Local Fiber Festivals
Ashley Martineau
It is that time of year, and thoughts go to...fresh fleece! We are fortunate to live in New England, home of many wonderful fiber festivals. I have compiled a list of local/popular festivals with dates and information to help you plan. Some of the MadWoolers are headed next weekend to the mother of all fiber festivals, Maryland Sheep and Wool! I will post updates and pictures on the Facebook page so you can join in on the fun. This weekend starts the festival season off, right here in CT with Connecticut Sheep and Wool Festival( http://www.ctsheep.org/sheep_and_wool_festival) Saturday, April 25, 2015 9 am-4 pm. This is a great local festival with some great finds, plus education- demonstrations on shearing and sheep dog herding. It's chilly, but a great time and the chance to get your first fresh fleeces!
Here is a handy list and links of some other upcoming festivals- get out and support these wonderful farms and artisans! Something is going on every weekend, so there is a chance to get to something. And if not, you know a shop that will be packed to the gills with yarn and fiber....
2015 Fiber Festivals
May 2-3: Maryland Sheep and Wool Festivalhttp://www.sheepandwool.org
May 9-10: New Hampshire Sheep and Wool Festival http://www.nhswga.com
May 16: Rhode Island Wool and Fiber Festival http://www.coggeshallfarm.org
May 16-17: Long Island Fleece and Fiber Fair http://www.hallockville.com/fleece-and-fiber-fair
May 23-24: Massachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Fairhttp://www.masheepwool.org
September 9-13: Fiber College of Mainehttp://www.fibercollege.org
I will add to this as more events get added. Besides shopping at Maryland Sheep and Wool (personal and for the shop, of course!) I will be judging handspun yarn again at Mass. Sheep and Wool. This is a sweet little festival, held Memorial Day weekend.