Fiber, Fiber Everywhere!

This weekend was, what I consider to be, the opening of the 2010 Fiber season. The High Desert Wool Growers host the now annual Fiber Market Day in Prineville, Oregon. What started out years ago as a sparsely attended event put on by a group local wool growers is now a highly attended and much looked forward to market venue. There were vendors from near and far; wool fleeces, piles of colorful mohair locks, braids and balls of yummy roving, demonstrations, yarns, spinning equipment, pelts, hats, sweaters, socks, fiber artists of all kinds, spinning, felting, weaving and of course the wonderful animals themselves.

It was a sunny day and we were all anxious to get out of the barns and see what everyone had been doing all winter. As you walked down the isles friends engulfed each other in hugs as though they hadn't seen one another for decades. On or under every table and display was a potential project, a new toy, a bag of luscious fiber, a skein of intoxicating yarn we just had to have. Among the "Ooos" and "aaahs" all senses were called into play as people looked, touched, felt and smelled the wares. I was lucky enough to have both my girls home and with me for much of this day. It seemed to me that it was not only fun but profitable as a steady stream of fiber enthusiasts made their way through the two buildings and animal pens. It was good to be among fiber folk again - it was a good way to start the season!

Back on the farm, we look forward to a week or so of preparing for the next wave of kidding. We have 3 does due about the same time; around the 8th. Until then, I begin packing for the next fun event. The Central Oregon Goat Association will be hosting the 9th Annual Goat Jamboree in Bend on April 17th and I am leading a couple of classes. For a nominal fee you get to participate in as many classes as you can register for covering all things "goaty". As we have Angora goats, for years we have been welcomed and included by this goat group (which used to focus exclusively on dairy goats). This year topics will include basic maintenance, kidding, nutrition, cheese making, weaving, felting and many more. For information contact COGA2010@aol.com . It is always a fun and educational event.