The Fiber Fest Experience

The Blue Ridge Fiber Fest brings together farmer, vendors and fiber artists for a celebration of the fiber arts.

Schedule of Events:

Consignment Sale of used equipment

Thu, Jun 6, 2024 10:30 AM  Sat, Jun 8, 2024 4:30 PM

Fiber equipment such as spinning wheels, looms, drum carders, etc., will be accepted for consigned sale beginning on Thursday, June 6 at 10:00 AM.  Bring your piece to the fairgrounds and see June Abbott who will have you fill out a registration form.  The festival will take a 10% commission on each sale.  You set your price.   Looking for a gently used piece of equipment?   We will accept cash, check or credit card.

Fleece Sale

Fri, Jun 7, 2024 9:30 AM  Sat, Jun 8, 2024 4:00 PM

The Fleece Sale will be available to the public for purchasing local fleeces from farmers who may or may not be vendors at the fiber fest.  If you are a farmer but not a vendor, see our page marked “Fleece Sale” for the forms to fill out and include with your fleece.  The festival will take a 10% commission on each fleece sold.  Checks will be mailed to each farm the week following the festival.

Public Sheep Shearing

Saturday, June 8, 2024

8:30 AM  5:00 PM

Have a few sheep you’d like to get shorn? Public sheep shearing will be offered at the Fiber Fest on Saturday beginning at 8:30 AM (June 8, 2024)

Bring your flock, unload, get shorn, reload and be on your way.  

Registration is preferred. To register, please call or text Aaron Ray Tompkins, Cooperative Extension of Alleghany County, 336-363-4639 to let him know the number of animals you will bring.  He can give you cost, etc. at that time.

Schedule of Classes

Sparta United Methodist Church - 190 N Main St, Sparta, NC 28675

Friday, June 7, 2024

CROCHET CLASSES

9:00am to 12:00pm: THE VERSATILITY OF TUNISIAN CROCHET Beginner and beyond with Ilse Watkins

Discover the many uses of Tunisian crochet. Once thought only suitable for blankets and throws, we now use this technique for just about anything—including crocheted lace. It is a fast way of working since unlike knitting and ordinary crochet, you do not turn your work. This class will cover the basic Tunisian crochet stitch, variations, and the different applications of the technique. Once you learn the basics, the possibilities are endless.

Prerequisite skills: Basic crochet skills, can make a chain and work single crochet

Pre-class homework: None

Students bring: None, hooks will be provided by teacher

Materials fee: None—teacher will supply practice yarn, which can be taken home

Class fee: $45.00

1 to 12 students

1:00pm to 4:00pm: INTRODUCTION TO AMIGURUMI Beginner and beyond with Ilse Watkins

Amigurumi is the Japanese art of making small stuffed crochet creatures. Ami (crocheted or knitted), ku-rumi (wrapping). These are often little animals or dolls, but they can also be fantastical creatures. Whatever form they take, they are irresistibly cute. We will explore basic shapes, worked in one piece or sewn together. You will get the skills to tackle simple patterns along with helpful tips and hints. Amigurumi critters make great gifts for the children in your life, but you may just want to keep one for yourself.

Prerequisite skills: Knowledge of single crochet

Pre-class homework: None

Students bring: None, hooks will be provided by teacher

Materials fee: $15.00 for practice fiber

Class fee: $45.00

1 to 12 students

9:30am to 11:30am: NATURALLY DYEING All levels with Siobhan Booth

There is something magical about extracting color from plants, but the process can be a bit mysterious for people who have never worked through it. In this class you will learn the necessary steps of how to prepare your yarn for dyeing, you will mordant one skein of yarn, and then you will dye another skein of pre-mordanted yarn provided by the instructor. From a selection of flowers, you will choose your favorites, and layer your own mason jar to create a tonal, solar dyed skein of yarn. We’ll learn about what makes a good dye plant amd the chemicals and processes to create natural dyes. One skein of yarn, jar, dye materials, and mordant to be provided.

Prerequisite skills: None

Pre-class homework: None

Students bring: Old shirt or apron, one skein of white or cream yarn in wool, alpaca, mohair and/or silk.

Materials fee: None, all materials included in class price except one skein of yarn.

Class fee: $60.00

3 to 10 students

1:30pm to 3:30pm: SOCK BLANK ECO PRINTING All levels with Siobhan Booth

Eco printing is a natural dye process where flowers, leaves, and other bits of plants are used to leave shapes and marks on fabric. The plant materials are arranged on the fabric, which is then rolled into a bundle and steamed. Dyes contained within the plants transfer to the fabric creating vibrant and often unexpected results. In this class, you will be using white knitted sock blanks, which you can then unravel at home to knit, weave or crochet. Eco dyeing is always an adventure, but your adventure will continue at home when you use your unique yarn to create a special item.

Prerequisite skills: None

Pre-class homework: None

Students bring: None

Materials fee: $25.00 - pre-mordanted sock blank, flowers, plants, and dye materials, Steam pan for processing

sock blanks

Class fee: $60.00

3 to 10 students

EMBROIDERY CLASSES

9am to 12:00pm: HISTORICAL STITCHES: Introduction to Berlin Wool Work Beginner to Advanced with Shelagh Jessop

Spend a relaxing morning learning the basics of Berlin Wool Work with Stuart Moores Textiles' plant dyed wool embroidery floss and AIDA fabric. We will cover all of the basic stitches and techniques necessary to create a small motif inspired by 19th century Berlin Wool Work patterns in class. Each student will learn the basic skills to become proficient at cross stitch and needlepoint with wool embroidery floss.

Prerequisite skills: The ability to read a pattern and follow written and spoken instructions. Any previous needlework experience is a plus though not required. Not suitable for under 16 year olds.

Pre-class homework: None

Students bring: A pair of thread snips, a pair of tweezers, a craft light and glasses if students regularly need them and a seat cushion if students need one to sit for a long time.

Materials fee: $35.00 for for a complete kit to complete the project (to be paid to the instructor)

Class fee: $50.00

6 to 12 students

FELTING CLASSES

1:00pm to 5:00pm: NEEDLE FELT A SHEEP Beginner and Beyond with Irene Heckel-Volpe

In this class we will honor the animals that gives us our raw materials—sheep! We will make a sheep using traditional colors, learning to use wool locks to create its fleece. Different supplies will be available to make the legs. This is a great class for beginners, to needle felting, but it is also an opportunity for more advanced students to expand their sculptural skills.

Prerequisite skills: None

Pre-class homework: None

Students bring: Sense of humor

Class fee: $60.00

Materials fee: $15.00 payable to instructor

3 to 10 students

9:00am to 4:30pm (lunch break): NUNO FELTING Beginner to Advanced with Victoria Andrews

Nuno felting is a technique for making thin, flexible felted items. Fine fibers, including wool, alpaca, and mohair, are bonded to sheer fabrics. The result is a lightweight comfortably wearable item. Students will learn 3 different techniques of nuno felting and then make a fashionable scarf out of fine wool bonded to silk.

Prerequisite skills: None

Pre-class homework: None

Students bring: A basin for water , soap of their choice (Dawn dishwashing detergent is good), two bath towels, a sponge.

Materials fee: $20.00 (paid to the instructor)

Class fee: $75.00

2 to 6 students

KNITTING CLASSES

9:00am to 12:00pm: MAKE MINE MARLED—Advanced Beginner to Advanced with Amie Palmer

If one yarn is good, more must be better! Working with yarns held together creates endless color and texture options. Learn how to predict the weight class of the yarn combination and how to create or suppress characteristics in yarn you already own. Expand your design skills!

Note: Crocheters are welcome in this class, too.

Required skills: knit and purl stitch, cast on, cast off, and working in the round

Students bring:
Needles: Knitting needles of any type for medium weight yarn, straight or round needles
(usually about a US 7)

Homework: None

Materials fee: $10 (paid to instructor)

Class fee: $60.00

3 to 12 students

1:00pm to 4:00pm: SHORT ROW HAT CONSTRUCTION—Advanced Beginner to Advanced with Amie Palmer

The gorgeous Toph hat from Woolly Wormhead features an unusual short row construction and is a quick project packed with great new techniques that you'll see in many future patterns. This class will cover a provisional cast-on, German short-rows, reading knitting charts, and grafting. This class will help you enhance your knitting skills while making a cool hat.

Required skills: knit and purl stitch, cast on, cast off, and working in the round. Students should be comfortable following knitting patterns with knits, purls, increases and decreases.

Students bring:
Straight or any length circular needles in US size 3/3.25mm or size needed to obtain row gauge, an additional set of needles the same size or close to that size to practice grafting techniques, 3.25mm crochet hook, Approx. 3yd/3m waste yarn, 2 Colors of contrasting DK weight yarn (A: 137 yd, B: 112 yd), stitch markers, tapestry
needle

Homework: None

Materials Fee: $11.00 (paid to instructor)

Class fee: $60.00

3 to 12 students

2:00pm to 5:00pm: VIKING KNIT JEWELRY BASICS Beginner with Amanda Griffen

Viking Knit is a technique used to create beautiful, flexible chains by "knitting" wire around a mandrel or dowel. Learn the basics of this historical reverse engineered technique while making a lightweight, colorful bracelet! Students will leave class with a handmade bracelet and the basic tools to make more pieces of Viking Knit jewelry.

Prerequisite skills: Curiosity, patience, and a sense of humor

Pre-class homework: None

Students bring: Reading glasses, if needed for close-up work

Materials fee: $5 or $10, depending on tools chosen (Payable to the instructor)

Class fee: $45.00

3 to 6 students

2:30pm to 3:30pm: BEGINNING SPINNING ON A DROP SPINDLE Beginner with Chelsea Fehskins

Here is your chance to learn the centuries-old art of creating yarn on a wood drop spindle. You will learn the step by step spinning process for understanding and success. We will also cover some basics of wool types and preparation. Each student will leave with their mini yarn skein, spindle, and extra wool roving so that you can keep spinning.

Prerequisite skills: None

Pre-class homework: None

Students bring: All supplies provided by teacher

Materials fee: Drop spindle & fiber included in class fee

Class fee: $35.00

2 to 6 students

WEAVING CLASSES

9:00am to 1:00pm: INTRODUCTION TO INKLE LOOM WEAVING Beginner to Advanced with Roiana Buckmaster

Have you ever looked at the big harness looms and wondered if weaving was for you? This class is your chance to find out! We will use a mini inkle loom to explore weaving with a simple heddle system to create a basic warp-faced fabric that will introduce you to some of the principles used in weaving on the multiple harness looms. You will learn to warp your loom, tie heddles, create 2 different sheds to pass the shuttle through, how to keep your edges tidy, how to fix a broken warp thread, and how to begin and end your project. Class fee includes a handcrafted poplar wood loom and shuttle for you to keep, along with the yarn for your class project.

Prerequisite skills: None

Pre-class homework: None

Students bring: All supplies are provided by teacher including loom and shuttle FOR YOU TO KEEP (a $65.00 value). Additional materials for more bands are available for purchase after class, and you can upgrade to a different hardwood wood loom (selection varies) at the beginning of class for an additional $15.00 fee.

Materials fee: None

Class fee: $85.00

1 to10 students

9:00am to 12:00pm: TRI-LOOM WEAVING Beginner to Advanced with Jackie Martin

Weaving on a triangle loom is fun, creative, easy and quick. There is no elaborate planning and measuring process. Continuous strand weaving has no separate warp and weft but uses one continuous strand of yarn. This three hour class teaches the basics about weaving a plain weave pattern on a one foot triangle loom. Students can expect to make one sample triangle piece. More can be made later to join together for finished projects. Looms provided to students.

Prerequisite skills: None

Pre-class homework: None

Students bring:
• Yarn, at least 100 yards, variegated, rolled up into a ball for easier weaving. Typically, bulky wool fiber works the best for the first project. Do not get any mohair, fuzzy, lace, or cotton sock weight yarn as it is difficult to weave for your first project.
• Crochet or weaving hooks- preferably 5.25 mm/6-inch size or larger and 35 cm/14-inch hook. (Amazon has Susan Bates 14 inch silvalume aluminum afghan hook 5.5mm for inexpensive cost which works well).
• Scissors
• Hair Pic
• Blunt needle (like used in darning) optional
• Large empty coffee can or pot to put your rolled up yarn in (this helps not to have your yarn roll around).

Materials fee: $10.00 if using yarn from the instructor and $25.00 for loom if purchased (Payable to teacher)

Class fee: $50.00

3 to 10 students

1:00am to 2:00pm: CONTINUOUS STRAND WEAVING: A WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES Beginner to Advanced with Jackie Martin

Continuous Strand Weaving can be done on a triangle, square, or rectangle loom. Attend this presentation to see how to make such items as shawls, ponchos, cowls, throws or blankets, pillows or pocket books. Also see a square loom and items such as dish clothes or placemats made on them. The rectangle loom will also be shown and is wonderful for scarves. Come find out about these fun ways to use the loom you already have or to find a good reason to get something new and different.

Prerequisite skills: None

Pre-class homework: None

Students bring: Curiosity and a desire to learn more

Materials fee: None

Class fee: $16.00

3 to 12 students

Saturday June 8, 2024

CROCHET CLASSES

9:00am to 12:00pm: TUNISIAN CROCHET: BEYOND THE BASICS Advanced beginner and beyond with Ilse Watkins

This is a class for those who are familiar with Tunisian Crochet and are comfortable using it in simple projects like blankets, shawls, etc. and are ready for to move on. We will take a look at different techniques for increases and decreases as well as reading patterns, popular stitches like the honey comb, working in the round, helpful tips and tricks, different cast on options, how to avoid the curl and getting even edges, cables and color work.
Participants are encouraged to bring their questions and projects (started or intended) to class.

Prerequisite skills: Knowledge of basic Tunisian stitches

Pre-class homework: None

Students bring: None, hooks will be provided by teacher

Materials fee: None—teacher will supply practice yarn, which can be taken home

Class fee: $45.00

1 to 12 students

9:00am to 12:00pm: VERY BEGINNING CROCHET Beginner with DeAnna Hash

You have seen the beautiful crochet work done by your mothers, aunts, and grandmothers, but in our modern world have never had the opportunity to learn this craft. In this class we will start at the very beginning by learning a set of basic stitches. By combining these stitches you can create an infinite variety of items-garments, accessories, home decor, and more. Crochet is both an art and a craft. Begin your journey into the possibilities of crochet.

Prerequisite skills: None

Pre-class homework: None

Students bring: Simple crochet hook, medium-sized (G,H)

Materials fee: $5.00 for practice yarn

Class fee: $40.00

3 to 6 students

2:00pm to 3:00pm: LEARN TO READ CROCHET PATTERNS Advanced beginner with Siobhan Booth

You know basically how to crochet, but you have never made anything from a written pattern. If those sc’s and dc’s are confusing, this is the class for you. The objective of this class is to finally learn how to read all those crochet patterns you’ve been dying to try! Learn what a typical layout looks like, how to ready charts, abbreviations, and understand the general flow of a crochet pattern.

Prerequisite skills: Basic knowledge of crochet stitches

Pre-class homework: None

Students bring: A pattern that you have been thinking of trying

Materials fee: None

Class fee: $25.00

3 to 20 students

9:00am to 12:00pm: DYEING CLASSES (all dying classes will be held at the Fairgrounds)

INCREDIBLE ICE DYEING Beginner and beyond with Jessica Kauffman

The magic of ice dyeing is available to all, even beginners! Great if you have no dye experience or plenty. We’ll be working exclusively with fiber reactive dyes on cellulosic (plant) fibers. Dye clothing, home linens, yarn or fiber with these accessible, incredible methods. We will use real ice cubes to help the dyes “split” and create deep, varied, watercolor-like results that will stay colorfast and wash-proof for years to come.

Prerequisite skills: None

Pre-class homework: Pre-wash your items and dry without fabric softeners, washing machine is great. Blue Dawn makes a perfect scouring detergent. Instructor will bring all necessary supplies, plus will have some dyeable blanks on hand for purchase. Students may dye any fabric, yarn, or garments that are made from cellulose fibers. See this page for a complete list of what is dyeable: https://www.waxonstudio.com/cellulosefibers

Students bring: Please bring 2-3 items to dye. Must be made from 100% plant (cellulose) fibers. Light to medium weight items like t-shirts, cotton leggings, aprons, cloth napkins, etc., work great. Please no thick or heavy items (no jeans, canvas, sweats, etc).
A notepad for taking notes in class if desired. Comfy shoes for standing.
An apron or wear junk clothes.

Materials fee: $30.00—includes dyes, soda ash, containers, gloves, application tools, etc. (Payable to instructor)

Class fee: $60.00

6 to 12 students

1:00pm to 4:00pm: LOW WATER IMMERSION DYEING: EASY, FAST, AND FABULOUS Beginner and beyond with Jessica Kauffman

Low water immersion dyeing creates gorgeous crystalline patterns on fabric, without you having to do anything difficult or fancy! Learn how to create a liquid dye bath with fiber reactive dyes and activate it with soda ash, then plunge in your fabrics, and with this instructor’s tried and true methods, allow the dye-bath to do the work for you. What emerges the next day is always a wonder and a surprise. Folks will think you’re way more advanced than they need know! This method works on anything made from a cellulose (plant) fiber, and is great at covering stains. You do not need to start with something white! We can over-dye just about any light or medium tones. Nothing too large or heavyweight, please— think t-shirts, aprons, pillowcases, short window curtains, etc. Cotton/linen yarns work well. Wovens and knits are welcome, and both make great patterns!

Prerequisite skills: None

Pre-class homework: Pre-class homework: Pre-wash your items and dry without fabric softeners, washing machine is great. Blue Dawn makes a perfect scouring detergent. Instructor will bring all necessary supplies, plus will have some dyeable blanks on hand for purchase. Students may dye any fabric, yarn, or garments that are made from cellulose fibers. See this page for a complete list of what is dyeable: https://www.waxonstudio.com/cellulose-fibers

Students bring: Please bring 2-3 items to dye. Must be made from 100% plant (cellulose) fibers. Light to medium weight items like t-shirts, cotton leggings, aprons, cloth napkins, etc., work great. Please no thick or heavy items (no jeans, canvas, sweats, etc).
A notepad for taking notes in class if desired.
Comfy shoes for standing.
An apron or wear junk clothes.

Materials fee: $20.00—includes dyes, soda ash, containers, gloves, application tools, etc. (Payable to instructor)

Class fee: $60.00

6 to 12 students

10:00 am to 11:00 am: WOOLY WORLD OF WESTKNITS with Stephen West

Join Stephen as he welcomes you into his colorful woolly world of Westknits. In this 1 hour 15-minute Zoom presentation, Stephen will discuss how he chooses his color palettes and share secrets for how to make your palettes pop. This live presentation hosted on Zoom will be a visual feast for the eyes while Stephen gives you an up-close look at many of his most popular design samples. We will discuss how to create successful color palettes for Marled knitting, Faded knitting, and graphic stripes and slip stitches. You will learn a few of Stephen’s color-changing tricks and color planning strategies to gain
more confidence with your own knitting projects.

Class fee: $15.00

Seating limited to 50.

MISCELLANEOUS CLASSES

1:00pm to 4:00pm: BEGINNING SHUTTLE TATTING. Beginner to Advanced with Roinana Buckmaster

Learn a simple method of tatting for beginners, that takes the mystery out of this wonderful lace form. In this class, students will learn the two halves of the tatting stitch, making a picot for decoration, making a ring and joining rings - all while creating a butterfly pin. Materials are provided as well as a tatting shuttle for students to keep. Class size is kept small for plenty of individual instruction.

Prerequisite skills: None

Pre-class homework: None

Students bring: None

Materials fee: None

Class fee: $55.00

2 to 8 students

SPINNING CLASSES

9:00am to 12:00pm: BEGINNING WHEEL SPINNING Beginner with Sue Duncan

Have you ever wondered how yarn is made? Twist the fibers and you will make yarn. Learn the basics of a spinning wheel. Different types of wheels will be provided for you in class., but if you have your own, please bring it. Learn how to draft the fibers and allow the twisted fibers to slide through your fingers onto the spool. You will make yarn right before your eyes. It is magic.

Prerequisite skills: None

Pre-class homework: None

Students bring: Patience and excitement. Bring your own wheel if you have one, but please try to see that it is in

good operating condition. If you would like, bring some prepared fiber of your own.

Materials fee: None. A sample box of fibers will be provided for each student.

Class fee: $55.00

3 to 6 students, 7 if one student can bring a wheel

2:30pm to 3:30pm: BEGINNING SPINNING ON A DROP SPINDLE Beginner with Chelsea Fehskins

Here is your chance to learn the centuries-old art of creating yarn on a wood drop spindle. You will learn the step by step spinning process for understanding and success. We will also cover some basics of wool types and preparation. Each student will leave with their mini yarn skein, spindle, and extra wool roving so that you can keep spinning.

Prerequisite skills: None

Pre-class homework: None

Students bring: All supplies provided by teacher

Materials fee: Drop spindle & fiber included in class fee

Class fee: $35.00

2 to 6 students

1:00pm to 3:00pm: BASIC SPINNING “OFF THE TIP” Beginner beyond with Deborah Tilson Clark

Spinning is a process of twisting flexible fibers together into stronger, continuous lengths. The first human spinners accomplished this work using only their hands. but soon they invented tools to help them spin more efficiently and with more consistent results. For millennia, these tools were variations of a stick-and-weight: the
stick was a place to store the twisted fibers and the weight on the stick provided momentum that transferred twist to the fiber. The twisting took place at the tip of the stick, and so, handspinning on all early spinning tools around the world is called, collectively, spinning “off the tip.” Many modern fiber artists find that spinning “off the tip” leads to more enjoyment of advanced spinning tools such as treadle wheels. Others find that the greater control and slower pace of off the tip spinning is the only kind of fiber production they want to do. Either way, in this class we will explore a variety of spindles including drop spindles, bedeezi (Navajo) spindles, charka spinners, “walking” wheels, and electric spinners for learning beginning skills or just sampling the spinning process.

Prerequisite skills: None

Pre-class homework: None

Students bring: Curiosity and an interest in historic spinning methods

Materials fee: $15.00 for practice fiber

Class fee: $40.00

3 to 6 students

Date: June 7-8, 2024

Time: 9 AM to 5 PM both days

Location: Justice Carlisle Higgins Fairgrounds and Agricultural Center - 1375 US-21, Sparta, NC 28675

Cost: Free

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