FESTIVAL REVIEW! - Michigan Fiber Fiesta, Greenville, MI

I had only 3 weeks to prepare for the festival, as I got in due to a last minute cancellation BUT I think I did pretty well! It was a very fun festival, but not too many buyers. I had a great time talking about drum carding, doing demos, and instructing some brave souls that decided to try it out in front of the group.

Here are some pics of my booth setup:

Fiber Buffet - I debuted my 'Fiber Buffet' at this festival and it was a HUGE hit! I had hand dyed ingredients, as well as angelina, sari silk, and more for those that card or felt. This was a HUGE hit and I will definitely be continuing this!

Handspun Yarn - Always a conversation piece. Many questions about corespun.

Gifts and Goodies - Spindle Kits, Nuno Kits, Ornaments, and more!

Batts - Didn't sell well at this festival, unfortunately not many spinners. LOTS headed for the SHOP very soon!

All in all a good festival! I understand they are changing the weekend for next year however and it is my Birthday weekend. :( I might have to pass on this one for next year, but it was a very good time this year!!!

Equipment Review - Trindle

Let me start by saying that I am not a proficient spindle spinner. I admire those who are, but I have never had the desire to put a lot of effort into it. HOWEVER, spindles have found their way into my life because they are so mobile and easy to take with you and when you are already carrying a purse, diaper bag, kiddo, and whatever else, that is definitely a plus.

When I vended at the Michigan Fiber Festival in 2009 my booth neighbor Gale, from GalesArt was selling Trindles. I watched as she spun with ease on them and the beautiful arrangements kept diminishing throughout the weekend. So by Sunday afternoon I decided to give it a try. WOW was I impressed. It spun SO much longer than any other spindle I had ever spun on! I had to have one! I took my new baby home and up on the shelf she went. Well recently I have busted out my trindle and taken her on the road with me. Although she has suffered a minor break and repair, she spins just fine.

Upon visiting the etsy site for "research" purposes I noticed the trindles have been redesigned with removable arms, which DEFINITELY solves the problem as to why mine broke. Be sure to check out Trindleman on etsy.

Update regarding Michigan Fiber Fiesta NEXT weekend.

I know Maryland Sheep and Wool is THIS weekend but for you Michigan folks that can't travel that far, come to the Fiber Fiesta next weekend! OR BETTER YET, BOTH!!! lol But if you do go to both save some money for the fiesta because I am getting my booth ready and I am SO excited about what I will have to offer. Based on the Michigan Fiber Festival I did 2 years ago I have tweeked and added a few things that will make my booth extra special!

This will be the first festival I will be introducing my Build-a-Batt BUFFET! Not only will I have my personal UNIQUE (medium texture), INSIDE OUT (high texture), and JELLY ROLL (smooth texture) hand carded batts for the spinners and felters in the bunch but I will also have a wide selection of your favorite add-ins and hand dyed goodies for all the carders in the bunch as well!!!

The plan for the buffet at this time is to have my drum carder available for use and instruction with any purchase. I will be doing carding demos throughout the day as time permits. Feel free to stop by and ask questions!

I will also have a nice selection of fiber related gifts, and of course handspun yarn. Be sure to stop by! Every purchase will receive a secret coupon code for FREE SHIPPING for the remainder of 2011 in my etsy shop!!!

NEW Wheel!

Amongst other things, my weekend project was to stain and assemble my NEW Ashford Country Spinner! I LOVE the way she turned out! Got to spin on her a little bit last night, I think this is going to be a wonderful new relationship!!!