Thursday, May 19, 2016

"THE" pond.....

fiber fest......

5/15... The New Hampshire Wool and Fiber festival... usually this event happens on Mother's Day weekend... and since our weekend was jammed packed, I figured I would be missing it this year. But, I saw that it wasn't on Mother's day this year, it was this weekend... and even though we were jammed packed with things to do.. we took some time to go out and see it. One of my goals is to learn more (and do more) with wools and fibers... so, I love going even though I really don't know "what" I'm seeing. Spinning is on the list of things to learn, and I've dabbled in it, but haven't taken the time (yet) to really learn it. I do love the looks of a spinning wheel... especially the traditional ones....
Of course "everything" is here... from the knitting supplies to weaving. I haven't been taken by the "weaving bug"..but friends who do it love it, and they can create the most wonderful things. 
I was really on the hunt for roving. I like to do felting and make the dryer balls.... Kass has asked for some because when Calvin goes into cloth diapers.. the dryer balls can be used in the dryer..... you can't use the dryer sheets, because they ruin the diapers, so the dryer balls are nice. I need to make a few for myself, and I have had other requests from my sisters for them... so.. I best get at this project...
I thought this was a clever item.... roving punched into a basket and making this hanging. I think it's a poodle... though I suppose it could also be a sheep... but either way... nice idea....

And then, of course, the animals.... when we first moved to the farm, I kind of thought I would have some type of fiber animals.  Honestly though, they are a bit of care and I can just as easily buy any of the fiber things I need without the care of the animal.... so... more and more not likely they will join our farm.. but I still can appreciate them....

This lady was doing a demo with angora rabbits.... there's more to it then one would think. The biggest part is having the rabbit be still when grooming for his fiber... she showed how you can do it from your lap....
or a bunny grooming table!!!! He's a good bunny not to be hopping about!!!!
Alpaca are pretty popular around here. You see them way more than llamas..... not sure if it's their size or temperament or even fiber as to why people choose them. But they're certainly not unusual....

Even though the day was rather cold and very windy.. there was good food, wonderful things to see and do.. and 4H kiddos showing off their animals. Just a nice break from what is seeming like our extremely crazy schedule these days... and of course, other crafts and idea for things to learn about....