The Hudson Valley Fiber Arts Network is a listing directory, marketing & news resource to promote and celebrate the diversity & creativity of the fiber arts community of the greater Hudson Valley region - from New York City to the Canadian border, along the I-87 and Hudson River corridor and surrounding areas.
FIBER ARTS IN THE HUDSON VALLEY
This is the Year of the Sheep, Ram or Goat. And as it happens, these are among the animals raised in the greater Hudson Valley region, along with alpacas, llamas, bison, rabbits and others that we use to provide us with the raw fiber.
There may even be folks raising silkworms.
Animal fibers aren't the only ones we use. There are the plant-based fibers like cotton or nettles. Nettles is a wild plant. We pick the spring leaves to cook, or to dry for later, for our nourishing herbal infusions. Then in the late summer or early fall we gather the stalks, and pound them to get the fiber out. We can grow cotton in the Hudson Valley, but need to start early inside, or grow in a greenhouse. There are lots of plants growing around here that provide the raw materials for baskets and other crafts.
Once we have the fiber we can process it in many ways. With wool, for example, we can wash, card or comb it and then spin it, on a spindle or with a spinning wheel. Or we can send our fiber to a mill and get back batts, rovings, combed top and finished yarn, depending on what we want.
We can dye the fiber in so many glorious colors. Some of the dyes may come from plants or insects, others are from commercial sources. Some people like to dye their fiber, yarn or finished goods themselves. Some have even made successful businesses creating their own unique colorways. Others prefer to buy fiber already dyed. Still others like to use the natural color that the animal or plant provides.
We can do so many things with all this fiber - knit, crochet, weave, felt, rug hook, embroider, quilt, make baskets, and much much more. We are supported by yarn shops that provide fiber and yarn, books and patterns, the tools we need plus helpful assistance and advice. Some shops are associated with farms, where the owners raise animals and use that fiber for unique products in their shops.
There are many others who provide support for our fiber-related activities. There are those who make our tools, who write patterns and books, teach us how to start and help us learn new skills. There are guilds and organizations where we get together with other fiber-loving folks and share ideas. There are fairs and festivals where meet and support purveyors of all kinds of material and equipment for our projects, greet old and new friends, show off our latest creations, and in many cases, visit the barns and say hi to all the fiber-providing animals.
The fiber arts in the greater Hudson Valley region is as diverse as its people. Come join the community. Here's how to apply. Ask about the "March going out like a lamb" special
And keep up with what's happening by checking out our Happenings page.
You can also sign up for our e-newsletter.
Do you have Hudson Valley fiber arts related news and announcements? Let us know. Please contact us.
Become a listing-sponsor and a part of the Hudson Valley Fiber Arts Network
Make fiber connections. Let people know who you are and what you do in the fiber arts in the greater Hudson Valley region.
Apply now and help support and be a part of the Hudson Valley Fiber Arts Network community.
Reasonable rates. Good benefits.
Also contact us if you'd like to become an ad-sponsor.
Listing-Sponsor information:
Hudson Valley Fiber Arts Network Application - PDF format
Hudson Valley Fiber Arts Network Application - Excel format
Hudson Valley Fibers Arts Network – Listing Tiers & Rates
Hudson Valley Fiber Arts Network – Listing Categories