Upcoming Retreat Dates

Everyone had such a great time at the Spring 2012 retreat, that we’ve already booked dates for the next 2 events!

November 9-11, 2012

March 22-24, 2013

The conference center is booked, our amazing caterer is looking forward to serving us, the housing block is set up & we are busy hatching plans to make these 2 events memorable for you.

Get the dates on your calendars now & let us know if you’d like to be added to the e-mail list for registration information.

Thanks and we look forward to having you join us at our next event!

 

She’s a Cover Girl & She’s Teaching at the Carolina Fiber Frolic

Kate Larson, who is teaching two classes at the upcoming Carolina Fiber Frolic retreat has an(other) article in the newest Spin-Off magazine. Not only that, but her work is featured on the cover! Come take a class with her at the Frolic before she starts taking her classes around the globe & you won’t be able to catch up with her. Seriously, she’s coming to us!  She’s teaching Making the Most of Your Handcards, as well as Spinning the Three Leicesters. Click on the link in the right side bar for all the class and registration information.

 

 

Here a Leicester, There a Leicester, Everywhere a Leicester Leicester

Have you gotten into a rut with your spinning? Do you want to learn about different sheep breeds but don’t know where to start? There is such an incredible variety of wool to spin that you owe it to yourself to learn more about the types of wool available to you for future projects.

Come to this class and start (or continue) your wooly journey. Kate Larson, from the Spinning Daily blog and one of this year’s national SOAR retreat teachers will share her knowledge of the Three Leicesters: Blueface, Border, and English. These 3 breeds share a deep history, but have become very different breeds. Luster longwool fleeces create versatile yarns that can be used for the finest lustrous lace or durable socks and sweaters. You will learn how the breeds developed and diverged, fiber preparation, spinning methods, project ideas, and where to find these fibers.

Why travel to the other side of the country to take a class with Kate when she is traveling to North Carolina to join the Carolina Fiber Frolic in the Mountains?

You won’t be able to think about “just plain wool” ever again. For full class details: click on the link to the right.

Thrum-­‐didly-­‐icious: Weave Without Buying a Loom!

So, you’re interested in weaving, but concerned about investing in a loom. Or you would like to weave, but don’t have an extra room in your house for a full size floor loom. Or perhaps you spend more time sitting and waiting for people than you spend at home. Or could it be that your stash of yarn scraps has started to mock you from the other side of the room.

If you answered YES to any one of these questions, this class is for you! You just need at least 12″ lengths of yarn and Suzy will have you weaving in 3D! Once you’re hooked on this portable process, you will be ready to weave Kindle, Nook or iPad cases, pillow tops, tote bags, camera cases, cell phone pouches and more!

Affordable, portable, and a way to use those bits of yarn that you haven’t been able to part with. Win Win! Click on the link in the right side bar for all the registration info.

Spinning With A Supported Spindle

Support Spindle Class being taught by Susan, aka fleegle

Who better to teach you how to get started spinning with a Supported Spindle, than the woman who literally wrote the book on spinning with a supported spindle???

Hot off the press, this brand new book (available directly from the author as a printed book or as an e-book) was written at the request of so many spinners who wanted to learn fleegle’s techniques! Known for her supported spindle spinning, she heard the requests and just recently released the book.

She’ll be teaching a class (or two, depending on demand) on spinning with a support spindle. Registration is required, but she will be providing spindles & fiber for everyone to get started during class. Follow the link in the right side bar for all the details.

Knit to Fit instead of Knit to Be Disappointed

Learn to knit garments that fit!

Tired of knitting garments only to try them on when they’re done and find out they don’t fit the way you wanted them to? Come to the Carolina Fiber Frolic retreat and take our “Making a Commercial Pattern Fit the Wearer” class. Commit to never again knitting a too boxy, too long, too tight, too just plain wrong garment! Click on the sidebar to link to all the details.

Nearby Waterfalls

Whitewater falls

Whitewater Falls, at 411 feet high, are one of the highest pure waterfalls in the South. Over 3.5 miles, the Whitewater River drops 1,500 feet. The two largest drops (Upper and Lower Whitewater Falls) are accessible.

The Forest Service Recreation Area for Whitewater Falls is less than a 30 minute trip from our Retreat location – bring your family to the mountains with you and send them off hiking while you enjoy your new fiber friends! The falls are quite beautiful in every season, but especially in fall, winter, and early spring.

There are many more waterfalls, lakes & hiking opportunities in Sapphire Valley – come explore!! Click on the right hand side bar link for the retreat registration information.

Rigid Heddle Weaving: Take it to the next level

Yes, as you see from this scarf, you can make lovely things with handspun yarn and a simple plain weave. But if you’re ready to take your weaving to the next level, come take Pat’s “Tired of Plain Weave?” class at the Carolina Fiber Frolic retreat. You and your rigid heddle loom will become even better friends as you learn lace & texture techniques together. Add some color variations and you’ll be well on your way to weaving creative cloth for future projects! Click on the right side bar link for all the details. We hope to see you in the mountains!

Grab a Cuppa and Relax For a Spell

The people who come to the Carolina Fiber Frolic are a friendly bunch. Maybe all fiber people are? Anyway, whether you travel with a carload of friends, or you come by yourself, you’ll feel right at home with us in the Mountains. We’ll have the pot on for you, so register today (info in the right side bar) and get ready to settle in for a nice hot cuppa tea with all your new fiber friends.

Make Friends With Your Handcards

You can use your humble hand cards to prepare a fleece for either woolen or worsted spinning – if you have the right information. Come take a class from the talented Kate Larson on Making the Most of Your Handcards.

You’ll learn how to blend fiber and color and how carding techniques can affect your finished yarn. Both spindle spinners and wheel spinners are welcome in this great class. Click on the right hand side bar for all of the Retreat Registration information.