Fiber Fool

It is that time of year. The time when weekends are filled with festivals. There are sheep and wool festivals large and small across the country for the next several months along with county and state fairs and various historical re-enactments as well. This weekend is the Estes Park Wool Market here in Colorado and I can’t wait to attend and see favorite bloggers from near and far. Next weekend is the larger Black Sheep Gathering in the northwest. In May you couldn’t miss all the Maryland Sheep and Wool tales either, as well some smaller festivals in the northeast.

Vicariously Attend Fiber Festivals

I’m sure many of you are like me and lack the time and cash flow to attend all of these great wool-centric gatherings so I’m offering up a virtual tour of the May fiber festivals in this issue of Yarnival, so pour yourself your favorite beverage and vicariously attend this festivals with some of you fellow knit bloggers!

Of course the fiber festival season starts off with a bang - Maryland Sheep & Wool. Beth gives a nice prespective on how the festival has grown since the 1980’s. Treah gives a nice look at the sheep to shawl contest there as well a look at some of the animals. There was even a podcast about the event if you want to hear more about it. There is a first-timers point of view, along with the tale of a rather unusual bus rider. Spinnerella has a smattering of photos leaving you feeling as though you had been there in the flesh! Lastly, Alison shares her witty ABC’s of the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival.

In mid-May there was the New Hampshire Sheep and Wool Festival which was attended by Carole, Kim, and Sheepwoman. There is even an industry blog where you can see the results of some of the animal competitions!

Also in mid-May was the Shepherd’s Harvest Sheep and Wool Festival in Minnesota. Amy celebrated Mother’s Day at the festival with her youngest son. Harriet took a dyeing class with her mom! Little and Wee also spent Mother’s Day at the festival with her mom who sparked her love of fiber. There is a fun blow-by-blow of the sheep dog demos at Christy’s. Last, but not least, Chris has a grand time with some lambs in attendance.

Near the end of May there was the Snake Riber Fiber Fair in Idaho and Massachusetts Sheep and Wool Festival.

Margene and car load of other Utah bloggers headed to Idaho to attend the Snake River Fiber Fair. Melanie was also there and took part in a class, you can see that festival in her three part series of posts.

Maryse had a fabulous time at the Massachusetts festival. As did Erin and Bethe. Jessica captured several shots of the animals too!

Knitting As Tool, Humor, and Pride

For a heartwarming story, check out how Katinka’s autistic son uses his mother’s knitting skills to make a connection.

If it is humor you are looking for, check out Laura’s look at the 6 stages of knitting withdrawal. Peggy’s work in progress up and leaves her for an adventure of its own!

There were some beautiful finished knits this past month. Emma knit a beautiful beaded scarf for the exchange pal. Not quite in May, but we’ll call it close enough, Mandy designed some fabulous colorwork in the yoke of her completed cardigan. Mary took a leap and released her first written pattern, this one is free and is for a pair of socks. Jen was busy and completed a beautiful girl’s dress as well as an adult cardigan.

The World of Learning

Of course one of the great advantages of the world of fiber blogs is the ability to share knowledge with one another.

Amy’s social knitting led to a mistake which she managed to fix and now she shares her technique for fixing a nup.

For those of the spinning persuasion, Emily shares her inexpensive DIY drop spindle technique. It is a great way to try spindling without spending much.

Those spinners with a drum carder may enjoy Abby’s tutorial on making a tweed blend.

I hope you all have enjoyed checking out the links in this issue. It was fun to visit blogs new and old over the past month and be reminded how much great stuff there is out there in fiber blog land.

The next issue will be released on July 15th and is edited by Denise of Knitting Without Needles, so don’t forget to submit posts for inclusion in that issue.