Estes Park Wool Market

PLEASE NOTE: CLASS DESCRIPTION CORRECTION

Due to an error in data entry, one of the class descriptions in this year's Wool Market book is in error.

The class is Variations on a Draw with Paula Vester as the instructor.

It is actually a spinning class, not a tapestry course. This is the correct course description:

Variations on a Draw: So, you have learned to spin, but trying a new fiber makes your hands sweat and your body shudder. Now you are ready to learn to control your thread and wheel instead of letting them control you. Every spinner has a method of holding the fiber and getting it into a thread - that is her "draw." Learn how the combination of the wheel design, treading speed, and draw style work to form thread. Expand your knowledge of your own equipment, different drafting styles, and how preparation of fiber can help give a spinner control over the yarns created. Experiment with different fibers and preparations; get the "feel" of drafting.

Paula Vester has been teaching handspinning and art to classes in public and private schools since 1983. She has taught at shops, national and regional conferences and gatherings, including the NW Regional Spinners Guild Conference in 1999; the Taos Wool Festival in 2005; and the Knit and Crochet Conference in Philadelphia in 2006. During that time frame she has also worked on several projects including public exhibits, demonstrations and workshops. She served as co-president of the Peachtree Handspinners Guild from 1994-95.

Paula will also be teaching a special class titled Textiles in Your Classroom Sunday morning, June 15th. Watch for more information on the time and location at The Fairgrounds at Stanley Park.

The 2008 Wool Market workshops will be held Thursday, June 12th and 13th. Click on the link below to view the 2008 class offerings. Please note that the books have been mailed and should be reaching their destinations within the next few days (updated March 19, 2008).

2008 Wool Market Book

(Click on the cover to see the entire brochure. You can also download it as a pdf file.)

2008 Wool Market Information and Applications

As of May 12, 2008 the following Wool Market workshops are full:

1.   An Expressionary Tale of Tapestry Weaving

5.   Beginning Spinning

6.   Polymer Clay Button Boutique

8.   A World of Color: Yarn Design by Inspiration

9.   Nuno (Laminate) Felt Designer Scarf

13. Skein Painting Using Natural Dye Extracts

20. Felt the Classy Hat

22. Simply Dyeing - An Intro to the World of Color

The 18th annual Estes Park Wool Market will be held June 12th  through June 15th, 2008. This fiber festival in the Rockies begins with two days of workshops and seminars on Thursday the 12th and Friday the13th.  You must pre-register for these workshops.  Wool Market booklets will be available in mid-February. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please call the Events Department at 970-586-6104 or e-mail your mailing address to events@estes.org. 

The Wool Market continues with two exciting days of exhibits, demonstrations, competitions and vendor booths. The event is free and open to the public on Saturday, June 14th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, June 15th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sheep dog herding demonstrations and sheep-shearing demonstrations are held four times a day throughout  the weekend.  An announcer will provide play-by-play explanations of the many herding and sheep-shearing techniques used by these animals and their handlers.

One of the most popular attractions is the Children's Tent, where visitors, young and old, are invited to try their hands at rope weaving, spinning and loom weaving. Weavers and spinners will be on hand to teach basics and give visitors a chance to try the techniques for themselves.

Sheep, llama, alpaca, cashmere & angora goat competitions, as well as fleece contests are held throughout the weekend.  For the shoppers, more than 50 vendor booths will be filled with fleeces, raw fibers, novelty knitting and crocheting yarns, as well as finished coats, scarves, hats, shawls, and fiber-processing equipment. 

The weekend's activities are held at the Stanley Park Fairgrounds located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 36 and Community Drive.  Although admission is free, there is a $4 parking fee.

For more information, call the Events Department office at 970-586-6104, or email: events@estes.org.

Estes Park Wool Market
P. O. Box 1967
Estes Park, CO  80517

Telephone:  970-586-6104 

Fax:   970-586-3661

e-mail: events@estes.org