Knitting, spinning, dyeing. Oh my!

Every spring, fiber arts enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as the Stephenson County Fiber Arts Fair takes place right in our own back yard.

This fun fair has something for everyone. There is workshops offered in a variety of fiber arts every year. This year's line up will teach participants how to spin with beads, needle tat or paint yarn and the basics of Entralac knitting, Kumihimo weaving, and felting (wet and dry). There is also a spinning wheel workshop to help people learn to "get the most out of your wheel" (bring your own spinning wheel).

There are always vendors on hand to feed any fiber arts enthusiasts stash. I will be on the prowl for some nice sock yarns and another set of bamboo double pointed needles, but I know from previous years experience that there array of choices will be stunning and include a huge variety of yarns and rovings, lots of needles for knitting and crochet, accessories, and supplies galore for any fiber art from needle felting to weaving and everything in between.

Join in the fun and enter the drop spindle spinning competition. Watch this ancient art, and perhaps you will see why I am so tempted every year to give a go myself.

The fair happens on April 18 from 9 am until 5 pm at the Jane Addams Community Center in Cedarville, IL, about halfway between Monroe and Freeport.