Treah’s Blog

I could fill many posts from this one activity. At the festival there is a sheep to shawl contest. This contest consisted of 4 teams with 4 people per team. The teams included 3 spinners and 1 weaver. They brought a loom with them that already had its warp on it which had to be naturally dyed by the team. They also bring a sheep with them. On the contest morning they shear the sheep and begin spinning. The wool is then double plied and used on the loom to create a shawl. I believe the length of the shawl had to come to 70-76 inches. I am not sure about the width. The teams have 3 hours to spin and weave their final piece. We left after two were cut off the looms but I believe after that the shawl had to be washed and dried over the next 1.5 hours. They then show the shawls and auction them off.

I was very impressed with the final pieces. The team that won was the Chesapeake Spinners and Weavers. Their shawl was by far my favorite though they were all wonderful. Their shawl was an all white/cream with some slight color spots dyed into the warp. It was beautiful but usually when I think that they will come in last place. Pictures below.