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Immerse Yourself in Fiber
Fair weather is beckoning, leading many to make plans that involve the open road. Your time off is precious. If you’re going to get away, why not immerse yourself in a favorite activity? This is just the start of fiber fest season, and signing up for a workshop well before your departure is always wise.
Before you take your leave for all things fiber, you’ll want to weave up something special to wear on your adventure. Treenway’s cotton/silk blend scarf kit is just the thing. This silky, summery huck-lace scarf is the perfect accessory for the perfect summertime fiber adventure.
Wisconsin’s Rites of Spring Fiber Frolic April 29, 30 and May 1. Retailers, restauranteurs, and farms host adventurous fiber enthusiasts along a bucolic route nestled around the shores of Lake Winnebago and the central-west shoreline of Lake Michigan. You need only put the locations in your GPS, and enjoy the picturesque ride from one fiber stop to another.
Maine Fiber Frolic: June 4/5. Just east of Augusta, the small village of Windsor, Maine has been honoring fiber for sixteen years. Join in the celebration with other devotees, and see the fiber industry from every angle. From felting, to spinning, to sheep dog trials, this Northeast tradition has it covered.
Flag Wool & Fiber Festival, Flagstaff, AZ: June 4/5. Free to the public, the offerings at this Arizona Historical Society sponsored event include raw fiber, processed and dyed fiber, handspun and mill spun yarns, kits, tools, equipment and thoughtfully made goods. Several workshops, along with a fiber arts competition, round out this tactile and engaging experience.
Black Sheep Gathering, Eugene, OR: June 24-26. During this late June weekend, the Lane County Fairgrounds become a mecca for fiber fans throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. An atmosphere of fellowship and fun is the name of the game at this 42-year-old fiber celebration. The classes offered over three days are part of a truly ample curriculum that will expand your skills and leave you wanting more.
Stay On Top of Your Game
Your experience hasn’t come to an end just because your trip is over. You’re ready to try new projects with the know-how achieved at the festival workshop that you carefully selected. If you feel yourself losing momentum, there are resources to keep you on track. Marshfield School of Weaving: Located in Vermont, Marshfield was founded in 1974 by Norman Kennedy who learned his trade from the last of the professional hand weavers in Aberdeen, Scotland following the Second World War. Kate Smith, who began her instruction under Norman in 1979, currently runs the school and teaches with a variety of instructors. Beginning and advanced students set the pace and direction of their learning experience in classes that range from a few days to several weeks.
Harrisville Designs: As one of a handful of woolen mills left in this country, Harrisville's textile tradition is rich and dates back to 1794. The village of Harrisville was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977. It is recognized as the only 18th century textile village in America that survives in its original form. Join the passionate team at Harrisville for one of their workshops – you will be learning from a family that has been in textiles since the mid-1800’s.