Tag Archives: Fibretown podcast

2013 Shenandoah Valley Fiber Festival

If there could be a theme for this year’s Fiber Festival in Berryville, VA, I think it would be “friends.” 

We saw so many old friends and made so many new ones.  From one moment to the next, there would be lively chatter in the booth, and surprise visitors popping in throughout the day. 

Meduseld's 2013 Booth

Meduseld’s 2013 Booth

It was terrific to meet some of the other vendors that we had not had a chance to meet in previous years.  Kellie Tatem with Lizard Toes where they make awesome drop spindles, Allegra Studnitz with One of Kind making her darling fiber angels and fairies, Connie DeLamater, Andrea Thornock (who in addition to selling wooden yarn cubbies is also a professional singing instructor), and so many more interesting and informative vendors.

I was finally able to meet Kate Blaney with Gourmetstash.com who makes punis for spinning.

Kate Blaney with Gourmetstash

Kate Blaney with Gourmet Stash

Here are some of her punis.

Gourmet Stash Punis

Gourmet Stash Punis

Opposite our booth was Lynn Blake with Mayhem Farm.  In this picture you can see her stunning handmade shawl creations behind her.

Lynn with Mayhem Farm

Lynn Blake with Mayhem Farm

Fiber arts were not the only skills represented.  There were also some woodworkers who had gorgeous works of art.  If you are looking for a present for your spouse for Christmas, you might want to consider one of the wooden pens handmade by Becky and Dave Lloyd of Timber and Whimsy.

Becky and Dave Lloyd of Timber Whimsy

Becky and Dave Lloyd of Timber and Whimsy

Another highly skilled woodworker was Bill Hardy of Turnstyles.  He made exquisite boxes with drawers and hidden drawers, in addition to drop spindles, crochet hooks and even ice cream scoops!   Notice the butterfly box on the left.

Bill Hardy of Turnstyles

Bill Hardy of Turnstyles

We saw familiar faces such as Emily Estrada of the  Fibretown Podcast, and Judi and Clyde DeWitt, the historic bobbin lace makers.  And, we were delighted to have a visit from Sue Groundwater who used to have the locally famous FrogEye Fiber Emporium in Winchester.  Sue gave knitting, spinning, and weaving lessons there for years and has probably instructed half the fiber artists in Winchester.  She taught me to spin and taught our son Gavin to knit.

Patricia Culver, Sue Groundwater and Gavin Culver

Patricia Culver, Sue Groundwater and Gavin Culver

It was fun to watch all the creations worn by Festival attendees.  There were so many shawls and sweaters handmade by their owners.  It was truly eye candy.  Here is one visitor to our booth in a shawl of her own creation.  In addition to being loaded with stunning fall colors, it used up ends and pieces of yarns from other projects. 

Spectacular Shawl Creation

Spectacular Shawl Creation

We also had on hand to give advice our knitting expert Kate Rabjohns in one of her diaphanous beaded creations in alpaca.

Kate Rabjohns

Kate Rabjohns

Even Miss Clark County was there with her mother.

Miss Clark County 2013

Miss Clark County 2013

 

Sincere thanks to all who stopped by and especially to our repeat customers.  Thanks for helping to support our farm and our dream!

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Meduseld’s Open House 2013

Despite the rain and gloomy forecast, Meduseld’s open house was a well-attended and fun event!

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The rain prevented us from putting out all the displays and products, however, people were  able to tour the nearby gardens and structures.

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People meandered through the permaculture garden where we discussed soil and pest issues and how they can be remedied without resorting to chemicals.  Attendees also viewed the conservatory, taking in the banana trees with developing clusters of fruit, the assorted citrus, papaya, and jabuticaba trees. 

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People visited and enjoyed hot dogs and good company.

People visiting and looking at yarn in the fiber tent.

People visiting and looking at yarn in the fiber tent.

Among all the wonderful people who came to the event, we were delighted to be joined by Emily Estrada, Fibretown podcaster, and her lovely family.  Emily also brought her adorable and animated dog, Alice, who promptly took up becoming close friends with our own dog, Beowulf.  The two were so animated, though, that taking a picture of them sitting still was nearly  an impossible task. 

Emilry and her family - her son ducked out of the photo.

Emily and her family – her son ducked out of the photo.

Photo-op  with the celebrity Alice!

Photo-op with the celebrity Alice!

Some of the young men in attendance took charge of cooking the hot dogs over a camp-fire and shared stories.

Around the campfire

Around the campfire

The children enjoyed other activities, including climbing trees and playing croquet.

Tree climbing

Tree climbing – Elve or girl?

It looks like this little darling won the croquet game.

Croquette game winner!

Croquet game winner!

  

A cowboy also attended.

A cowboy also attended.

We also had a raffle for a pineapple lace shawl crocheted with Meduseld Romney yarn.  The raffle was won by Julie Flanagan who was delighted!  Congratulations, Julie!