Fiber Christmas in July 2013

Oh, what a weekend! As one of the organizers behind Fiber Christmas, I take much pride in offering small fiber businesses a place to come together once a year in a relaxed and supportive environment. Our goal is to connect those who have a fashion for fibers arts whether that be knitting and crochet, spinning and weaving, or even felting. Though each is its own category, there is an invisible connection between them all in which techniques can cross genres. For example, knitters can use certain crochet techniques to finish the edges of objects, or a weaver can change the look of a woven fabric by understanding the bias of the active twist of a yarn when woven.

The being said, many times a person does not realize that these techniques and tools can be intermixed. This is where a fiber festival like Fiber Christmas steps in. It brings together the different types of fiber arts to share knowledge, tools, and supplies in one location. The joyous part of Fiber Christmas is that the vendors are like a family. We each have our own strengths and weaknesses and will gladly point you in the right direction when you're looking for something specific. By supporting each other, we can a strong and active community filled with continued growth and respect.

So, what does that mean for those who visit? They become incorporated in our fiber family. They learn through exposure to some of the best artists we can bring in. They are able to purchase things they would normally never see in person. With this added value, I see returning friends year after year with new and exciting projects and ideas that expand our ideas.

Some photo highlights for you all.

3rd Annual Arkansas Fiberarts Extravaganza

This past weekend, I had the absolute pleasure to vend at the Arkansas Fiberarts Festival on Mt. Magazine. The chairs abounded with knitters, crocheters, spinners, dyers, and every other walk of fiber life. I wish I had gotten a picture of the hallway that was lined with gentlemen and ladies working on projects. There were about 50 at one point!


Pleased to have such a variety of vendors as well, I actually didn't get to shop around due to the fact that I was so busy at my own booth. I did, however, obtain a ball of hand-dyed worsted weight yarn from Mad Science Creations that is a stunning dark blue and black. I also bartered for a neat project bag for socks.


Jane and I spent a little time showing new spinners how to use a wheel. I love sitting around such a variety of wheels and comparing and contrasting. Fiber Festivals are the only place I get hands-on testing of otherwise an unattainable variety of wheels.


Here's my new Jordana Paige Knitter's bag shot with the view from our cabin. As you can see, it was stunning to wake up every morning to such a sight, and gave me plenty of inspiration to spin.

To those who have never attended a festival, I would highly recommend getting yourself to one. They are worth every drop of gas to be among such wonderful and fun individuals that make what we do a pleasure.