by Sarabeth Parido
Guests flocked into Millersburg for the first ever Fall Craft and Fleece Faire hosted by The Kentucky Natural Fiber Center and Kentucky Wool Works. What started off as a fleece sale grew into a full fall event for the Fiber Center. Nine vendors, three workshops, a craft swap and fleece sale rounded out the weekend.
The vendors ranged in variety, from raw and processed fiber to quilts and felted animals; there was something for every fiber enthusiast. Some guests came in from far and wide for a day trip. “It was a great opportunity to have a girl’s day and do some yarn shopping” said one guest who drove over from Louisville for the day.
Our workshops were taught by Sarabeth Parido, Kristy Sturgill and Julie Adams. Sarabeth taught a Fiber Tool Toy Box class where participants played with fiber processing and the small scale tools that one can use at home. New appreciation for the work it takes to process fiber from start to finish was acquired as the class tried each fiber tool. Kristy Sturgill taught a beginner’s “make-and-take” felting class called “Spheres of Whimsy” where students felted wool onto a styrofoam ball, making a colorful, fun ornament for decoration. On Sunday, Julie Adams once again thrilled the Center with a new felted class. While Julie is known for her needle felted creatures, she taught a wet felted pumpkin class, creating the perfect fall decor with her students. Each teacher plans to teach more classes at the center heading into the holidays- be watching the upcoming class schedule on the Fiber Center’s website: www.kentuckynaturalfiber.com/workshops.
The craft swap was a successful venture, allowing crafters to swap out some well intended craft supplies in trade for something entirely new to them. Once everyone had traded what they wanted, the swap was open to the public where they were able to purchase a bag and fill it with remaining items. “I’m so excited for the yarn I got. I never expected to find stuff like this. I have so many things I’m going to bring to swap next year!” giggled Kathy Milans who eagerly waited for the swap to be opened to the public.
The fleece sale was a great success with many of the fleeces finding new homes and not returning to the wool producers' farms! “I can’t resist a good fleece,” said Cate Edwards, owner of Edward’s Wool Works, Kentucky’s newest wool mill. Many breeds were represented and several of the fleeces still boasted ribbons from their winnings at the Kentucky Sheep and Fiber Festival in May.
The Kentucky Natural Fiber Center exists to provide a place for wool producers and others to expand their knowledge and skill in fiber processing and fiber arts. More information can be found on their website: www.kentuckynaturalfiber.com
Sarabeth Parido, is the Director of the Kentucky Sheep and Fiber Festival and The Kentucky Fiber Trail. She raises her own small flock of sheep in Clark County, Kentucky along with her husband and four sons.