May 2023 WAFA Show Program

MEET THE TEAM

Withoutourteam,noneofthis wouldbepossible!

FounderEllen Zawada; OwnerofWoolandFiberArtsLLC

Wool and Fiber Arts Show Program

Editor in Chief

Graphic Design

Ellen Zawada

Vendor Team - Heather Campbell, Lorna Violet (Mentor Program), Jean Story, Danielle Lefor Wallace, Candice Smith

Customer Team -(anything that happens publicly in WAFA) - Erika Lindgren, Heather Campbell, Molly Richter (craft-along), MAry Dillon, Katelyn Dunn, Candice Smith, 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 TeamTeDi Jansen, Alanna Wilcox

Tedi Jansen

Vendor Schedule

Pages 6-11

An Interview with Mary Dillon

Page 12-13

Camelids

Page 20-21

No More Moths

Pages 28-29

Vendor Guide

Page 38-43

Dunn Spunn

Photo by Rachel M Post

Spin Glitz

Whirlwind Ranch

Liongate Farm

TOUR DE FLEECE

AreyoureadytotakeyourTour de Fleece journey to the next level? Look no further than WAFA Swag, your ultimate companion for this exhilarating spinningadventure!

JointheWAFATourde Fleececommunityfor encouragement, competition,andgiveways fromouramazingvendors.

SHIRT $27 SPORT BOTTLE $15.28 BUTTON $3.88

FIBER FESTIVAL

True Creations Woodturning

Ewe2me2u

Forget me Knot Farm & Fiber

Melissa's Yarn Barn

Greenwood Fiberworks

Cedar View Farm

Alpaca Pines llc Farm and Fiber Mill

Wine and Wooly Design

3L&S Farms

Whirlwind Ranch, Inc

Curly C'ewes

Natural Cycles Farm, LLC

Dunn Spunn

FIBER FESTIVAL

Spinaway Farm

Fantasy Fiberworks

Sheepishly Made & MCS Livestock

Yarn By Kate

Zen Fiber Arts

Hidden Pastures Luxury Fiber Farm

YarnTravel, LLC

Rachel M Post

Clear Sky Fiber Arts

Fiber Ops Ranch

Rusty Spur Ranch and Creations

Fehrenbach Fibers

AriBo Arts

3:30 PM 4:00 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 5:30 PM

4:30 PM 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 6:00 PM 6:30 PM

5:30 PM 6:00 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM

27th 27th 6:30 PM 7:00PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM 8:30 PM

FIBER FESTIVAL

TLD

Puddin

Wool-E

Kaleidoscope

JessieJavete Fiber Arts

Wild

Mary Dillon

HOW DID YOUR BUSINESS GET STARTED?

byTeDiJansen

Ewe2me2u came into existence

8 Years ago. I broke several discs in my back (2 different times) from a work injury and had several surgeries. I needed to do something during the recovery so went back to knitting, which I always loved but did not have the time to do and added crocheting and then and then...fell down the rabbit hole as they say ...I decided I wanted to travel so I took my time and drove from Chicago area to Mexico . (I have family in California and Mexico) Along the way, I visited sheep and alpaca farms. I wanted to learn as much as possible about the different breeds and the fibers they produce. I left with my car pretty much empty but came back with it pretty much full.. (of fibers)

WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS'S MISSION?

I love color. I love seeing people purchase my dyed fibers and create amazing sweaters, hats, shawls etc. I love when they share what they create. To put it simply...it inspires me to do more and do better. My business has opened up a whole new life for me. It is work but this is something I absolutely love to do. The problem it solves is that it gives me great joy.

WAS THERE SOMEONE WHO INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR FIBER ARTS JOURNEY?

I had a very good friend John, who has since passed on who was so encouraging to me. He bought me my Hansen E-Spinner when he realized that using a spinning wheel was difficult for me. He always told me I could do anything I set my mind to doing. Also, my daughter, Elizabeth is a huge supporter of me and of my business. She always is encouraging me to do better, be better and to succeed. She is my very own cheering team.

HOW DID YOU LEARN YOUR CRAFT?

I was an original tie-dyer from many, many moons ago. To get up to speed with indie-dyeing I took a dyeing class from Tammy at TLD Designs. The rest is history as they say. Actually, I feel like this is still a learning process. I am amazed at new techinques that I learn all the time.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE BASE/ BLEND/ FIBER? WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT IT?

WHAT MAKES WAFA SPECIAL FOR YOU?

The people. It is that simple. Ellen Zawada has created such an amazing group. The admins are all so helpful. WAFA is a safe haven for all of us Fiberista's. Everyone, including you, TeDi, are always so willing to help each other. There are so many people who give their time to teach all of us whether it is better ways to dye fiber or to spin or how to use a peg loom etc. I have learned so much from this amazing community.

This is a hard one to answer. I love so many of them but as a favorite I really like superwash merino, cashmere & stellina blend. It is so smooth and soft and takes dye well and spins so easily.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS?

I am a one- person operation, I do the dyeing, spinning, weaving, knitting...however, I have a wonderful friend who names all of my braids, helps with my live sales and who is always willing to go with me on my Out and Abouts. I like to drive around to local spots ( some not so local) to look at nature and get color inspiration. I then like to go home and dye fiber to match the beauty that I saw. Or she finds photos of beautiful colors for me to dye. On her recent trip to Florida to visit her son, she came back with photos to inspire me.

We started with 2 boys over 16 years ago

We now have a variety of color in our herdsolid white to solid black, patterns and shades of grey or brown! Our focus has been on fiber from the beginning. The ranch name comes from the miniature horses that we had prior to owning alpacas. We added an alpaca to update the logo. We’ve recently sold our miniature horses to concentrate on fiber, alpacas and llamas. We added Belfast Mill equipment to our ranch about 3 years ago, so now are able to make rug yarn as well as create batts and rovings Dryer balls remain one of our hottest sellers - Larry makes abut 8,000 a year.

CAMELIDS

What are Camelids -Camels - Llamas & Alpacas -Guanacos

WHAT ARE CAMELIDS Camelidae

There are several distinct features of camelids. They have a three chambered stomach, making them different than other types of ruminants having four. Camelids have an upper lip that is split below the nose. Each half can be moved independently. They have long necks and long legs. They have padded feet with two main toes. Camelids need to be in herds, preferably of 3 or more.

They are herbivores and prey animals. They are hunted by larger carnivores. Their defense mechanisms include their herd, stomping, biting with fighting teeth, and spitting. The big question is always - Do they spit? Yes. Unequivocally, yes. However they usually need a good reason, except alpacas, they need no reason.

TYPES OF CAMELIDS

There are five main types of camelids. Four are native to South America;llamas, alpaca, vicuña, and guanaco. Camels are native to the deserts in China and northern Africa. Camels, llamas, alpacas,and to a more limited degree guanaco have been domesticated and are used as both pets, show animals, and fiber animals. Vicuña remain primarily feral in South America.

Alpacas and Llamas were domesticated in South America and brought into the United States. The alpacas were primarily bred for their fine fiber, initially providing garments for the upper class.

It is easier to make a camel jump a ditch than to make a fool listen to reason. - Turkish

Proverb

CAMELS

Camels are used for transport, milk, meat, fiber, and companionship. Thereare two types of camels in the world, The dromedary camel makes up 90% of the camel population, however, the bactrian camels are better fiber producers than their one-humped counterparts. The camel's fine, inner down is combed away and collected during the 6–8-week molting season. An adult camel yields about 17 pounds of fleece per year.

Source: (https://www.knittingthe naturalway.c om/camel)

by Amy Bowling

The fine down fiber of the camel averages around 20 microns in diameterand varies in length from 2.5 to 12.5 cm Baby camel hair, which can measure as little as 16 microns (on par with fine cashmere), is the softest and most prized.

Raw Camel Fiber (Adobe Stock)

Bactrian Camel (Adobestock)

LLAMAS AND ALPACAS

Llamas and alpacas are often confused and outside of “Do they spit?” the most common question asked is “What is the difference between a llama and an alpaca?”

In my experience after raisingthese animals for over a decade here is the “unofficial” list of differences

Amy’s List of Llama v Alpaca

Llamas are bigger and can be guard animals.

Alpacas are widely known for their fiber production and were originally domesticated to provide fine clothing for kings. They were bred for fiber whereas llamas were bred more for strength, size, and packing.

Alpacas have two main types of fleece, huacaya and Suri. Huacaya is typically a lower micron fleece (16-23) depending on the age of the animal.

GUANACO

Guanaco are undomesticated llamas. There are fewer than 400 on private land in the US, most are found in zoos. Guanaco are protected species in South America. They are mostly found in high altitudes like Patagonia.

According to Lisa Mitchell, from Aliento Luxury Farms, guanaco harvest 1-2 pounds per animal annually. They are double coated where thedowny undercoat resembles qiviut. Guanacos have

There is relatively little to no guard hair in the best animals. Llama fiber varies more. Llamas have suri fibered animals but are alsocategorized by single (silky) vs double coat. There is also a wide variety of categories, including classic, light, medium, and heavy wool. Llama and alpaca fibers do not contain lanolin and therefore can be washed using a gentle soap soak and vinegar.

Llamas have packing ability.

Alpacas have in general a finer fleece with less guard hair.

Llamas have a wider vatiety of fleece. Llamas have banana ears, and alpacas have triangles. Llamas are much easier to train to do obstacles and scream less.

Alpaca babies are the cutest thing that was ever put on this planet. Llama babies look more like aliens when they are born

Llama and alpaca fiber make beautiful yarn on their own or blended with other types of fibers. A favorite combination on our farm is Suri llama, huacaya alpaca or dehaired llama, fine wool, and angora rabbit.

Fiber processing yields roving, combed top, yarn, corespun rug yarn (typically made from seconds and higher micron, lower quality fiber)

My personal favorite is the dehaired llama that ends up coming back from the mill in a “cloud”.

The versatility of llamas and alpacas is unparalleled. Their fiber is water resistant, so it makes great socks and rugs. It is breathable and the soft down undercoats often have microns less than 22.

a short staple length and their fiber is extremely insulative. Guanaco fiber must be dehairedto use for spinningfine yarn. Thereis a 40% loss with dehairing. Guanacos are all the same color. Babies are lighter in color, mostly off white. They darken to a caramel color by the time they are adults. Guanaco fiber is fine, with micron counts between 16-18 microns.

The average staple length is 1”- 1 ½” for adults and 3” for babies.

Best things about guanaco fiber:

It has warmth like no other fiber, highly insulated and light

It creates a subtle halo when blended with wool

It is soft like cashmere.

It is the 2nd finest fiber in the world (1st is vicuna) because it is so rare and exquisite It does not have lanolin

Forget Me Knot Farm - Photo by Madeline Krawciw

Forget me Knot Fibers

LIVE Friday at 1:00 pm eastern

Fehrenbach Farm

I am a new vendor for WAFA, but I have been dabbling in the fiber world since 2002 when I purchased my llamas, our first fiber animals. I enjoy many areas of fiber, including spinning, felting, dying, and creating fun things like batts. As much as I enjoy fiber, I am a novice in the world of knitting and spinning, I don't have much down time, and I have to focus on what I'm doing to knit or spin. I live on a farm in Northern Michigan with my husband and just shy of 100 llamas and alpacas. Llamas are my llove, and I am very involved in the llama industry. I currently teach emotionally impaired student for our local ISD and look forward to retiring in about two years, as I will have my 30 years of teaching complete. That will give me more time to do things like fiber and llamas! I welcome any questions that you may have on my products, and especially about llamas or alpacas! I look forward to May 27th at 5:30 to have the opportunity to share my fibery goodness with everyone! I will be offering fiber batts, llama rug yarn, llama roving, llama mill spun yarn, painted braids and hand painted yarns...

www.fehrenbachfarms.com

LIVE Saturday at 5:30 pm eastern

SAY N TO MO

There's nothing worse than discovering your beloved wool and yarn collection has fallen prey to the notorious moth menace. These tiny winged creatures can wreak havoc on your favorite fibers, turning your once-pristine materials into a chewed-up mess. But fear not! With a few simple steps and the help of some unexpected allies, you can shield your precious wool and yarn from moths. Enter the predator wasp, nature's secret weapon in the fight against these fabric-devouring pests. Here's a quick guide to safeguarding your stash and maintaining moth-free bliss.

Step 1: Proper Storage

The first line of defense against moths is proper storage. Ensure your wool and yarn are stored in airtight containers, such as plastic bins or vacuum-sealed bags. Moths are notorious for their ability to find even the tiniest gaps, so make sure there are no openings for them to sneak in. Additionally, storing your materials in a cool, dry place can help deter moth activity, as they prefer warm and humid environments.

Step 2: Regular Cleaning

Moths are attracted to dirt, oils, and food residues that might be present on your wool and yarn. To prevent infestation, it's crucial to keep your materials clean. Before storing them, give your wool and yarn a gentle hand wash using a mild detergent and lukewarm water. Rinse thoroughly and let them air dry completely. By eliminating any potential moth attractants, you reduce the likelihood of infestation.

3: Natural Repellents

Introduce natural repellents into your storage space to ward off moths. Sachets filled with lavender, rosemary, cedar chips, or dried lemon peels act as natural deterrents, thanks to their strong scents that moths dislike. Place these sachets alongside your wool and yarn to create a moth-repelling barrier. Remember to replace or refresh the repellents every few months to maintain their effectiveness.

Step 4: Predator Wasps as Allies

Now, here's where things get interesting. Predator wasps, such as the Trichogramma wasp, are tiny insects that have a voracious appetite for moth eggs. These wasps are nature's own pest control, and they can help you keep moths at bay. You can purchase Trichogramma wasp eggs or larvae from specialized suppliers. Follow the instructions provided to release them into your storage area. These helpful insects will seek out and destroy moth eggs, effectively interrupting the moth life cycle and preventing future infestations.

Step 5: Regular Inspections

Stay vigilant and conduct regular inspections of your wool and yarn collection. Look for any signs of moth activity, such as webbing, cocoons, or holes in the fibers. By catching the infestation early, you can take swift action to prevent further damage. If you spot any signs of moths, isolate the affected items and consider freezing them for a few days. Freezing at -18°C (0°F) for at least 48 hours can kill moth eggs and larvae.

Conclusion:

Protecting your precious wool and yarn from moths is essential to maintain their quality and prolong their lifespan. By following these simple steps—proper storage, regular cleaning, natural repellents, and enlisting the help of predator wasps you can create a moth-free environment for your beloved materials. Embrace these strategies, and bid farewell to moth-related woes, allowing your wool and yarn to thrive in all their fluffy glory.

ZEPHYR CREEK FARM

US Yarns and Fibers

JOIN US IN COLORADO IN JULY!

JULY 28-30

SMALL ACRE FARM FORT COLLINS, CO

CARDING ART BATTS * SPINNING QIVIUT * FIBER PREP 101 * FRESH INDIGO DYEING * FORAGING THE GARDEN FOR COLOR * SPINNING ART BATTS * BOTANICAL OVERDYEING * COLORWORK KNITTING 101 *

WOOLEN WATERCOLORS * FLAX FROM GARDEN TO THREAD *

BEGINNING WHEEL SPINNING

HTTPS://WWW.SMALLACREFARM.COM/FRONT-RANGE-FAB-EVENT-INFORMATION

ERIKA LINDGREN KATHY SPARKS TEDI JANSEN TAMMY JORDAN

VENDOR GUIDE

fiber, garments, and jewelry

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Marge Sundholm Designs

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VENDOR GUIDE

Wool-E Farm

We raise Romney sheep fo the beautiful wool fiber

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