The Fiber Arts Show, held at Longbranch Improvement Club in conjunction with the Farm Tour in October, was again an outstanding success.
The room was filled with an amazing number of people using a large variety of fiber choices in different ways.
From the traditional needlework and quilting displays and demonstrations to innovative felting techniques to Nick and Emily Ehrhardt working on a latch hook project, visitors observed, touched (where it was allowed), lingered, asked questions, purchased, and picked up contact information.
Spinning wheels, sewing machines, Japanese braiding, tapestry weaving, needle felting, busy hands with needles applied to various kinds of projects, and a group of Gifted Hands knitting for cancer patients, and preemies – all gave evidence of dedicated people plying their crafts and creating beautiful things for themselves or others.
Julie Higgins, a custom dressmaker, displayed some of her breathtaking designs on the stage.
The Troublemakers from Shelton use 1800s reproduction fabric to create vintage appliqué Flower Bonnet Girl on an eye-catching wall hanging.
Angel Guild offered loaded tables of fabric in varying sizes, with a comment there were more selections at their shop.
Denise Hays displayed and demonstrated some simple paper and fabric craft how-tos. She offers project classes locally.
Elaine Lefler’s textile baskets, Beverly Pedersen’s painted silk scarves, Kaukiki Farm wool in bats, rovings and yarn, Elsa Leyden’s and Arlene Egan’s felt hats, and lovely shades of yarn from the Allyn Knit Shop drew visitor’s eyes to inspect items close-up.
Knitting, crocheting, embroidery and other needlework in process by many participants, with finished or in-process projects on display, added to the colorful scene.
Coordinator Carolyn Wiley, who planned to demonstrate her T.L.C. (The Learning Curve for the novice quilter) needed to be everywhere at once, but enjoyed the crowd and visitors from near and far.
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