Fiber is a large part of my life. I have been spinning for about twenty years give or take and weaving on and off for about fifteen give or take. I also knit and but don't crochet. Somehow it never flipped my creative switch like knitting did. I also have done my share of fiber preparation from raising sheep to skirting, washing and processing my own yarn. But as much fun as all those endeavors are one of my two favorite fibery activities is fiber workshops. I also love to demo spinning at events because I firmly believe that we need to pass this craft on to the next generation or be prepared to loose it forever.
I think the commonalities in those two events are what makes them my favorite fiber activities. They are a combination of education and socialization. In one venue we are the educators and in the other we are the students. On August 26th I had the pleasure of enjoying the company of fourteen other spinners to soak up the knowledge and magic of Stephenie Gaustad in her presentation of Productive Spinners Workshop. Stephenie is half of the dynamic duo of Guastad and Amos.
http://gaustad.blogspot.com/
When Alden Amos passed the fiber world lost more than a skilled wheel maker and what he left the spinning world could fill volumes. Stephenie is a skilled fiber artist and a top notch teacher who brings brilliance , tricks of the trade , dry humor and magic to her classes. She is also a sweet and gentle soul. Everyone passionate about fiber should take at least one, two or more of her classes. Well worth your time without question.
These ladies are beaming and their faces reflect the theme of the day "we are here to learn and have a wonderfilled time!" And we did from eight in the morning until five in the afternoon. And everyone of the participants (all of different skill levels) left with more knowledge and tricks of the trade than they came with. As organizer of this event I was told countless times from these ladies what a great day it was and how they were already looking forward to the next workshop.
Flash forward to September 9th and the Tehema County Historical Society Jubilee. My neighbor Janet and I had the pleasure of being the teachers at this event for the second time. We spun from nine in the morning until two in the afternoon as guest of the Tehema County Spinners and Fiber Arts Group.
Paula was demonstrating the great wheel aka walking wheel.
Trinna in front of the group banner working on a early 1900 hundred counter balance loom that was restored by Colleen Harvey Arrison a group member.
Trianna again at the loom chatting with young man who was mesmerized with the weaving process. His Dad to the left was once a sheep shearer. Below what is on Trianna's loom.
I am very excited that we have one more demo day in September . We will once again gather at Arapaho Rose Alpaca's to participate in the nationally celebrated Alpaca Farm Days.
National Alpaca Farm Days
It's Fun and it's FREE!
Saturday, September 30, 2017 10 am - 4 pm
Join us for our 6th
annual open house on National Alpaca Farm Days. We are joining alpaca
ranchers across the US and Canada opening our ranch so you can meet the
alpacas face to face. Walk through our pastures and experience the
gentle nature of our alpacas.
Bring
your camera to take pictures with the alpacas. Learn about the alpaca
and the life style directly from your local alpaca ranchers. Watch
demonstrations of spinning, weaving and other fiber activities.
Start your holiday shopping early in our boutique where you'll find alpaca apparel and products.
Bring your knitting or crocheting and join us for the afternoon.
