Common Ground Country Fair

It's that time of year again....Common Ground Country Fair time of year. This is both my largest fair and most unusual fair. It's easier to tell you what it isn't. It's not a state or county fair; there are no rides, midway, or food on a stick. It's an all-Maine fair and includes everything alternative and traditional and crafty. If you want to know how to build a stone wall, this is the fair for you. If you want to know about herbal remedies for whatever ails you, this is the fair for you. If you want to learn how to dye your own sheep wool with plants from your garden, this is the fair for you. The Fiber Marketplace is the area that Purple Fleece sets up its tent and has been doing so for the past 6 years. On average, 60,000 people pass through the gates of the CGCF each year.

Besides selling equipment and supplies for fiber artists, I teach impromptu drop spindling, wheel spinning, and needle felting to anyone that might be interested. I also explain how to dye fleece and yarn, use a niddy noddy and ball winder, and flick card or hand card your fibers. It's a great opportunity to educate people as they check out the merchandise in my tent.

The CGCF will be held this year from Friday, September 24th, through Sunday, September 26th. Stop by the booth, say hello, and have a great adventure.

Follow-up on the Yarn of the Month Club

The Purple Fleece Yarn of the Month Club went live a few days ago. I had a number of intrepid knitters sign up right away and that really warmed my heart. It was great to see the first subscription come through because then I knew the subscription link on my website actually worked! So much of this shopping cart stuff is trial and error but I digress to a previous blog post.

The first Yarn of the Month was my new kettle dyed "Witch's Brew" merino yarn. It's color is called Emerald City and there are a variety of hues in the yarn. This photo really doesn't do it justice but I think you can see those color changes in the yarn.

This first group of subscribers also received a Purple Fleece pattern for the Wool Tam and a recyclable purple bag that I had made which says "ask me where I got my bag and yarn".

I've gotten very positive comments back from the people that have already opted in. So what's next? I can't tell you because that would ruin the secret but I can say that I'm very excited about my next concoction....