Get Ready for Fiber Fusion Fun!
Keeley Richardson
Founder and Chief Fiber Officer
One of the biggest events on the Pacific Northwest fiber calendar is just around the corner. Fiber Fusion Northwest runs from June 1st to 2nd, at the Evergreen State Fairground, Monroe. Whether you are new to the world of fiber arts, or an afficionado, it is true to say that this wonderful weekend event really has something for everyone.
Now in it’s thirteenth year, Fiber Fusion Northwest is a wonderful showcase for all that is great about our fiber community. You can meet livestock, watch fleece competitions, choose from a whole range of informative and fun classes, watch demonstrations, and of course there is a huge range of fiber – beautiful fiber to fall in love with.
I was delighted to catch up with Fiber Fusion Committee Chair, Heidi Lucey, who was very generous with her time at the beginning of what is going to be a very busy week for the whole team of event volunteers. Heidi first learned to crochet sitting on her Grandmother’s knee. These days, spinning and weaving are her favorite fiber arts, but she loves everything that Fiber Fusion has to offer.
Read on to discover Heidi’s advice on how to get the best from the event and what’s new this year.
How to get the best from a day or two at Fiber Fusion…
Head straight to the welcome desk – As soon as you arrive make your way to the welcome desk where you can pick up an event guide and schedule. Don’t forget to collect your free bag and raffle ticket (prize drawings run throughout the day).
Pick up an event passport – It includes an interactive game to play as you make your way around both fairground buildings, adding to the fun and ensuring you get the most from your visit.
Take a class – Fiber Fusion is known for it’s focus on education. It’s a place to experience new fiber pursuits or refine your existing skills. There are 50+ classes on offer ranging from soap making to spinning with dog fur, and yarn dyeing to weaving. If you fancy learning something new, Fiber Fusion is your perfect opportunity.
Wander at your leisure through the marketplace – With over 80 vendors at Fiber Fusion you can find new products to fall in love with, and stock up on your old favorites. Fleece, fiber, yarn, tools and equipment – you will find them all!
New for 2024…
Each year, you will find something new to enjoy at Fiber Fusion, whether it’s a vendor you have not seen before, or a new class to broaden your fiber horizons. Here’s a round up of what to look out for this year:
Classes on Friday – Saturday and Sunday classes have been on offer at Fiber Fusion for many years now, but for the first time this year you can take part in the fiber fun on Friday evening. There are still some spaces available across a range of classes. You can book online up until Friday. It’s also worth checking in on Saturday or Sunday at the 4H Building. If you decide to take a class on the day, you may be lucky and find that walk in places are available.
A Team of Judges for the Fleece Competition – This year Joy and Martin Dally will be judging the fleece competition together. They bring a wealth of experience in animal genetics, animal husbandry, and firm land values to the show. They will be using their expertise to judge this year’s featured breed, the Gotlands.
Be sure to check the schedule for competition times and stop by to meet the wonderful Gotlands to learn all about the breed.
This Year’s Fundraiser and The Return of a Favorite Tote Bag Design – Fiber Fusion Northwest is a 100% volunteer run non-profit group. There is no entry charge to the event, and one way that you can help with fundraising and the continued success of Fiber Fusion Northwest is to treat your self or a fiber friend to one of the show’s T-shirts or tote bags. For this year’s tote bag, the organizers have brought back one of the most popular designs that was first seen in 2019 – an adorable line drawing of the cutest fiber friends. You can order ahead of time on the fundraiser page.
Other not to be missed show highlights…
The Spinning Wheel Lady – Betty Roberts has been working with fiber for over 55 years and her range of spinning wheels are not only high performance, but true works of art.
The Fiber Arts Show – the show is open to anyone, young and old and with any level of experience. All entries need to have been created within 12 months of the show. You can find full details and register online for the chance to win $100.
Next Year’s Featured Breed Announcement – Shetland Sheep will be the stars of next year’s show. Be sure to gather information and ideas for your special knits to wear to next year’s Fiber Fusion northwest.
Heidi took on the role of Committee Chair in 2019 and it has been her wish that Fiber Fusion Northwest would be the biggest event in Washington to represent the whole fiber community. The joy of learning and spreading the love of fiber is the whole point of the show. It is this ethos that runs through the very heart of Fiber Fusion Northwest. Head to Monroe next weekend to experience this feeling of community for yourself, you are sure to enjoy every minute!
