I’ve been wanting to go to a fleece and fiber festival since last December when I realized I’ve become a fiber addict. I made a list of all of the ones I could find on the internet, then read about them on blogs and in magazines. The Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival sounded like the best maiden voyage, made even more appealing when some friends offered to go with us and let us stay at their condo.
MSWF (as it’s known to true devotees) advertised 250 vendors and 1,000 sheep – and it seemed like lots more to me! I bought 3 fleeces from among the mountains of fluff in the sales area…it was soo exciting! and then we took them right out the side door to the processor row and sent them off to be turned into roving.
There were thousands of spinners and knitters there, even though it was a rainy day, and everyone was in good spirits. The most fascinating thing to me was getting the chance to try some unusual spinning wheels – the Merlin Hitchhiker and the Butterfly electric wheel.
Everyone in the group enjoyed shopping for fiber and yarn, but the real attraction was the animals and the chance to see and pet bunnies, pygora goats, and alpaca. With their big eyes and sweet dispositions, they were real show stoppers.
Thanks to hundreds of volunteers, this show is a real winner and a great experience for new spinners as well as experienced sheep breeders. Put it on your calendar for next year – the first full weekend in May at the Howard County Fairgrounds.
Judi Jetson 