Wet Felting :: Best of Show

The last time I was awarded a ribbon was probably back in high school for track — and, I assure you, it wasn't blue... not even close. So I wanted to toot my own horn a bit and share a photo of me with my big, fat, felted bowl and its shiny, best-of-show ribbon. Thanks to all who voted — and thanks to everyone at the Flag Wool & Fiber Festival and The Arizona Historical Society for another wonderful year and perhaps the best festival to date. So much work goes into these events and so many talented, hard-working people make it happen. I was thrilled to be able to teach a workshop this year and hope to be invited back next year for same. If you missed it this year, be sure to mark your calendars for next.

2014 Flagstaff Fiber & Wool Festival

A darling little Navajo Churro sheep waiting to be sheared.

Great book on crochet by talented and sweet Yumiko Alexander.

Kind and thoughtful Jacque Howell had some lovely mohair, angora, and llama fiber for sale. 

This gentle shearer learned the trade at the age of 8 from watching his grandmother. He shared his wonderful stories with the crowd while taking small breaks from his hard work. 

Photos © Mike Buchheit
This year was truly an exceptional one for Flagstaff's Fiber & Wool Festival. We spent a few hours and lots of dollars at the event: beautiful fiber artist, Yumiko Alexander, autographed her book of original crochet designs for us — and we gobbled up bags of gorgeous mohair roving from Jacque Howell (Arivaca Angora Goats) including some of her award-winning curly mohair locks. My husband and I look forward to this event every year not only to purchase local fiber, but also to meet the wonderful people who work with fiber at various stages in the process: from sheep, llama, alpaca, and goat herders to spinners, weavers, and other artisans. Loretta Flatrock and Vanessa Begay-Lee were just two of the amazing weavers we chatted with, and two artists who may be collaborating with me on future fiber workshops (felting and weaving) — so stay tuned!

2012 Flagstaff Fiber Festival

Burying hand-dyed, handspun Churro wool yarn from artisan Loretta Flatrock.

Gorgeous Churro sheep.

Gently sheering an alpaca.

Local smiley spinners (right: Kari Usher, Dancing Weaver).

Photos © Mike Buchheit
Had a fabulous time at the Fiber Festival in Flagstaff, AZ yesterday! Bought some scrumptious Churro yarn from some talented ladies including Betsy Miller, Loretta Flatrock, and Zuni Ishikawa (Wanowa Studio, Flagstaff, AZ). My husband and I so enjoy talking with the interesting people that participate in this annual event — we learn so much and are so grateful to them. The festival ends today at 4 pm so get on over there if you're in the neighborhood (learn more).

June 4-5 :: Save the Date!

Photo © Mike Buchheit
If you're in or around northern Arizona on June 4-5, you won't want to miss this woolly event hosted by the Arizona Historical Society: The 2011 Flagstaff Wool Festival at the Pioneer Museum, 2340 N Ft. Valley Rd., Flagstaff, Arizona; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; $5 adult admission. You'll find great prices on wool and other animal fibers, beautifully spun yarns, and cozy hand-made items. Historically the weather has ranged from chilly to blistering, but the event itself is predictably perfect!