Tammy Riddle | Topo Fiberworks

Welcome!

There are tons of ways to tell a story and, like my fiber work, my story is a continuous strand of life experience, the love of art, science and experimentation and new creations still rooted in history and tradition. My grandmother taught me how to crochet and sew. She had a room in the back of her home that was overflowing with cloth, yarn, and patterns. It was a storage and craft room but mostly, it was a birthing room of sorts. I spent so many of my days back there. My interests and skills were being developed and curiosity was piqued. As I grew, I continued to create and build a “back room” of my own.

I graduated from the Colorado Institute of Art in Denver, Colorado with a degree in Visual Communications and eventually pursued my other passion...science. I graduated with a BS degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry from Colorado State University - Pueblo. I continued my education and have worked in the clinical lab for many years.

My husband, James was vital in encouraging me to return to my creative roots and dig deeper down the rabbit hole. Something else was brewing as well. I’m an avid hiker and nature enthusiast, but more importantly, I want my daughter to have a beautiful world to live in. I wanted to learn how to support our planet and live abundantly without exhausting our limited resources. I wanted to learn how to support my community and maintain a lifestyle within a close parameter where my family can thrive rather than depend on distant imports. But can that be done? Can it be done in the textile industry? I’m finding the answer to that and it’s a positive and ongoing vision that I found I share with many others.

A little at a time I tweaked my daily habits. I’m still working on it. I’m still trying to figure things out, just like you. However, with research and experimentation, with connections to others that share this vision, I have come across small ways to contribute in it becoming a reality. Starting with fiber and a philosophy of ‘recycle what you can, support small business always and build the community you admire,’ I want to support others in building a change in our thinking and living habits. I want to be a part of the movement that builds and shapes our fiber landscape. With the encouragement of my family and friends, Topo Fiberworks was created as a means to imagine, explore and share this journey.

Topo Fiberworks offers recycled and revived fashion and textiles, up-cycled and cottage farm yarn and roving, as well as several other items to allow us all to walk a little kinder on this Earth. I hope you enjoy and visit us often.

Thank you!,

Tammy