8th annual Midwest Fiber & Folk Art Fair comes to Grayslake
Explore fiber arts at the eighth annual Midwest Fiber & Folk Art Fair Aug. 1-3 in the Expo Center at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake.
The 2014 fair offers workshops in knitting and crochet, in addition to covering a range of fiber arts such as bead-weaving, handspinning, weaving, jewelry-making, polymer clay, felting, color-dyeing and embroidery.
Each workshop will provide techniques and tips that will help people create a unique work of art.
"The Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Fair is more than just knitting and crocheting. We have it all," said Carol Cassidy-Fayer, founder and president of the Midwest Fiber & Folk Art Fair.
"Surveys of our fair guests over the years indicate that most crafters practice at least six different types of fiber art. Our fair is one of the few events where you can learn and perfect some of the more unusual fiber arts."
The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, and Saturday, Aug. 2, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 3, at the fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. Admission is $10; three-day pass is $25. For information, visit www.fiberandfolk.com.
The Midwest Fiber & Folk Art Fair has nationally known teachers conducting workshops, including Beth Brown-Reinsel and Annie Modesitt. Popular local fiber artists such as Tammy L Deck of Westmont, Ill., will also teach. Chicago knitting designer Franklin Habit and weaver John Mullarkey are teaming up for the first time to present a workshop incorporating both their arts.
Staying true to the fair's theme, "Celebrating the work of your hands," the event will host the following events that showcase fiber art as fine art, from the raw materials to the finished product.
• Garment Extravaganza fashion show, 2 p.m. Saturday, will feature wearable art in this contest for cash prizes.
• Fleece judging, Saturday morning.
• Fine Fiber Art Exhibit gallery will be available for viewing the entire weekend.
• A Vintage Handbag Exhibit on display the entire weekend will showcase individual designers' interpretations of a knapsack pattern that appeared in a 1920s Coats & Clark book.
A vendor marketplace will provide one-of-a-kind materials for fiber artists. A few fiber animals will be at the marketplace.
The event will also feature musical performances by popular local folk music performers, including Small Potatoes and Trillium. Food vendors will serve a variety of ethnic fare.