San Juan County Fair – Fiber Courtyard Events

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July 31, 2009 12:10 pm
A Celebration Coat created by Sheila Metcalf won several fiber art prizes at last year's fair.
A Celebration Coat created by Sheila Metcalf won several fiber art prizes at last year's fair.

The San Juan County Textile Guild is offering a variety of textile activities on the Fiber Courtyard. All the interactive events and demonstrations are free of charge and open to the public.

Wednesday, Aug. 12

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Antique Sock Knitting Machine

Barbara Bentley of Orcas Island will demonstrate the making of knit socks on her antique sock-knitting machine.

2 to 5 p.m. Basketry

Ann Ramsey, Susan Bradford and Nancy Lind will guide participants through making a basket to take home.

Thursday, Aug. 13

10 a.m. to noon Weaving in a Box

Fiber Arts Judge Judith Mackenzie McCuin will assist participants in learning to weave on a simple loom in a box. Participants need to bring a shoebox, scissors, darning needle and scrap wool yarn.

1 to 3 p.m. Rug Hooking Demonstration

A hands-on rug making technique will be taught by the SJI Rug Hookers. This is one of the oldest crafts in America and produces very long wearing and handsome rugs.

Friday, Aug. 14

10 a.m. to non and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Watercolor Painting – Silk Scarves

Marta Specht and friends will hold two workshops for up to 12 participants teaching how to paint scarves. Participants should bring color ideas and designs.

Saturday, Aug. 15

After Fair opening at 10 a.m. The Annual Sheep to Shawl Event

A longtime fair favorite, this event brings together two teams of eight people or more, who take washed fleece that is then carded, spun, and woven into a finished shawl. The event goes into the afternoon with a lunch break. The shawls are raffled off by the teams and two people will have the benefit of a handmade piece of textile art to take home.

1 p.m. Speed Knitting Contest

Under the direction of Elaine Pretz, knitters will compete to see who can knit the most stitches in a specific period for prizes. Participants should bring their own yarn and needles.

Everyday, The Masters of Disasters, will feature a booth staffed by the best knitters, under the coordination of Sarah Hauschka, to help people with knitting questions. Bring unfinished pieces, projects needing a new approach and any questions to the booth.