The third annual Sunshine Coast Fibreshed Day, “Barn to Yarn”, held at Fibreworks Studio & Gallery in Madeira Park, BC had a grounded feeling for participants. They saw, from start to finish … ? fleece being washed, picked, carded, spun into yarn or felted, dyed, and then created by knitting into garments … where the clothes we wear truly come from!

Tarps were up, the rain held off, and a fun time was enjoyed by all at Fibreshed Day 2018

There were spinners, carders, felters, weavers, knitters, and dyers. All were wearing sheep badges asking participants to list the local fibre, the local dye, and the artisan who created the garment they were modeling. This slow fashion contest, ending with a draw and prize, engaged folk attending the annual Fibreshed Day to discover answers … to the slow fashion movement.

Mojo and Rodney, sheep from Wendy’s farm in Wilson Creek, arrived for shearing and pedis. Soon local shearer Johanna was in full swing demonstrating her craft of sheep shearing.

Local Fibreshed fibre producers, Lori of Lorelee Lane Farm in Roberts Creek and Ann of Lamorna Farm also in Roberts Creek, displayed their alpaca, llama, and sheep fleeces.

There were local nibblies to graze on with Mary & Susan’s big smiles inviting all to enjoy.

The Slow Fashion contest prize … a toque of local wool, dyed with local plants by Heather, and spun & knit by Dorothy … was won by a very happy Catherine Nicholls.

A big thank you to all the participants from Lynda & Merrily.

Photos and story submitted by Lynda Daniells

Photos of Catherine Nicholls submitted by Merrily Corder