Fiber Festivals

As spring approaches, we are reminded of the upcoming fiber festivals around the country.  For fiber lovers, a festival is more than a setting for buying and selling materials—it’s a gathering place where artisans, designers, farmers, and friends come together to teach, learn, share, and celebrate this timeless art in a unique 21^st-century marketplace.

Whether you are an avid attendee or simply wanting some festival inspiration, grab a copy of Joanne Seiff’s Fiber Gathering: Knit, Crochet, Spin, and Dye More than 25 Projects Inspired by America’s Festivals. Joanne highlights eleven fiber events throughout the U.S. and gives you a taste of what each has to offer through photography, essays, lore, and even a local recipe. On top of that, talented designers have contributed patterns using fibers that are ubiquitous to each festival.

Safe travels to everyone Maryland-bound next weekend!  

2012 Fiber Festivals

Northeast

• Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival, West Friendship, MD, May 5-6
  http://www.sheepandwool.org/ 
• New York State Sheep & Wool Festival, Rhinebeck, NY, October 20-21
  http://www.sheepandwool.com/
• New Hampshire Sheep & Wool Festival, Deerfield, NH, May 12-13
  http://www.nhswga.com/sheep-and-wool-festival

 South

• Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair, Fletcher, NC, October 26-28
  http://www.saffsite.org/
• The Tennessee State Fair, Nashville, TN, September 7-16
  http://tennesseestatefair.org/

Midwest

• Michigan Fiber Festival, Allegan, MI, August 18-19
  http://www.michiganfiberfestival.info/

 West

• Black Sheep Gathering, Eugene, OR, June 22-24
  http://www.blacksheepgathering.org/
• Estes Park Wool Market, Estes Park, CO, June 9-10
  http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?c=Page&childpagename=TownofEstesPark%2FCBONLayout&cid=1251609816602&pagename=CBONWrapper
• The Wool Festival at Taos, Taos, NM, October 6-7
  http://www.taoswoolfestival.org/