World Sheep &Wool Festival: Bethel, MO

This Labor Day weekend I finally had my chance to visit the World Sheep and Wool Fesival in Bethel, MIssouri! ( And it only took 14years on my wish list to accomplish...) It was a bit of a last minute decision, so I didn't get to register for classes as I would have liked. Turns out it was a very small crowd this year. Partly due to finally getting the first hard rain of the Summer. Several instructors were not able to come because of flooding risk at their farms. With a cool misty rain all weekend, I was set to just get through it and mark this one off my ever growing list. Despite the odds, as usual at a fiber event, I had a great time!

The one class I was able to get into was Liz Mitcho's nearly famous "Dye your Buns" workshop. I've heard so many people talking about it, I grabbed the chance to sit in.

We played with overdyeing using the same dye on various color commercial yarns (much like we did in Peggy Doney's Triad class -see earlier post).

This is the method where you apply the dye, wrap in plastic wrap, roll into a colorful cinnamon roll like swirl and then microwave for a couple minutes. I was amazed that the fiber rinsed completely clear afterwards. The results were pretty great for being so low-tech!

 



 

 

 

 

Then we went over several methods of applying color to both yarns and roving. I think even I would be willing to attempt this at home. Thanks Liz!

Of course there were plenty of animals to look at and pet. I wanted so badly to bring home an angora rabbit - or three!

There were numerous sheep breeds, but no goats this year. Little tykes doing their best at mutton bustin'. Auctions throughout the day. The best lamburgers I've ever tasted by the local FFA. Then there was also plenty of time to sit in the tent and just enjoy spinning up some of my new purchases.



 

Shopping is always a given at these events. I was there along with Darlene and Judy of 'A Twist in Time', so that was our focus. The rain didn't help us, it gave new meaning to the term 'floating floor' in many booths. While we were all grateful to be under a tent, the fact that it was yellow made all the gorgeous colors off. But, we are fiber people and know how to make do! Vendors willingly allowed us to trott our selections outside for quick color checks. Given the circumstances, I thought everyone did a great job of not complaining or getting flustered. I met several new vendors and bought plenty of souvenirs.

Below is just one part of the Yarn Geek's roving display-along with some of her Shetland roving that found its way home with me.

There is more to tell of the weekend- including some other purchasing I did. That's enough for yet another post. I don't know if I will get back to Bethel again or not (so many good places on my list to see!) but I am glad for the chance to go at least once.

 

 

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