Fiber U Recap

First of all, take notice that my craft room is shaping up. Crates are appearing on walls . . . . full of yummy fiber. My loom and spinning wheels are set up. And my Grandma Fernie's weavings hang above my loom.

I have a card table that can be folded up or used, depending on what projects are underway. It's nothing fancy, but it is actually becoming a usable, relaxing room and I had a chance early this morning to sit down in there and spin as well as play with my new hackle. More on that in a second.

Well, last weekend and all this week have been a total whirlwind. Once again, Luann and I went to Fiber U in Lebanon, Missouri. It is perfect place to learn how to spin, dye, weave, knit or do any of a NUMBER of crafts better. The teachers are fantastic, the vendors amazing. Best of all, in this excessive heat we've had, the event is air conditioned and in a nicely spacious civic center. So we don't have to swelter, but shop, relax, stay cool and even the concession area provides delicious, inexpensive and HEALTHY foods.

Where else but in Missouri can be find a TON of extremely nice people, nice fiber, and nice accomodations at such a reasonable price? Nowhere but here.

This year, I took three classes: Blending Fiber with a Hackle, Advanced Rigid Heddle Weaving and Making Boucle Yarn. My favorite class by FAR was the hackling one. And guess what? I came home with a wonderful hackle from Diane Wallace she sells a very affordable hackle that makes fiber blending a breeze. Granted, it looks like a Medevil torture device, but she taught us how to use it safely and I couldn't be more thrilled. After getting rid of my drumcarder last spring, I am happy to have a good way to blend fiber without a huge expense - this hackle takes up very little space in my craft room and can be put away when not in use.

Diane's class was so fun - she made it a blast! I learned to diz effectively, as well as what types of fibers work best on this hackle, and how to throw fiber on there without maiming myself. It's always important to cover the teeth/tines when not loading fiber on there. Even if you are just sitting there, you should have it covered if not actively adding stuff to it. One awkward slip, or accidental touch of the tines can be dangerous. I went to the doctor and got a tentenous shot before taking this class, believe it or not. Since I've been working with raw fiber, it's a precaution.

What amazes me each time we come home is that Luann and I get so involved in having fun that we forget to take pictures, so unfortunately, there aren't any photos of the event itself. Sorry! Next year I will try to do better.