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Believing in continuing legacies, the owners and crew of The Shepherd’s Mill, Kansas’ longest running natural fiber mill, will host the Mid Winter Fiber Fair, Feb 7-9 at the Phillips County Fairgrounds. In pioneer life on the plains long winter nights provided time to knit, spin, weave and do handwork. That history of handwork and craftsmanship is part of the legacy behind The Shepherd’s Mill in Phillipsburg, Kansas. Sally Brandon, the creative force behind The Shepherd’s Mill and this event, says, “Winter is hard here on the plains but celebrating the warmth and beauty of our natural fibers this time of year reminds us there was once a time that these were needed skills. Society has changed but our need to gather and share our common interests hasn’t.”
“All the Basics with Your Fiber Pals!” summarizes the cooperative event organanized by The Shepherd’s Mill and the Golden Plains Llama and Alpaca Association. This year, the event includes an opportunity to learn to show a llama or alpaca even if you don’t currently own one. Youth 7-18 as of January 1 can sign up to learn how on Saturday and then show at an Alpaca and Llama Show Association (ALSA) sponsored youth show on Sunday. The show is open to the public Sunday as the youth lead llamas and alpacas through obstacle courses designed to show the varied uses for the animals including Packing for Trail and Public Relations.
The public is also invited to try their hand at multiple “come and go” fiber workshops on Saturday including Felting an Oven Mitt or Coasters, Rug Hooking, or Weaving Without a Loom. Showcasing the variety of Natural Fibers available to crafters, a vendor market will include equipment, supplies and items made by hand for those who appreciate natural fibers.
Fiber Enthusiasts of all kinds will find a class or two to enrich their skills. Classes in Knitting, Crochet, Dyeing, Weaving and Spinning are offered Saturday all day and Sunday morning. Unlike the “come and go” workshops, pre-registration is required for the fiber arts classes. Registration can be completed online at www.KansasFiber.com/education.
A meal hosted by the Golden Plains Llama and Alpaca Association (GPLA) Saturday evening will provide an opportunity to learn more about GPLA. Amy Schmierbach, professor of Art at Fort Hays State University will share “The Collaborative Art Project” how weaving and other art disciplines are enriching the Hays community. Other events include a silent auction to benefit youth interested in llamas, a social time to work on projects and see what everyone else is creating, and a non-denominational worship service Sunday morning. A concession stand will be available through the weekend.
For more information please contact, Sally Brandon at The Shepherd’s Mill, 785-543-3128. Event flyer can be found at www.KansasFiber.com/education, and on The Shepherd’s Mill Facebook page.