January 2024 Show Program (3)

WAFA

Virtual FIBER FESTIVAL January 24, 25, 26

LIVE http://facebook.com/woolandfiberart

MEET THE TEAM Without our team, none of this would be possible!

Founder Ellen Zawada; Owner of Wool and Fiber Arts LLC Vendor Team - Heather Campbell, Lorna Violet (Mentor Program), Jean Story, Danielle Lefor Wallace Customer Team -(anything that happens publicly in WAFA) - Erika Lindgren, Heather Campbell, Lizette Hopkins (craft-along), Mary Dillon, Katelyn Dunn, Jessica Holt Pack, Amy Olshewski Bowling Marketing Team - Raven Reynolds (social Media) Ellen Zawada, Tedi Jansen Inclusivity Team - Liza Q. Wirtz, Alaura Pittman, TeDi Jansen, Vidya Gopalakrishna Travis, Maddy McLendon Education Team TeDi Jansen, Alanna Wilcox

Wool and Fiber Arts Show Program Editor in Chief Graphic Design Ellen Zawada Tedi Jansen

Vendor Schedule Pages 4-8 Vendor Interview with Toni Unick Gruits Page 10-11 How Much Fiber Do You Need?

Page 18-19 Spinning Tips With Alanna - Silk Page 26 Vendor Guide Page 37-43

Rachel M Post

Palette of the Month

Crafted by Locals

Jessie Javete Fiber Arts

Merino y Vino

Photo by Molly Gose

Fiber Gnome

Charmed Fibers

WOOL AND FIBER ARTS

FIBER FESTIVAL s ' y a d i Fr ule d e h 24th Sc Vendor

Category

Location

11:00 am/8:00 am Crafted By Locals

Indie Dyer

Texas

11:30 am/8:30 am Harvest Hill Acres

Farm - Romeldale

Minnesota

12:00 pm/9:00 am Heavenly Oaks Alpacas, LLC

Farm - Alpaca

Florida

12:30 pm/9:30 am Dunn Spunn

Indie Dyer

Tennessee

1:00 pm/10:00 am DancinWoods Alpacas

Farm - alpaca

Iowa

1:30 pm/10:30 am Annie Morton Designs

Project Bags

Tennessee

2:00 pm/11:00 am Curly C'ewes

Indie Dyer

Oregon

2:30 pm/11:30 am Ross Farm Mercantile

Farm - Sheep

Ohio

3:00 pm/12:00 pm 3L&S Farms

Farm - Romney

Michigan

3:30 pm/12:30 pm Greenwood Fiberworks

Indie Dyer

Utah

EST/PST

4:00 pm/1:00 pm

Natural Cycles Farm, LLC

Farm - Sheep

Michigan

4:30 pm/ 1:30 pm

Charmed Fibers

Finished Goods

Ohio

5:00 pm/2:00 pm

Hens-N-Chicks-FiberArts

Indie Dyer

Michigan

5:30 pm/2:30 pm

Aker Fiber Farm

Sheep, Linen

New Hampshire

6:00 pm/3:00 pm

AJem Fiber Arts

Indie Dyer

Indiana

6:30 pm/3:30 pm

Blue Savannah

Indie Dyer

Idaho

7:00 pm/4:00 pm

My Way Acres Farm and Fiber

Farm - angora

ohio

WOOL AND FIBER ARTS

FIBER FESTIVAL

's y a d i Fr le 24th u d e h Sc

EST/PST

Vendor

Category

Location

7:30 pm/4:30 pm

Aoire Maith Fibre Studios

Tool Maker

Indiana

8:00 pm/5:00 pm

Knitspin

Indie Dyer

Illinois

8:30 pm/5:30 pm

JessieJavete Fiber Arts

Indie Dyer

California

Notes ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________

WOOL AND FIBER ARTS

's FIBER FESTIVAL y a d r u t Sa dule e h 25th c S Vendor

Category

Location

11:00 am/8:00 am Merino y Vino

Indie Dyer

Arizona

11:30 am/8:30 am Spindle and Spoon Homestead

Farm - Angora

Louisiana

12:00 pm/9:00 am A Lighter Touch of Wool

Indie Dyer

Michigan

12:30 pm/9:30 am Create Yarnworks

Indie Dyer

Maryland

1:00 pm/10:00 am Jubilee Farms

Farm - Sheep

Illinois

1:30 pm/10:30 am Katie's Fiber Connection

Indie Dyer

Michigan

2:00 pm/11:00 am Mulch and More Crafts

Indie Dyer

Michigan

2:30 pm/11:30 am Whirlwind Ranch Inc

Farm - alpaca

Missouri

3:00 pm/12:00 pm Leaf Livestock Wool Co

Farm - sheep

Illinois

3:30 pm/12:30 pm Rachel M Post

Indie Dyer

Oregon

EST/PST

4:00 pm/1:00 pm

Fehrenbach Fiber

Farm - Llama

Michigan

4:30 pm/ 1:30 pm

GrilliantCreatives

Indie Dyer

Indiana

5:00 pm/2:00 pm

2BEwe

Raw Fleece

Colorado

5:30 pm/2:30 pm

StarKnits

Project Bags

Wisconsin

6:00 pm/3:00 pm

Alpaca Pines llc Farm and Mill

Fiber Mill

Illinois

6:30 pm/3:30 pm

Fresh Lotus Design

Indie Dyer

Michigan

7:00 pm/4:00 pm

Hidden Pastures Luxury Fiber

Farm - Multi Species New Jersey

WOOL AND FIBER ARTS

FIBER FESTIVAL

s ' y a d Satur ule 25th d Sche EST/PST

Vendor

Category

Location

7:30 pm/4:30 pm

Opalessence Fiber Studio

Weaver

Pennsylvania

8:00 pm/5:00 pm

Ewe2me2u

Indie Dyer

Illinois

8:30 pm/5:30 pm

Wine and Wooly Design

Indie Dye

Washington

Notes ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________

WOOL AND FIBER ARTS

FIBER FESTIVAL s ' y a d n Su dule e 26th h c S EST/PST

Vendor

Category

Location

12:00 pm/9:00 am

Triple F Hobby Farm LLC

Farm - Alpaca

Michigan

12:30 pm/9:30 am

Flannel Cakes Fiber

Indie Dyer

Virginia

1:00 pm/10:00 am

Frivolous Ewe

Farm - Sheep

Illinois

1:30 pm/10:30 am

AriBo Arts

Indie Dyer

Iowa

2:00 pm/11:00 am

alk&me fiber art studio

Indie Dyer

Ohio

2:30 pm/11:30 am

Iron Wheel Farms LLC

Farm - Sheep

Michigan

3:00 pm/12:00 pm

Susans Fiber Shop

Loyal Yarn Store

Wisconsin

3:30 pm/12:30 pm

SpinGlitz

Indie Dyer

California

4:00 pm/1:00 pm

Timber and Twine

Farm

Colorado

4:30 pm/ 1:30 pm

Lair of The LLama

Indie Dyer

Michighan

5:00 pm/2:00 pm

Wild Hair Studio

Indie Dyer

Tennessee

5:30 pm/2:30 pm

Zephyr Creek Farm

Farm - Romeldale

Michigan

6:00 pm/3:00 pm

FiberGnome

Project Bags

Virginia

6:30 pm/3:30 pm

Emma Creek Fiber and Yarn

Indie Dyer

Alask

7:00 pm/4:00 pm

Clear Sky Fiber Arts

Farm - Alpaca

Michigan

7:30 pm/4:30 pm

Jehovah Jireh Farm and Fibers

Indie Dyer

Michigan

8:00 pm/5:00 pm

Your Fibery Godmother

Indie Dyer

Utah

8:30 pm/5:30 pm

Rusty Spur Ranch and Creations

Indie Dyer

Idaho

f o t he Mo e t t e l nth Pa

Your Fibery Godmother

Triple F Hobby Farm

Opalessence Fiber Studio

Leaf Livestock

DancinWoods Alpaca

Flannel Cakes Fiber

Ewe2Me2U

JANUARY VENDOR INTERVIEW Toni Unick Gruits of

A Lighter Touch of Wool

How did your business get started?

In the chaos of 2020, I found myself looking for something tangible to hold onto. My primary business was shrinking and I felt I needed a new path that was resistant to the whims of the world. As I lifelong knitter and crocheter, I was drawn to fiber. I purchased a used Louet S-75 from Heritage Weaving & Spinning and I was off!!! I went back daily for more roving. I couldn't stop spinning. It just spoke to my soul.

What Is the goal of your business?

My goal is to create beautiful fiber for both beginner and master spinners alike; to take fiber from raw fleece, through scouring, dyeing, combing, blending, carding and spinning to create any variety of projects in the hands of fellow crafters.

How did your business get started?

In the chaos of 2020, I found myself looking for something tangible to hold onto. My primary business was shrinking and I felt I needed a new path that was resistant to the whims of the world. As I lifelong knitter and crocheter, I was drawn to fiber. I purchased a used Louet S-75 from Heritage Weaving & Spinning and I was off!!! I went back daily for more roving. I couldn't stop spinning. It just spoke to my soul.

Was there someone who inspired you In your fiber arts journey?

My mother taught me to knit when I was about 10 yrs old. I wasn't very good! I remember knitting her a gold and black acrylic scarf. Somehow I was increasing one stitch every row... so the scarf ended up being 12' wide at one end and 30" wide at the other!!! Bless her heart, she wore that scarf all winter long!!! I was so proud!

How did you learn your craft?

I tell people "mistakes are either a step in the right direction, or a step in the wrong direction... but you'll learn something from both". Most of my processing and carding skills came from tutorials. There are so many videos available in the WAFA group or on channels like YouTube. Watch as many as you can, then try it out, ask questions within the group. Odds are that someone has been exactly where you are and can offer sound advice. I have had so many mentors within WAFA, fellow crafters who have honestly gone out of their way to guide me, answering questions that I thought were dumb. Just ask!!!

What makes WAFA special for you?

I would have to say the relationships that we form. I have traveled to meet WAFA members, have met their flocks, visited their sales, touched the batts and braids that they crafted. It is an amazing family and one that inspires me in so many ways to try new things.

Any other Information you would like to share with us?

I would encourage members to experiment with all types of fiber. Each one has unique characteristics and you won't find out those special features without dabbling. When I saw this month's theme as "Back to Basics", that really resonated with me. As we grow as Fiber Artists, we all do it from a sold format of BASICS. Those basics are important. Learning to process wool, learning to card/comb, learning to dye, learning to spin, learning to knit/crochet. Even if you decide later that you really dislike one or more, knowing something lends an understanding to the total and boosts your ability to create.

LIVE Friday at 3:00 pm eastern

3L&S Farms BACK TO BASICS..ROMNEY FLEECES IN MOST NATURAL STATE , RAW PREMIUM HANDSPINNING. ROMNEY ROVING IN THE COLORS OFF THE SHEEP, WASHED LOCKS AND SLIPPING IN SOME BOTANICALLY DYED ROMNEY ROVING & YARN. SOURCED HERE @3L&S

January WAFA Sale Friday, January 24th at 3:30 pm EST

https://Greenwoodfiberworks.com

CHARMEDF i b e r s

Art Yarn - Wearables - Fiber Jewelry

LIVE Friday at 4:30 am eastern Aoire Maith Fiber Studios

LIVE Friday at 7:30 am eastern

LIVE Friday at 8:00 pm eastern Flannel Cakes Fiber

We have luscious fibers=0 calories! Our menu will have indie dyed silks, wool/silk blends, and some fun custom blends for every spinning level and budget.

LIVE Sunday at 12:30 pm eastern

Silk Shopping Guide

Zephyr Creek

Spindle & Spoon

Create Yarnworks

Timber & Twine

Wild Hair Studio

Grilliant Creatives

Rachel M Post

Emma Creek Fiber and Yarn

Crafted by Locals

akerllc.com

How Much Fleece Do You Need for Your Project?

by Patty Williams, Aker Fiber Farm Fiber Artists worldwide have all had the horror of running out of yarn before finishing a project.

This horror is compounded even more when the artist began the project by selectin the fleece.

This begs the question, How much fleece do you need? Using a McMorran Yarn Balance is best.

But here is another way if you do not own one.

image: corriedale fleece from Aker Fiber Farm.

1. Decide what to make and confirm the yarn requirements. In our example I’m going to need 1200 yards of worsted weight (thickness).

2. Determine Breed of Sheep. Sheep fleeces have all sorts of different characteristics and will be another article on its own.

Actually, there are whole books written on the subject. But know that some are coarse (outerwear) and some soft (next to skin wear). One ingredient of a softer fleece is a grease called lanolin. When we wash our fleece, it goes down the drain. This causes reduction in our washed wool weight. How much weight is lost during the wash process depends on the breed of sheep and how much the washer scours the wool. Breeders, books, and the internet will be able to give you a rough idea of a breeds shrinkage rate. For instance, I raise Corriedale sheep and my flock will yield a 45 - 50% shrinkage when washed.

Other breeds may only lose 5%. For our example we will use corriedale at 50%.

If you absolutely cannot find the percentage or have a mixed breed, weigh out a few ounces of unwashed wool. Wash and dry it. Then weigh it again. The percentage difference will be the overall shrink rate of the fleece.

3. Determine the amount of washed wool needed. a. Find a previously spun skein of yarn (sample skein) of known weight and yardage that is the same thickness and fiber type. b. Determine the amount of yards in the skein. Example: 120 yards c. Weigh the skein. Example: 2 ounces d. Determine the number of needed yarn skeins of sample skein (step B) for the project by dividing the yards needed for the project (Step 1) by the yards in the sample skein (step B).

Example: 1200 yards divided by 120 yards = 10 skeins.

How Much Fleece Do You Need for Your Project?

by Patty Williams, Aker Fiber Farm e. Determine weight of washed wool. Sample skein weight (step 2) times number of skeins (step 3).

Example: 2 ounces times 10 skeins equals 20 ounces of washed wool.

4. Determine the amount of unwashed wool needed. Washed wool needed (step 3) plus Shrinkage percent (step 2).

Example: 20 ounces of washed wool + 50% = 30 ounces of unwashed wool needed.

If we want we can now change it to pounds. Remember there are 16 ounces to a pound.

Example: 30 ounces divided by 16 = 1.875 pounds.

I personally like to round up a little so I have enough to make some test swatches and for those moments like my dog getting the yarn. So in this case I would process 2 pounds of unwashed corriedale wool to make my project of 1200 yards of worsted weight wool.

Image: Finished crocheted sweater, 1200 yards worsted weight corriedale wool.

Image: sample skein

New yarn from the mill, braids, llama roving, and rug yarn

FEHRENBACH

FIBERS

LIVE Saturday at 4:00 pm eastern

LIVE Saturday at 5:00 pm eastern

Hidden Pastures LUXURY FIBER FARM

website Hidden Pastures is located in Branchville, NJ. We raise a variety of fiber livestock, have an on farm shop and studio where fiber arts classes are held. Farm tours and visits other then the shop are appointment only.

Please book online.

LIVE Saturday at 7:00 pm eastern

Etsy.GrlliantCreatives

I would love for everybody to enjoy the finest spinning fiber and yarn I am privileged to grow and use for creating.

The physical and emotional rewards accompanying raising lovely sustainable wool go far beyond the beauty of the final product.

I will have batts and more batts, some mill spun yarn, core spun yarn and back by popular demand: Sammons Socks!!

LIVE Saturday at 3:00 pm eastern

Schedule a group or private tour, book a private party, shop for yarn & more. Located in Northern Illinois.

Take a class, have your fiber processed.

Call 815 292 3222 to schedule a tour. Check our updated holiday hours.

LIVE Saturday at 3:00 pm eastern

WAFAYouTube Discover the stories behind our vendors by subscribing to the WAFA YouTube channel! Each month, we bring you engaging interviews with local vendors, highlighting their unique products, journeys, and contributions to our community. Don't miss out on these inspiring stories and the opportunity to learn more about the people who make our community special. Hit the subscribe button now and stay updated with our latest interviews and features!

Silk Spinning Tip: Transitioning to Silk with Confidence Spinning silk can feel tricky at first because of its slippery texture, but a gradual transition can make all the difference. Start by exploring fibers that mimic silk's smoother qualities, like alpaca combed top.

Alpaca lacks crimp, making it an excellent stepping stone to get used to drafting a fiber with less grip. Once you’re comfortable, try silk blends—begin with an 80/20 wool-silk mix for added control, move to a 50/50 blend, and eventually experiment with an 80/20 silk-wool mix to fully embrace silk’s unique properties. Sampling in stages helps your hands adjust gradually to silk's feel.

When creating your own blends, aim to match the staple length of the fibers. If the silk’s staple is much longer, you can cut it to better align with the wool. Sampling also lets you see how different ratios affect the texture and sheen of your yarn— remember, at least 20% of a fiber is needed in a blend to really notice its characteristics.

Above all, practice and patience are key! Every new fiber has its own learning curve. If you’d like more guidance, my Back to Basics on-demand spinning workshop offers foundational tips and tricks like these to help you create consistent, beautiful handspun yarn. From fiber prep to drafting techniques, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to master any fiber, including silk. Private lessons are also available for personalized support tailored to your spinning goals!

Visit alannawilcox.com to learn more

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LIVE Sunday at 1:30 pm eastern

Susan’s Fiber Your one stop shop for all your fiber needs

SHOP NOW

LIVE Sunday at 3:00 pm eastern

www.SpinGlitz.com

January LIVE SALE Join the Timber and Twine gals for silk, spindles and more!

Sunday January 26 at 4:00p eastern

Our Newborn Photography sessions are designed to capture the innocence, purity, and beauty of your baby’s first days.

Mini Newborn Session Duration: 1 hour Includes: 10 high resolution digital images Props: Basic props included

Premium Newborn Duration: 4 hours Includes: 30 high-resolution digital images + 1 custom-designed album Props: Extensive range of props, outfits, and backdrops

Zoom

BOOK Club

Wool and Fiber Arts Book Club Update!

In the Footsteps of Sheep February 15 4pm Zoom Meeting We’d love to hear from you! What other fiber arts-adjacent books would you like to read with us in 2025? Drop your suggestions in the group and help shape our reading list for the year ahead!

Facebook Event Rawat 4pm eastern February 15th

LIVE Sunday at 5:30 pm eastern

VENDOR GUIDE

VENDOR GUIDE

fiber, garments, and jewelry

VENDOR GUIDE

Fresh Lotus

VENDOR GUIDE

VENDOR GUIDE

VENDOR GUIDE

VENDOR GUIDE

Raising Romeldale/ CVM and Teeswater/BFL Sheep in the Thumb.