SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Farmers, dyers and makers fill historic Slater factory for annual Fiber Art Marketplace
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(Pawtucket, RI)?? On January 21 and 22, the old 1793 Slater Mill factory becomes a hub of color and warmth when a cadre of makers, producers and artisans fill the historic hall with their alpaca, Como, wool, fiber blends, and a variety of gifts and needle-work accessories.
The annual Fiber Art Marketplace is part of Slater Mill???s 9th Knitting Weekend, which kicks off on Friday evening, January 20 with a ticketed reception, designer salon, triple trunk show, and celebration at 6:00 p.m.
On Saturday and Sunday mornings at 10 a.m., the free marketplace opens through 5 p.m., with vendors offering everything from hand-dyed yarns to sheep-shaped soaps, patterns and notions, and oodles of interesting wares and whimsy.??
Anyone interested in a deeper weekend experience can register for the full weekend, take a morning class or two, attend a private luncheon with fiber artists, and enjoy other networking and camaraderie. More information can be found at
slatermill.org/programs/knittingweekend/??
But hurry, as some classes have already filled up.
Others just looking to stock up on new color lots, buy the latest publications, or grab a gift or a notion, may come and enjoy the energy and buzz of this annual marketplace.
???We???re thrilled with the quality and variety represented by this year???s marketplace vendors,??? said Erika Davis, Slater Mill???s events and programs manager. ???Slater Mill is excited to be able to support New England farmers, and bring artisanal fiber products to the local community.???
Free door prize raffles featuring Berroco yarns may be entered by all weekend visitors. Patrons may also view the Fiber in the Present Tense contemporary art exhibition, installed throughout the mill???s historic bell tower.
Vendors include Seven Sisters Arts and Romney Ridge of Maine; Purgatory Falls Alpaca from New Hampshire; Tidal Yarns of Connecticut; Massachusetts-based Dirty Water DyeWorks, Journey Wheel, Evergreen Farm, Foxhill Farm, Rag Hill Farm, and Upton Yarns. And from Rhode Island: Ball and Skein, Katrinkles, Sweet Sheep Body Shoppe, Dursin & Son Merino, Shallow Pond Farm, We Got the Buttons, the Museum Shop, and Dancing Threads RI.?? Demonstrators of spinning and knitting will also be on hand to answer questions and share their skills.
???There is something for everyone at this cozy and colorful winter retreat, including a visit to historic Old Slater Mill,??? adds Davis.
Old Slater Mill is located at 67 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket RI.?? Call 401-725-8638 or visit slatermill.org
