DENVER FIBER FIESTA
5th Annual Denver Fiber Fiesta
Held in conjunction with the Great Western Alpaca Show at the National Western Complex, Denver, Colorado,
April 29-May 1, 2011. Come join us! The Denver Fiber Fiesta will be located on the upper level of Statium Hall of the National Western Complex.
Vendors will be bringing hand spun and mill spun yarns, raw fibers, rovings, out of a variety of natural fibers. Tools to create your wonderful one of a kind item, including knitting and crochet supplies, needle felting tools, spinning wheels, drop spindles, and dyes. Browse a variety of hand crafted garments and home decor items.
New vendors are welcome!!! Please see the bottom of the page for more information on how you can participate!
Demos throughout the day
Fiber Demonstrations will be held throughout the day at the upper level of Stadium Hall of the National Western Complex.
CLASSES FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN
CLASSES will be updated through April 28th Demos and Classes will be held in the upper level of Stadium Hall of the National Western Complex
ADULT CLASSES
THE PERFECT EDGE - KNITTED LACE EMBELLISHMENT with Galina Khmeleva
Friday, April 29, 2011, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
FEE: $40.00, plus a materials fee of $3.00.
Orenburg knitted lace is perhaps most recognized by its exquisitely detailed scalloped border (tteth). In this class, Galina will first introduce students to the fascinating knitting techniques that result in this 'perfect edge', then she will explore various ways to turn ordinary table, bed and bath linens, curtains, even a favorite clothing item into luxurious collectibles with the addition of the simple, yet so very sophisticated Orenburg lace 'perfect edge; border.
3 hours. Students should bring favorite needles (any style, sizes 0-3), and note taking materials.
Students can register with Galina by emailing her at lacemail@skaska.com.
COME PLY WITH ME! With Joy Getha
Friday, April 29, 2011, 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Cost: $25.00 Minimum 2, maximum 6 participants
Participant must bring own wheel and yarn to ply; contact instructor for specifics by email jgetha@yahoo.com or by calling (303) 243-0077. Participants will ply off the ball, using a lazy kate, and will Navajo ply. It will be helpful if some participants can also bring ball winders and/or niddy-noddies.
Payment is made by mailing check or money order for the class fee to the instructor: Joy Getha, 11147 Bayne Way, Parker, CO 80134. It’s a good idea to email: jgetha@yahoo.com, or call the instructor at (303) 243-0077 before mailing; your place will be held up to 48 hours awaiting receipt of payment. If signing up for COME PLY WITH ME!, indicate which session you prefer and if you would be able to attend the other session if your first choice is full.
If a participant is unable to attend and cancels by April 22, they will receive a full refund. If a participant does not cancel by April 22, no refund will be given. The instructor will refund all class fees, if and only if she is unable to conduct the class.
GRAFTING WITH A RUSSIAN TWIST & MORE!! with Galina Khmeleva
Friday, April 29, 2011, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Fee: $40.00
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 a unique Russian bind-off that will leave your breathless...these techniques will make your knitting more enjoyable and seem effortless.
3 hours. No material fee. Students should bring 2 contrasting colors of fingering/sport weight/non-textured yarn, and needles appropriate to yarn size.
Students can register with Galina by emailing her at lacemail@skaska.com.
'MOOSHKY MADNESS' A/K/A DIMENSIONAL KNITTING - RUSSIAN STYLE with Galina Khmeleva
Saturday, April 30, 2011, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
FEE: $40.00
Would you like to give your knitting projects new life...adding style, substance and texture? The addition of 'spiders', 'clover leafs' and 'Mooshky' (Lily of the Valley Motif) will add a new 'Dimension' to your knitting. Traditional they're not....a real hoot to knit.... most definitely.
3 hours. - no homework/materials fee. Students should bring sport/fingering weight yarn, light colored non-textured, (no cotton or acrylic) and needles appropriate to yarn size.
Students can register with Galina by emailing her at lacemail@skaska.com.
CONTINENTAL KNITTING....A VARIATION ON A THEME: with Galina Khmeleva
Saturday, April 30, 2011, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
FEE: $40.00
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 method:
- It's fast...
- It's easy....
- It's oh-so forgiving on your wrists!!
You'll wonder why you waited so long to make the switch.
3 hours. No materials fee. Students should bring fingering/sport weight/non-textured yarn, and needles appropriate to yarn size.
Students can register with Galina by emailing her at lacemail@skaska.com.
SURI SPINNING with Claire Walker
Saturday, April 30, 2011, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, There will be a break for lunch.
Fee: $80.00
Suri is a luxury fiber---strong and lustrous! In this class you will learn my methods for making a preparation from raw suri fiber which is a dream to spin!
Materials needed: A spinning wheel (set on Scotch tension, if your wheel has it), a small niddy noddy, raw suri fiber (at least 2 ounces), a metal dog comb with both widely spaced and closely spaced teeth (no slickers or brushes please), a lap cloth (canvas or leather work well), scissors, Bounce dryer softener sheets, hand lotion, handiwipes, and paper and pen for taking notes. If you have a drum carder with a fur drum, please bring it.
Note: Suri is not a beginner's fiber, as it is very slippery. Some experience with spinning alpaca would be helpful.
Class size: 7 maximum
For registration you can email claire@wetmountainvalley.us. Payment can be made by check.
EXPLORE JAPANESE KNITTING with Donna Druchunas
Saturday, April 30, 2011, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, There will be a break for lunch.
Fee: $70
Japanese knitting books are hot right now. Although the patterns are written entirely in Japanese, they are not impossible for American audiences to read. Very light on text and heavy on charts schematics, with a cheat sheet of translations, any adventurous knitter can enter the world of Japanese knitting. In this class we will learn how to understand Japanese sweater patterns. Because Japanese patterns usually are written for one size, we will also discuss how to resize the patterns. In addition, we will learn how to read Japanese knitting charts and knit several swatches.
Materials needed: About 50 yards of worsted or sport weight yarn and size 7 or 5 needles for swatching. Pencil and eraser, calculator, and basic knitting tools. If you have any Japanese knitting books, bring them along!
For advanced knitters, who know how to knit from charts, understand knitting schematics, and made at least one sweater from a pattern.
Class size: 20 maximum.
For registration you can email donna@sheeptoshawl,com. Payment can be made by paypal or check.
GIVE SPINNING A WHORL! With Joy Getha
Saturday, April 30, 2011, 12:00 Noon-3:00 PM
Cost: $35.00 Minimum 2, maximum 6 participants
Participants will receive a bag of fibers to spin, and will have the opportunity to try different kinds of drop spindles and a spinning wheel. Participants will have the use of different drop spindles in the class, but have to turn the spindles back in when class is over. The instructor does not sell spindles, but vendors at the show may have spindles for sale. Participants keep the yarn they make. Walk-ins are welcome.
Payment is made by mailing check or money order for the class fee to the instructor: Joy Getha, 11147 Bayne Way, Parker, CO 80134. It’s a good idea to email: jgetha@yahoo.com, or call the instructor at (303) 243-0077 before mailing; your place will be held up to 48 hours awaiting receipt of payment.
If a participant is unable to attend and cancels by April 22, they will receive a full refund. If a participant does not cancel by April 22, no refund will be given. The instructor will refund all class fees, if and only if she is unable to conduct the class.
HANDSPINNING - ORENBURG STYLE with Galina Khmeleva
Sunday, May 1, 2011, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
FEE: $40.00, plus a materials fee of $5.00.
Learn how those talented knitters and spinners from Orenburg perform feats of textile magic by turning the raw down from native goats into luxuriously soft, exquisitely fine yarn via supported spindle that ultimately results in the most elegant lace shawls and scarves in the textile universe. In this class, Galina will introduce you both to the hand spinning of, as well as, the more economical use of today's 'luxury' fibers, i.e. cashmere, qiviut, pygora, etc. Authentic hand-turned Russian supported spindles available for class use.
3 hours. Students should bring note-taking materials, Russian-style support spindles and bowls will be provided for class use.
Students can register with Galina by emailing her at lacemail@skaska.com.
EXPLORE JAPANESE CROCHET with Donna Druchunas
Sunday, May 1, 2011, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.
Fee: $35.00
Japanese crochet patterns are just so cute! Although the patterns are written entirely in Japanese, they are not impossible for American audiences to read. Very light on text and heavy on charts and schematics, with a cheat sheet of translations, any adventurous crocheter can enter the world of Japanese needlework. In this class we will learn how to understand Japanese accessory patterns and crochet from charts. This class also includes information for knitters who want to make Japanese projects that incorporate crochet.
Materials needed: About 50 yards of worsted or sport weight yarn and size F or G crochet hook for swatching. Pencil and eraser, calculator, and basic crochet tools. If you have any Japanese crochet books, bring them along!
For Intermediate students. Participants should know the basic crochet stitches, understand crochet schematics, and have made at least one crochet project for a pattern.
Class size: 20 maximum.
For registration you can email donna@sheeptoshawl,com. Payment can be made by paypal or check.
COME PLY WITH ME! With Joy Getha
Sunday, May 1, 2011, 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Cost: $25.00 Minimum 2, maximum 6 participants
Participant must bring own wheel and yarn to ply; contact instructor for specifics by email jgetha@yahoo.com or by calling (303) 243—0077. Participants will ply off the ball, using a lazy kate, and will Navajo ply. It will be helpful if some participants can also bring ball winders and/or niddy-noddies.
Payment is made by mailing check or money order for the class fee to the instructor: Joy Getha, 11147 Bayne Way, Parker, CO 80134. It’s a good idea to email: jgetha@yahoo.com, or call the instructor at (303) 243-0077 before mailing; your place will be held up to 48 hours awaiting receipt of payment. If signing up for COME PLY WITH ME!, indicate which session you prefer and if you would be able to attend the other session if your first choice is full.
If a participant is unable to attend and cancels by April 22, they will receive a full refund. If a participant does not cancel by April 22, no refund will be given. The instructor will refund all class fees, if and only if she is unable to conduct the class.
ALPACA AND SILK NUNO FELTED SCARF With Judy Sims- Barlow
Saturday, April 30th, 2011 from 9:00 Am to 4:00 Pm with a break for lunch
FEE: $80 which includes all equipment and materials
Class Description: Using a hand dyed 17” x 72” chiffon scarf for a base along with alpaca roving, decorative yarns and hand dyed kid mohair locks, students will produce a beautiful one of a kind fashionable scarf. They will learn the basics of wet felting including, soft felt and fulling, as well as nuno felting. With a wide range of colors and textures to choose from the design possibilities are endless. This workshop is appropriate for beginning through advanced felters.
Max class size is 7 students. If we get more interested, I will try to find and assistant, and we can enlarge the class. Minimum class size is 3.
For registration, please email Judy Sims-Barlow, Spanish Peaks Alpacas, judysimsbarlow@gmail.com, or you can contact Judy at 719-742-6014.
INSTRUCTOR BIOS:
Donna Druchunas loves yarn of all kinds and sizes. Her curiosity about knitting results in long trips to unusual places and the study of a variety of languages. Her previous books include Arctic Lace: knitted Projects and Stories Inspired by Alaska's Native Knitters and Ethnic Knitting Discovery: The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and The Andes. Visit Donna's website at www.sheeptoshawl.com for information on where she's been traveling and what else she's making.
Joy Getha is a fiber artist who lives in Parker, Colorado, with a very understanding husband and son. She learned to knit over 40 years ago and learned to spin in 2000. She has won many awards and ribbons for her spinning and knitting. She has taught dozens of people to knit and quite a few how to spin. Her "day job" is a systems engineer for a major high-tech contracting firm. She loves to teach; she has taught everything from spinning, knitting and dyeing to computer science at the college level. Her knitting buddies in Parker are great fans of the classes she offers at The Twisted Knit.
Judy Sims-Barlow "After raising 2 children in the city of Denver and a career as a special education teacher and school psychologist, my husband and I moved to the country. We purchased land, built a house and invested in alpacas. Early on in my alpaca adventure I took a hat felting class and became hooked. I learned to spin and knit and created vests, scarves, and hats out of the beautiful natural colors. Soon I began teaching hat felting classes myself. After 12 years of breeding alpacas, the time has come to sell the herd and concentrate on fiber arts. Now with a new fiber studio I am creating beautiful accessories out of our fleeces and teaching felting classes. I discovered Nuno felting, which is combining fabric with alpaca fiber. My current passion is felting alpaca into iridescent silk chiffon to make designer scarves and shawls. I have been amazed at the popularity of these scarves. Everywhere I wear one, people comment on how beautiful they are and sometimes ask whether they can buy the one I am wearing. They make lovely one of a kind gifts."
Galina Khmeleva is owner of Skaska Designs and author of Gossamer Webs, The History and Techniques of Orenburg Lace Shawls and Gossamer Webs, The Design Collection. She has earned the reputation as one of the most respected and knowledgeable lace knitting instructors in the country. As a former clothing and costume designer who worked with the ‘aristocracy’ of St. Petersburg’s music and theater society, Galina was a pioneer in breaking down barriers in the ‘new’ Russia that allowed Russian women the opportunity to achieve ownership status in private companies. As the principal student to Orenburg’s lace knitting elite, Galina brings the classic style and revered traditional knitting techniques of Russian lace to her classes. Her unique, inspiring and fun-loving teaching style has made her the guru of lace enthusiasts across the US. And as an extra bonus, Galina’s classes are an awesome, unforgettable cultural experience.
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 hand spun 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 hand spun and fiber arts competitions, demonstrates spinning at alpaca and paco-vicuña events, and teaches many different fiber arts.
KID'S CLASSES
What a great opportunity to introduce your children to spinning or weaving! (If there are two children from the same family, the second child would be half price.) Walk-ins welcome if space is available.
Beginning Drop Spindle Spinning
Friday, April 29, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
(Parents welcome to join in the fun) Fiber and drop spindles provided. Drop spindles may be purchased after the class at the Deer Pants, LLC , booth. Maximum class size 6. Class fee $10
For registration, you can email wanda@deerpants.com or call Wanda at 303-654-0882.
Beginning Drop Spindle Spinning
Saturday, April 30 10:00-11:00 a.m.
(Parents welcome to join in the fun) Fiber and drop spindles provided. Drop spindles may be purchased after the class at the Deer Pants, LLC , booth. Maximum class size 6. Class fee $10
For registration, you can email wanda@deerpants.com or call Wanda at 303-654-0882.
Beginning Weaving
Saturday, April 30 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Weave a mug rug on a mini loom. (Parents welcome to join in the fun) Maximum class size 6. Class fee $10 includes all supplies. Mini looms may be purchased after the class at the Deer Pants, LLC, booth. For registration, you can email wanda@deerpants.com or call Wanda at 303-654-0882.
Beginning Weaving
Sunday, May 1 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Weave a mug rug on a mini loom. (Parents welcome to join in the fun) Maximum class size 6. Class fee $10 includes all supplies. Mini looms may be purchased after the class at the Deer Pants, LLC, booth. For registration, you can email wanda@deerpants.com or call Wanda at 303-654-0882.
INSTRUCTOR BIOS:
Wanda Maul grew up in the 4-H program in Adams County, CO, involved in dog training, rabbits and sewing. Wanda taught herself to knit at the age of 16. Her first completed project was a cabled baby sweater for her first niece. That sweater was passed down to another niece and then to Wanda’s own children and is now in the doll clothes bag! In 1978 Wanda got her first knitting machine and did not hand knit for several years. She made all her children’s school sweaters and other outfits, and also blankets on the knitting machines.
Although she doesn’t remember just when or how she learned to crochet, Wanda was crocheting ponchos for her children when she was in her mid-twenties. Along the way throughout the years she learned to do macramé, tatting, ceramics and other crafts.
In 2006 Wanda and her husband Dick purchased two alpacas and that started a whole new crafting experience. They now own 10 alpacas and are having lots of fun! The farm name is MX Paca Pants Ranch located east of Brighton, CO. Before the alpaca were actually at the ranch, Wanda learned to spin on a drop spindle and soon after purchased her first spinning wheel. Next came the weaving. There is always something new to learn!!
Wanda loves to teach others the heritage arts that she enjoys so much. She recently taught a knitting class after school to twelve elementary age girls. She then taught a fiber arts class at the school introducing children to spinning on a drop spindle, weaving, felting, making woven key chains with plastic lacing, and finished the class with making a rope with The Incredible Rope Machine by Schacht Spindle Company, Inc., located in Boulder, CO.
Wanda owns Deer Pants, LLC, at 628 E. Bridge St., suite 100, in Brighton, CO. It is a local yarn shop with hand knitting yarns as well as coned yarns, knitting machines, spinning wheels, and weaving looms. Wanda is the only Silver Reed Knitting Machine dealer in a tri-state area. At the shop there are all kinds of knitting, crocheting, tatting, spinning and weaving classes. She can be contacted at the shop 303-654-0882 or on her website at www.deerpants.com .
ALPACA FIBER ARTS
Judged by: Donna Druchunas
Barb Dedecker and her husband Robert own Rapunzel’s Farm in Larkspur CO. Barb always runs a first class Fiber Arts show and has once again volunteered to be our Superintendent. So work hard and fast and get those projects finished for the show.
WE WANT TO SEE YOUR KNITTING, CROCHETING, FELTING, WEAVING, SPINNING
If you are an accomplished fiber artist or an aspiring fiber artist, this is an inexpensive venue to let the public know what kind of product you are producing.
There will again be a Judge’s Choice Ribbon awarded. There will also be a People’s Choice Award Ribbon awarded in the three following categories: adult, youth and hand spun skeins.
So if you have not begun your project yet, it’s not too late. It’s only $15 to enter and youth entries (18 and under) are FREE!
You can register by going to the online registration or with the forms below. Barb will also be accepting registrations at check-in on Thursday, April 28, 2011 between 1pm and 5pm and also by mail.
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Fiber Arts & Skein Competition Rules [PDF] |
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Fiber Arts & Skein Competition Entry Form [PDF] |
We are looking for volunteers who would like to help with scoring the entries. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn from a world known fiber artist. Judging is only on Friday beginning at 9:00 AM and will be completed by early afternoon. If there are times when you are not showing, and can spare an hour or two, please consider volunteering an hour or two and come learn from a great fiber artist.
For more information about entering the Fiber Arts Competition or if you would be willing to volunteer an hour of your time, please call Barb Dedecker at 720-733-9294 or email info@DenverFiberFiesta.com
VENDOR INFORMATION
Vendor Application
DEADLINE: April 4, 2011
In conjunction with the 9th Annual Great Western Alpaca Show held at the National Western Complex, April 29 – May 1, 2011, the Alpaca Breeders of the Rockies are pleased to host the 5th 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 4, 2011!
- 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 $2 each.
- Displays may be set up as early as Wednesday, April 27, 12:00 PM, but no later than Thursday, April 28, 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
