Crochet, Yarn Spinning, Needle Felting, Wet Felting

Blog: http://thefiberforum.com

Since I was a child, I always wanted to learn to crochet. My grandmother tried to teach me, but like most children, I didn’t have the required attention to learn. After she passed away, I wished I had learned from her and it is one of the regrets of my life. I did learn in 2000 and have been addicted ever since! I tried knitting, but it just didn’t “speak” to me the way crochet did. Probably because of the connection to my grandmother.

As I continued to improve my skills, I decided to give yarn spinning a try, first with a spindle, then with a wheel. When my husband told me to pick out a wheel to purchase, I did lots of research. When I narrowed down my choices, I showed him photos of them. He immediately picked the Majacraft Rose. It is a beautiful piece of equipment and has a rose etched into the wood. It is a perfect tribute to my grandmother, since Rose was her name. As I feel the fiber move through my fingers to create yarn, I always feel my grandmother’s spirit nearby guiding me.

To take my “fiber addiction” even further, I took some of that roving I use for spinning and decided to give felting a try. I love it and have created many items and received several blue ribbons at the New Jersey state fair. I have made many life-long friends through my fiber journey and am grateful for every one!