4th Annual Denver Fiber Fiesta

National Western Complex, Denver, Colorado, April 30th-May 2, 2010

CLASSES

FELTED HOME DECOR WITH PACAFIL BRITES
Friday, April 30th, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm.  and Saturday, May 1st, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Instructor: Zell Collum
Cost:  $40 for class, fee includes all materials.
8 people maximum.
Call or email Sue Bunch to register......sue@BacktoBackAlpaca.com, 480-445-9068.

This project will transform alpaca fibers into a colorful tablerunner or set of placemats.  Experiment with needle felting and wet felting technques using the unique Pacafil Brite prefelts and PacaFluff rovings from Back to Back Fiber Products.  Put our own creative spin on this projuect that will become a stunning piece of your home decor.  Class suitable for beginners to advanced felters.

 

BEGINNING WEAVING ON THE RIGID HEDDLE LOOM
Saturday, May 1    9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (1/2 hour break for lunch)
Instructor: Karen Kinyon
Cost: $65, Minimum of 6, maximum of 10
Interested participants should email Karen at kkd@oneimage.com to register.

If you've always wanted to learn to weave, this class is for you.  We will learn the basics of weaving on the rigid heddle (two shaft) loom.  Participants will learn to plan a project, measure warp, sley the reed, dress the loom and weave an alpaca scarf.  All looms and supplies will be provided.  "Flip the Folding Loom" and Cricket Looms will be used in the class.  Students need to bring a pencil, small calculator and a small pair of sharp scissors. 
 
Karen Kinyon has been raising llamas and alpacas for 22 years.  She teaches Weaving, Spinning, Felting, Knitting, Dyeing and Crocheting in her studio north of Wellington, CO.  Karen is an ALSA Certified Llama Fleece Judge and works with individuals who need help with shearing, skirting, preparing fleeces for show or processing.  Karen hosts "Llama Camp for Kids" in the summer for people age 9 and above at her ranch on the prairie.

 

CONTINENTAL KNITTING….A VARIATION ON A THEME
Saturday, May 1st, 2010, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Instructor: Galina of Skaska Designs
Cost: $35

Interested participants should email Galina at lacemail@skaska.com to register.

Are you stuck in the past…still throwing your yarn…maybe even experiencing wrist discomfort?
Let Galina teach you this subtle Russian variation of the classic continental knitting

1. It’s fast…
2. It’s easy…
3. It’s oh-so forgiving on your wrists!

You’ll wonder why you waited so long to make the switch
Students should bring light colored, fingering/sport weight yarn (no textured yarn) and needles to match yarn size.

 

CROCHETING 101
Saturday, May 1, 2010, 9 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Instructor: Claire Walker
Cost: $40 (includes handouts) Maximum number: 10

This is a class for beginning crocheters.

This class will introduce you to the wonderful world of crochet! You will learn how to properly hold the yarn and crochet hook. The basic stitches will be taught, including chain, single, double, and triple crochet. A sampler will be made using these stitches (this could be the start of a scarf or a purse, if you wish).

Students need to bring: One or more skeins of a smooth, worsted weight yarn (no novelty yarns, please) in a light color (better to see the stitches), a Size G crochet hook, scissors, a sharp yarn needle, coilless safety pins, paper and pencil for note taking, and a ruler for measuring gauge.

Class space will be reserved based on the registration postmark date.

Payment: I do not accept credit cards, but personal checks or money orders are fine. Send your registration request and payment to Claire Walker, P. O. Box 781, Westcliffe, CO, 81252. Questions? Call me at 719-371-7377. You can also email claire@wetmountainvalley.us.

 

THE MAGICAL, MÖBIUS SCARF
Saturday 10:00 – 1:00
Instructor: Lucille Reilly
Cost: $35  Includes handouts  Minimum 3, maximum 9
Interested participants should contact Lucille

The Möbius strip, a continuous loop with a half twist, has only one edge.  Knitted as a scarf, it is fun to knit, fun to wear, and will lead you to new twists (literally!) in hats, shawls, bags and more.  Unleash your inner outrageous knitter while crafting an eye-catching wardrobe accessory for casual to dressy attire.  It’s great for the ski slopes, too; no long, flowing tails to contend with! 

Note: Participants need to already know how to knit, purl and “tink” (that’s unknit!) in the round, either on double-pointed needles or a circular needle.  If you need experience in any of these areas, knit this way a bunch before the class meets!

Materials:
Two skeins of worsted-weight alpaca yarn in your choice of color (note that light shades make it easier to see your stitches; please avoid black).
One 40” (this length only) circular needle in US size 13:  I recommend Addi Turbo because of its flexible, cooperative cable and solid needle join.  Needle malfunctions have occurred in the past with modular circs (Denise, Knit Picks Options, etc.); please stick with a circular needle of fixed length.
6 ring-type stitch markers (open or closed rings) that are just a tad larger than the circ needle.  Make sure that one of the six looks different from all the others, either in design or color.
One twist tie: The plastic-and-wire kind from store-bought bread bags works great.
An adventurous spirit: Prepare to be eye-popping amazed, amused and thrilled!

 

CROCHETING 102
Saturday, May 1, 2010, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Instructor: Claire Walker
Cost: $40 (includes handouts) Maximum number: 10

Requirements: Students must know the basic crochet stitches taught in “Crocheting 101”.

You will learn how to crochet in the round, change colors, and make medallions for use in an afghan or baby blanket. Students who have taken “Crocheting 101” are welcome!

Students need to bring: Three or four skeins of a smooth, worsted weight yarn in contrasting colors, a Size G crochet hook, scissors, a sharp yarn needle, coilless safety pins, paper and pencil for note taking, and a ruler for measuring gauge.

Class space will be reserved based on the registration postmark date.

Payment: I do not accept credit cards, but personal checks or money orders are fine. Send your registration request and payment to Claire Walker, P. O. Box 781, Westcliffe, CO, 81252. Questions? Call me at 719-371-7377. You can also email claire@wetmountainvalley.us.

 

‘MOOSHKY MADNESS’…A/K/A DIMENSIONAL KNITTING – RUSSIAN STYLE
Saturday, May 1st, 2010, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Instructor: Galina of Skaska Designs
Cost: $35

Interested participants should email Galina at lacemail@skaska.com to register.

Would you like to give your knitting projects new life… adding style, substance and texture?
The addition of ‘spiders’, ‘clover leaf’ and ‘MOOSHKY’ (Lily of the Valley Motif) will add a new ‘Demension’ to your knitting.  Traditional they’re not…. A real hoot to knit…most definitely.
No Homework-no materials fee.  Students should bring sport/fingering weight yarn and appropriate needles.  (No textured yarn).

 

NEEDLEFELTED ANIMALS 
Saturday, May 1st, 2010, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Instructor: Sharon Scott Cost: $35  12 students Max

Learn to needlefelt by making a look-alike miniature statue of your favorite animal or pet using a variety of natural fibers. Needlefelting equipment and most materials will be provided and included in class fee.

Students should contact Sharon at sdscott6@aol.com to register.

 

BAG with CORDED STRAP
Saturday, May 1   9:00 - 4:00 (lunch break 12:00 - 1:00)
Instructor: Marlice Van Zandt
Cost: $50  includes fiber, limited to 6 participants
Students should contact Marlice at marlice@touchtheearthranch.com to register.

This wet felted project will offer experience in many felting techniques, including...using a resist, creating and attaching a cord, embellishments in wet or dry felt. You will learn about patterns, layout of fiber, felting solution, and become acquainted with different materials to aid the felter in achieving desired results. My goal is to prepare the student with all that is needed to embark confidently and independently into the wonderful world of feltmaking! 

 

BEGINNING SPINNING ON A WHEEL
Sunday, May 2, 2010, 9 a.m. - 12 noon
Instructor: Claire Walker
Cost: $40   Maximum number 7

This is a class for beginners. However, those with some experience are most welcome!  Bring your enthusiasm and your questions!

Students will learn how to maintain their wheels, how to prepare and draft fiber, spin a basic singles yarn, and ply their yarn.

Students need to bring: Spinning wheel, spinning wheel oil, raw alpaca fleece for combing, a good amount of alpaca roving, a dog comb with both widely spaced and narrow spaced teeth (no brushes or slickers), a lap cloth, a lazy kate with bobbins, a niddy noddy, and pencil and paper for note taking.

Class space will be reserved based on the registration postmark date.

Payment: I do not accept credit cards, but personal checks or money orders are fine. Send your registration request and payment to Claire Walker, P. O. Box 781, Westcliffe, CO, 81252. Questions? Call me at 719-371-7377. You can also email claire@wetmountainvalley.us.

 

GRAFTING WITH A RUSSIAN TWIST & MORE
Sunday, May 2nd, 2010, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Instructor: Galina of Skaska Designs
Cost: $35

Interested participants should email Galina at lacemail@skaska.com to register.

Those innovative Russian knitters devised a simple, yet effective method for grafting.  You will like it so much, you will use it on all your future knitting projects.  If it seems that your seams are anything but seamless, this is the class for you.

And MORE…
From start to finish without breaking a sweat!  Galina will teach students creative cast-ons to fit every knitting occasion, with unique Russian bind-off that will leave you breathless… these techniques will make your knitting more enjoyable and seem effortless.

Students should bring light colored, fingering/sport weight yarn and needles to match needle size.  (No textured yarn).

 

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INSTRUCTOR BIOS

Zell Collum will be teaching for Back to Back Fiber Products. Zell is a retired teacher of the gifted in the Mesa Public School, Mesa, AZ. She has a wonderful creative style and loves experimenting with various art techniques. Zell is an encouraging teacher for those looking for confidence learning a new technique.

Karen Kinyon has been raising llamas and alpacas for 22 years.  She teaches Weaving, Spinning, Felting, Knitting, Dyeing and Crocheting in her studio north of Wellington, CO.  Karen is an ALSA Certified Llama Fleece Judge and works with individuals who need help with shearing, skirting, preparing fleeces for show or processing.  Karen hosts "Llama Camp for Kids" in the summer for people age 9 and above at her ranch on the prairie. 

Lucille Reilly is a professional musician who performs solo concerts on the hammered dulcimer and diatonic autoharp all over the United States, and sometimes abroad (www.thedulcimerlady.com).  In between gigs, as well as on the way to and from them, she knits!  Socks, Möbius items and seamless, no-sew sweaters are her favorite projects to knit and teach; visit www.thedulcimerlady.com/extras.htm for a sampling.  Lucille teaches a full range of knitting classes in her home, on the road and at The Recycled Lamb in Lakewood.  An original pair of socks she created for the Think Outside the Socks contest in 2009 will soon published in a book by XRX Publications, Inc.  Of Lucille’s exploratory Moebius knitting, Cat Bordhi has said, “Her multi-twist Möbii are fabulous!  Lucille Reilly has gone farther than anyone I have heard of….She is inspiring.”

Sharon Scott has loved crafts and art projects for as long as she can remember.   Paper, beads, pictures, tiles, sewing, knitting, crochet, and lots of glue have a home with her. Six years ago the artwork of felting came into her life, wool rovings, taking classes from instructors from all around the world and making felt became an integral part of her life. She is  focused on creating beautiful garment accessories and household décor pieces. Sharon has shown and sold felted scarves, vessels and sculptural pieces in local and  national shows.

Marlice Van Zandt: With a lifelong background in fine art and twenty-four years of raising llamas with great fiber, Marlice Van Zandt couldn't help but fuse these interests into a passion for fiber arts. The history and simplicity of felting captured her attention in the early nineties and has remained her main artistic focus since then. She is mainly self taught and has enjoyed teaching and sharing her expertise in this craft for the past five or six years. Aside from teaching wet felting for the past four years at Table Rock Llamas Fiber Arts Studio in Black Forest, CO, Marlice has introduced this use of fiber to youth in the El Paso County 4-H llama project and in public and private schools. She and her husband, Michael, also dedicate much of their time sharing their llamas and fiber arts with public libraries and youth groups in their community. 

Claire Walker, of Westcliffe, Colorado, is a full-time fiber artist and raises alpacas (and one paco-vicuña) for their fiber. She has won many awards for her handspun yarn, including five Silver Medallions at the Taos Wool Festival, and more recently, Grand Champion at the Estes Park Wool Market in 2008. She has written many fiber articles (including crocheting with alpaca yarn) for Alpacas Magazine, judges handspun and fiber arts competitions, demonstrates spinning at alpaca and paco-vicuña events, and teaches many different fiber arts.

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VENDOR INFORMATION

Vendor Application
DEADLINE: April 19, 2010

In conjunction with the 8th Annual Great Western Alpaca Show held at the National Western Complex, April 30 – May 2, 2010, the Alpaca Breeders of the Rockies are pleased to host the 4th Annual Denver Fiber Fiesta!  We invite you to share in this wonderful event.  Let’s get a wide selection of natural fibers out there for all the fiber art’s enthusiasts!

The Vendor spaces will occupy the upper level of Stadium Hall.  Signage and a site map will direct the public to the Denver Fiber Fiesta.

Space assignments will be on a first come first serve basis.  With the success of last year’s Denver Fiber Fiesta, the cost for booth space has been increased to $75.00 for the first 10’ x 10’ space and $25.00 for each additional 10’ x 10’ space.  Still a great deal!   Get your application and payment in today!

Your payment must be postmarked by:  April 19, 2010!

• All booths are 10’ x 10’.
• $75 per booth for the first booth and $25 for each additional space.  Please note the $75 booth fee includes 1 Parking pass (valued at $15).
• Electricity is available (you will need to supply a 50’ construction grade electrical cord).
• If needed, tables and chairs can be provided:  Tables are $6 each, chairs are $1.25 each.
• Displays may be set up as early as Wednesday, April 28, 12:00 PM, but no later than Thursday, April 29, 8:00 PM! 
• Drive-in is available for set-up.

Please complete, sign and mail the application with check in total amount to:

ABR
PO Box 1965
Estes Park, CO  80517

Please write “Denver Fiber Fiesta” on your check.

We look forward to your participation!

For vendor Questions/Information, contact:     
Barb Dedecker
Coordinator- Denver Fiber Fiesta
720-733-9294
barb@rapunzelsfarm.com