In early spring of 2004 several spinners gathered together at the Western Watauga Senior Center. (This is also the site of classes for weavers.) Many of us were new to the art of spinning. But all of us reveled in the feel of the fibers that had been brought to share and show. As we handled the fiber we looked at each other and realized we were all hooked and during following meetings we talked about gathering together other fiber folk, weavers, knitters, crocheters , felters and of course we could not neglect those who produced the fiber. The word was put out and during that summer a meeting was held and very well attended. The interest and enthusiasm was high. There had been a guild in the past and those who had been members felt it was time to resurrect it.

In September of 2004 the Blue Ridge Fiber Guild was reborn with the election of officers and the task to revise by-gone by-laws to meet our mission.

Meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at 6:30 PM at the Senior Center in Sugar Grove, NC. During the winter meetings are held on the third Saturday morning so no one has to drive in the snow or ice in the dark.

The meetings present opportunities for its members to share the knowledge and skill that members bring to the table. This is done through workshops and also through Show and Tell, which could also be called Show and Help! Members are always willing to suggest solutions and assist each other in problem solving. Some of the workshops have been chemical dyeing, silk scarf dyeing, braiding, spindle spinning, color studies and visits to various area studios. New ideas for activities are always welcomed.

The Blue Ridge Fiber Guild finds as its mission keeping alive the traditions of fiber crafts. Demonstrations of weaving and spinning at Heritage celebrations help let the public know that these crafts are not gone and forgotten. There is nothing like watching the youngsters trying to figure out how that wheel REALLY works. Children and adults alike stand for long periods of time mesmerized by the wheel, its speed and the collecting yarn on the bobbins. The Guild sets up looms so that visitors to the demonstration can get a hands on experience and understanding of how weaving works. Many times sites where the demonstrations are held offer the Guild the opportunity to put their wares on sale. Everything from hand dyed roving, to yarns, and finished woven and felted items can be found.

In October the Blue Ridge Fiber Guild will be featured at the Jones House which is the Watauga County Arts center for showing the diverse artistry of the area . There will be displays of all of the fiber arts that the members produce. Biographies of the members will be available and there will be a display showing the fibers and their sources as well as samples of the wool/fiber that is used in the production of the crafts. We are all looking forward to this event and will let the Fiber Femmes readers know how it has gone. It is certain to be a learning experience as the Blue Ridge Fiber Guild has not done this before.

With October being Spinning and Weaving Month the Guild is taking this opportunity to bring spinning, weaving, knitting, crocheting and other fiber arts into the public’s view not only with the exhibits and demonstrations at the Jones House  but also by doing public demonstrations at the Watauga County Farmers' Market

______________________________________