Our Journey to the Montgomery Festival

Exciting Developments in our Sheep to Shawl Group

The new sheep to shawl group has been actively engaged in carding, spinning, and a whirlwind of planning during our Sunday meet-ups. Each session has been an opportunity to dive into the fascinating world of fiber arts, where we learned techniques such as skirting and carding an unwashed fleece, practicing spinning in the grease, and determining the right gauge for our project plans.

Preparation for the Fleece to Shawl Competition

As we gear up for the Montgomery Festival on August 16th, preparations for the fleece to shawl competition are in full swing. Our two teams are ready to compete, with each group consisting of three spinners and one weaver. This year’s event promises to be exciting, especially with the buzz indicating that there are more prizes than teams compared to previous years. Yet, beyond the competitive spirit, we are united by our love for this craft and the valuable experiences gained along the way.

Practicing Techniques and Teamwork

Last week, we focused on timing ourselves as we made rolags and spinning enough single ply to fill a weaving bobbin, which takes about 20 minutes. The weavers are also busy preparing samples with our spun yarn to finalize their projects. The camaraderie within our group makes this journey enjoyable and enriching. Looking ahead, we plan to host a mini head-to-head competition in late July to hone our skills and practice under the pressure of competition. With two teams ready to showcase their abilities, excitement fills the air as the festival approaches!