Our seventh issue explores the south coast of British Columbia, from the cityscapes and waterfronts of Vancouver, to the historical architecture and cobblestones of Victoria, to the natural beauty of Salt Spring and Pender Islands. Conifers and craggy mountaintops, ocean beaches and pristine lakes, and beavers, seals, otters, deer, and other wildlife surround us as we travel throughout the region to meet hand crafting artisans.

By Hand chats with knitwear designers Shannon Cook, Sylvia McFadden, and Andrea Rangel about their materials, their sources of inspiration, and what they’ve been working on lately; meets the alpacas of Hinterland Yarn at their new home on Pender Island; watches Bling Squared work their magic with glass rods and a torch; and marvels as the artist behind NanC Fibre Art Studio turns roving into lifelike animals with personality and character. We explore the amazing textile world of Maiwa Handprints while sampling goodies from the Granville Island Public Market, and wander through Salt Spring Island Saturday market before watching Julie Mackinnon work her magic at the pottery wheel. We tour LYS 88 Stitches and talk yarn dyeing with the creative force behind Sweet Fiber Yarn, are enchanted by the handsewn creations of Billoo Boutique, spend an inspiring afternoon in the sunlit studio amongst the fibers and looms of Woven Wares, and marvel at the saturated colors of SweetGeorgia Yarns. Along the way, we hike, kayak, and sail the bluffs and waterways of the Strait of Georgia and are thoroughly enchanted by beautiful British Columbia and the makers who are lucky enough to call it their home.

eBook published in September 2018 by By Hand Serial: Making Communities

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