A Wool Gathering is a family event and a good way for children to see how fibers become clothing.
“We’re planning a raw wool to yarn demonstration for kids,” said Lois Pelekoudas, “also some kinds of simple weaving.”
Pelekoudas is a resident of Hustead, and known throughout the area for her spinning and weaving demonstrations. As one of the organizers, she is in charge of some of the displays, exhibits and vendors. Making sure that the young visitors get a chance to get involved is important to her.
She said the group tries to have a balance of fibers, methods and activities. If a person is shopping for a spinning wheel, they will be able to try out a variety of wheels at the event.
“This is a very good place to come and try it. Our vendors are friendly and approachable,” she said.
The list of source animals for the natural fiber in the booths boggles the mind.
The wool at this event is gathered from literally dozens of types of sheep from Merino to Icelandic to Leicester, and more. Since each has its own variations within the breed, the varieties of sheep are too numerous to list. I had no idea there were so many.
There are wool from the alpacas and llamas, which are originally from South America but now raised by some of our neighbors in Ohio. They are so beautiful grazing in the green fields. Angora comes from goats or rabbits. Mohair and cashmere also come from goats. And then there are even more exotic fibers available from bison, yaks and camel. I cannot help but wonder who is brave enough to shear a buffalo?
Since live sheep, alpacas, llamas and rabbits will be on display, the public is asked to please leave their own pets at home. In fact, that polite request is repeated more than once on the website. I can understand why.
A demonstration of sheep shearing will take place from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. each day. During those same hours, sheep herding dogs will demonstrate their skills herding ducks, which promises to be entertaining. According to Pelekoudas, special permission had to be obtained from the state veterinarian to include the ducks in the demonstration.
Turning the wool into yarn then cloth is also a big part of this event. In addition to lots of demonstrations, items like spinning wheels, drop spindles, lucettes, ball winders, nostepinnes and niddy noddies are available from some of the vendors. There are also dyes, and a variety of wool working items including looms.
Visitors can buy already prepared yarn, already spun and dyed and ready to knit. The yarn selection is endless and colorful. And the selection of knitting needles and crochet hooks is also.
Not all the vendors carry wool. Additional items like maple syrup, honey, soaps, art, baskets and buttons will tempt shoppers.
The crowning glories of the vending area are the hand-knitted and crocheted items for sale: gloves, scarves, socks, mittens, sweaters, hats, baby items, toys, art, etc. These masterpieces are the goals of all this effort. Remember, it is not too early to shop for Christmas.
The Society of Creative Anachronism will also have a tent at this event, where it will be demonstrating spinning and weaving methods of pre-17th century Europe.
I think one of the fun things about A Wool Gathering is that some of our neighbors are involved in raising wool bearing animals and preparing the wools, yarns, etc.
On the vendors list, three listed have a Clark County address: Bluebird Hills Farm (Laurel Shouvlin), Checkered Flag Fibers (Greg and Debra Gaskill) in Enon, and Basketmaker (Margaret L. Bickenheuser).
Young’s Jersey Dairy is located at 6889 Springfield-Xenia Road, U.S. 68, just north of Yellow Springs. Hours of A Wool Gathering are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.
Remember to leave your own pets at home, and bring some extra money for ice cream.
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