[Today we have a special treat! Our own Gwen Brice, photographer (& rug hooker) extraordinaire, visited Woolstock, and provided us with photos and an article about her experience. Thanks, Gwen!]
My sisters are avid knitters, so when I suggested we make the trek to Paris for Woolstock, they agreed in a heartbeat. We arrived mid morning to find a somewhat soggy field already full of parked cars. Parking attendants in high-vis vests waving me onward toward one of the first parking rows where a vehicle had pulled out. The grey sky and on and off drizzle we drove through to arrive in Paris, Ontario could not dampen my spirits as we walked around mud puddles to arrive at Woolstock!
Woolstock is a fibre arts festival filling four buildings at the fair grounds offering workshops, demonstrations, venders, and artists. From llamas, sheep and angora rabbits in one building to Mary Maxim historical display in another; spinning wheels, knitting bowls, jewelry, knitting kits, rug hooking kits, wool, and lots and lots of beautiful yarn, Woolstock really did have something for everyone. I felt this was an adult version of a child in a candy store: so many offerings everywhere we looked. Oh, my poor wallet! It was a feast for the eyes, rows of colour beautifully displayed by the many vendors.
There were several rug hooking studios selling their wares, of which Martina Lessar Studio was one. I came prepared with my list of supplies I needed and happily chatted with Martina about my latest hooking project. In addition to the many cubbies of wool cloth, there were also bins of thick yarn that is wonderful to hook. Backing, hooks, patterns and kits, it was all there to peruse.
As we wandered through the crowd of happy creators, we also admired what people were wearing! What an added bonus to see the beautifully knit or crocheted sweaters, the hand woven jackets and felted hats.
Overall, attending the fibre festival was a joy. The buildings weren’t so large it felt overwhelming and we found we were able to visit each building without feeling rushed to ‘see it all’. I was inspired by the creativity on display both by the vendors and attendees. My list of projects for this winter has now grown considerably. Do I dare wish for a long cold winter to maximize my rug hooking time?
Submitted by Gwen Brice.
Sounds like a great day!
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