Fiber Festival Prep

I’m preparing for my first fiber fest; actually it’s a fiber fiesta. The first annual Yellow Rose Fiber Fiesta will be held Friday and Saturday in Seguin, Texas. If I lived in San Antonio there would be no problem going to both days; San Antonio closes for Fiesta on Friday. Austin does not celebrate Fiesta, so I can only go on Saturday. Unfortunately, I didn’t find out about the fiesta until after the April 1st deadline to sign up for classes. I’m hoping that there will be some open spots and I can register the day of.

It’s the first year they are doing it, so I’m not expecting much. But, as I missed out on Kid 'n Ewe in November, I’m determined to go. There is a needle felting class that I’d like to take. I’d also like to take the Spinning III class, but it is just a little too advanced for me.

The first goal when you are learning to spin is a continuous yarn. The second goal is a consistent yarn. As long as I’m using fiber that isn’t felted, I’ve got both of those down for the most part. Now I need to learn how to make woolen vs. worsted. I also need to learn and practice the different draws. Oh, and getting a spinning wheel so that I can practice more than once a week might help.

I’m undecided on which wheel I want. I really like spinning on the Louet Julia. It is smooth and doesn’t fight me on which direction I want it to go. I love the look of the Ladybug, but it’s a little more finicky. Also, they have a tendency to make a click or thump when you get them going. I’d like to try the Sidekick, before I make my decision. Having a spinning wheel that folds up nicely, but is not just a travel wheel sounds perfect. Maybe someone will have one at the fiber fiesta and will let me try it.

I need to make some more rolags and take them to HCW to spin on the Ladybug. Last time I spun on the Ladybug I was having issues because I had not carded the felted fiber. It was also on a day when I had just an hour to spin and had not found my rhythm before I had to leave. If it works out better next time I’ll really consider the Ladybug, if not I may have to get the Julia. But I’m not planning on making any decisions until after this weekend, at the earliest.