Roc Day with pics

During a Fiber Fair I am pretty much stranded occupied in my booth. Talking to people who come to the fair and especially to those who come in to my booth is a pleasure.  This Fair was no exception.  I was delightfully busy most of the day.  

Right before we opened I was able to take few shots but after that the only break I got was when Jim relieved me for about half an hour so I could go pee, have a bite and peak in at the felting workshop.   By the time the CD with Wayne's pics arrived I was busy with getting Fondle This! out and then the service day and then the Inauguration and then Sock Hop.  So please forgive the untimeliness of this blog. (added later:  and I forgot to mention Basel's operation on his knee.  He blew out his only good one on the ice ~3 weeks ago. sheesh!)

In all past years we have held our Roc Day Fiber Fair at the Varna Community Center where we have our (Black Sheep Handspinners Guild ) meetings. Not only has our membership been growing but last year the festival was just too crowded plus the parking lot is small and if it has snow piled up is even smaller. Last winter we interviewed several possibles and came up with the First Congregational Church in Cayuga Heights, Ithaca. They have been wonderful to work with and generous with space. We rented their parish hall which came complete with 2 classrooms, a big space, lots of chairs, lots of tables, 2 bathrooms, a good sized kitchen and easy access for loading and unloading for vendors and mobility impaired visitors.

This picture was taken early, soon after we opened, showing the Caravan Farm booth and a general view.

Obviously this is Melissa Jean Designs, right near the entrance

and my booth before the fiberholics descended.

Almost every kind of wheel was represented. If you were looking for a first or second (or third) you could see many in action and probably try one out.

People came from as far as Utica and Rochester but with the approaching storm the contingent from PA stayed snugly in their state.

All through the day were spinning demos ----  Great wheels and tiny were represented.

One of our members, Bill, is an expert weaver (and knitter and spinner). He generously gave weaving demos for part of the day.

Some of the Rochester area spinners have told us our Dish to Pass is the highlight of their day. Certainly the selection of soups, chili, hot dishes and desserts are plentiful and delicious. Vicki puts it all together with a calm I could never maintain. Here she is early in the day with a couple of helpers, getting ready.  

Little did she know that later the huge crock pot of chili would have an accident.   As she was lifting it the handle broke and we had beans and sauce all over the floor.  Having no access to the Custodial closet some innovation was required.  Snow shovels were found near one of the outer doors.  I'll let you imagine the rest.

Our Featured Fiber Artist was Diane Christian (in green) who displayed her glorious felted creations in a Trunk Show in the morning and then taught wet finger felting to students later.  

The flowers were moved into a more 3D shape, allowed to dry and had pin backs added.  Diane's work and teaching were a definite hit.   There is talk of having her back in the late spring or early summer for another set of classes.

Ruth and Wayne (he is demonstrating on the great wheel above) run the Kid's Corner sessions. They are both fine educators who know that children prefer hands on learning. They had a loom ready for trying out and lots of small, easy to use items to help the kids practice sewing and weaving.

I am sorry I was given no photos of the beginning spindling session taught by Kathy H.  Kathy taught me to spindle spin so I am forever grateful to her for helping me begin my fiber addiction.

Another highlight is our Raffle.  Guild members knit and crochet items all year just for this day. Vendors are also asked to donate at least one item.  This year we had 40 to raffle off!  Hats, mittens, shawls, scarves, a boa, tote bags of stuff, kits.............  All items are first displayed on the tables.  Then numbered paper bags are hung on the front of the tables where people can place their ticket(s) into which each bag represents the item they want to win.

Here is Anne holding up a sweater I knit and Jeanne (on the left) announcing who won it.

We also make a group item.  This year it was a square lace shawl made from hand dyed fiber from member Lisa Merion, handspun by many of us and knit by our President.   Profits went to the Cortland SPCA.

As you can see the winner was both surprised and delighted.

Our committee wants to thank all of you for your participation and looks forward to another great Roc Day next January.