Notes From Laura: Faerieworlds

All photos courtesy of Micki Da Re

When my sister Erin and I were kids, my parent took us to the original Renaissance Pleasure Faire in California every summer. I remember dancing, theater, music, wandering poets, food and booths. I don’t remember when my family stopped going and until recently, I never gave it a second thought. That is, until I was presented with the idea of showing the Krafti-Kit wares at a similar celebration, Faerieworlds Winter Celebration in Eugene, OR.

Melissa had managed to talk her friend and the producer of this Fae party, Robert, into attending Black Sheep Gathering and the connection to Fiber-Arts was made. So, booth and demo space was procured and the planning got into full swing.

What’s my experience with Krafti-Kit’s first show as an exhibitor? It’s a lot of work. Not just the logistics, but I was “on” all day for two days. I did enjoy myself however. I enjoyed having my husband, Jonathan, hang with me in the booth, staying with friends, observing the attendees, meeting the different vendors and watching Melissa demonstrate her spinning and weaving skills.

The demo area of our booth was by far the most interesting. At one point, Melissa had a fan club of boys, ages 7-12 watching her spin and wanting to learn. Melissa definitely has the teacher buried deep inside and is always looking for a chance to show someone a new skill, like me.

Melissa teaching with our Drop Spindle Kit

Over the past few months of our working together, Melissa has taught me the basics of hand sewing and needlepoint. I can’t say that I am an expert at these skills, but the seeds have been planted. What did she teach me that stuck? Weaving. Krafti-Kit borrowed a small rigid heddle loom from fellow exhibitor, Eugene Textile Center and Melissa declared “Laura, you will learn to weave”. Well, actually I think she said “I am going to teach you to weave.” And I did. Now I want a rigid heddle loom. The seed has been planted, a monster created. All thanks to Melissa and Faerieworlds.

A fun first experience and I am looking forward to the Summer Celebration.