The Right Side of Indiana

It's wintertime now and I am in hibernation mode—that would be as close to hibernation as I can get with Angora goats and sheep to feed and water. The colder it gets, the more they appreciate warm water. It is an ideal time to sit and spin and knit while watching the snow outside.

But as the winter wears on, I find myself wanting more color, more contact with people, especially my fiber friends. What could be more cozy than sharing a warm house and a pot of soup with several friends, comparing fibers and projects?

Let's take a road trip! In March I am starting to get cabin fever. Let's go to the Portland Fiber Fest and Spin In. This small festival in the heart of Jay County, Indiana offers us the chance to reconnect with fiber friends, learn new skills and visit some very fine vendors of fiber, fiber products and spinning and weaving equipment.

If you attend the Friday program, you will see many young people encountering the fiber arts through hands-on activities. Adults are welcome to try the activities which range from knitting to making felt balls, to carding fiber, to touching animals, and watching sheep shearing.

If you want to try something new, or expand your skills, take a look at the class offerings. You need to pre-register for the classes. If you wait until the last minute to sign up, some of the classes may be full or cancelled for lack of participants.

On Friday night there is an Empty Bowl fundraiser for the local food pantries. When you donate, you can pick a handmade bowl and soup for dinner. The vendors will be around for shopping while they are eating their soup too.

On Saturday, bring your wheel and join the spinning group in the middle of the room. Shopping for fiber, eating with new and old friends, and sitting and spinning. It sounds like heaven to me!

Jay County Fiber Fest 2012

March 9-10
Jay County Fairgrounds
806 E.Votaw St.
4-H Building
Portland, IN 47371
www.visitjaycounty.com/FiberFest.aspx

To learn more about Jay County, visit the Jay County Tourism Bureau website at www.visitjaycounty.com