I always look forward to Fiber College which is held in my neck of the woods. It heralds the beginning of fall for me, the temptation of Sweater Weather just around the corner. What makes this event different than a lot of other fiber events its intimacy and diversity. Fiber College is not just for knitters, though they are well represented, no, fiber college means Quilting, Book Making, Rug Hooking, Spinning, Dyeing, Needle Felting, Chair Caning, Wood Carving, Weaving and more! more! more! This year there were 57 classes…something for everyone including spouses, and on Sunday, even children. This year’s Artist in Residence Alice Seeger, was available the entire time, offering free wisdom and inspiration as well as teaching great classes. There are fantastic demonstrations and talks all day long, Japanese Embroidery, Embellishing Your Handwork, Tending a Spinners Flock– just take a look at what else was offered this year. Fiber College is always the weekend after Labor Day from Thursday through Sunday.
The location is the best. Searsport Shores is an old time RV camp right on the beach on Penobscot Bay, looking out to the islands. It is gorgeous, funky and fun, it even includes resident goats. There is a fantastic organic garden, in fact the whole grounds are beautifully planted. The camping spots are to die for– the views! If you don’t want to camp, or don’t have your own classic Airstream, there are several RVs to rent, and loads of quaint B&Bs and motels in the area, which is just up the road from eternally groovy Belfast, Maine.
Staying for the whole event was my special treat this year. I inhabited a rustic cabin on the far edge, no electricity, but plenty of candle power. It is very much like the cabin in the San Juan Islands where I spent lots of time as a girl. So my days were spent teaching or taking classes and in the evenings hanging out with students and fellow faculty. Any one for an evening beer under the stars? What fun, like summer camp. There is a nice sized Market Place filled with quality vendors, just enough not to be too overwhelming.
I met fantastic friends!
Hi friends! I miss you!
I want to see you again soon!
Love to you all!
Wow! That looks like fun!!!Perhaps it needs to go on the list for next year. Unfortunately it is a bad time of year for us orchard people to be away.
every year I say this is it, going to the Fiber Frolic-alas..missed it again. And I really wanted to be there on thurs to take your class. Next year for certain, life is too short to miss the great stuff.
It was so fantastic meeting you… I can do Fair Isle! Woot!
I miss you!
Mary Jane, Love the photo. The yellow sweater shot is particularly stricking. Do you know what the pattern is?
Beautiful photographs. I love travelling via your shots and descriptions to places I could never visit otherwise.
And like Kathryn above, I’m wondering about the yellow jacket/cardigan – and the wonderfully brick-red autumnal sleeve.
Add me to the chorus of those wondering what pattern the yellow sweater is. Lovely!
Hey you three, Ellen is the designer, you need to bug her for the patterns to both the red and yellow sweater, which she so kindly modeled and let us photographed in class. Find her at Odacier.blogspot.com