On Saturday Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area and the Liberty Spinners will present their third annual Spinning and Fiber Meet at the Park Visitors Center.
The fiber arts are deeply rooted in the tradition of Sycamore Shoals, a site rich in history dating back to the 18th century.
“We are excited to present a special event which will focus on traditions that are so much a part of our story,” Park Manager Jennifer Bauer said.
In addition to presenting a fun, educational event for park guests, the day will showcase local fiber producers and their products, include a variety of vendors and offer the opportunity to learn by attending a workshop or observing varied weaving, spinning, and fiber demonstrations throughout the day.
Demonstrations and vendors include Flax Preparation with Vickie Almaroad, Kumihimo and Jewelry with Rudi and Arlene Angelmaier, Cornhusk Dolls with Teresa Asbury, Raw Wool Fleeces with David and Jane Doan, Knitted Fair Isle Tams and Felted Wool Hats and Mittens with Sharon Walker and Spinning with Jan Turner.
During the day, be sure to drop by David and Jane Doan’s table and try your hand at making a wool dryer ball. You will learn how to make one of these wonderful fleece creations that will cut your clothes drying time in half. There is a fee for this activity.
“We are also pleased to welcome Appalachian Journey Farm and Isley Creek Farm, both of which will be showing their alpacas and llamas during the day, weather permitting,” Bauer added.
One of the highlights of the event is the fiber oriented workshop opportunities, which are listed below and require advance registration by calling the park at 423-543-5808. Be sure to register early and take advantage of the opportunity to learn one or more of these great skills from very knowledgeable instructors.

The following workshops will be held on Saturday, October 10:

• Inkle Weaving
  9 a.m. – Noon
  Instructor: Ronnie Lail
  Cost: $60 includes loom (to keep) and all supplies; $20 thread only; $10 instruction only
  Learn how to weave wide sashes, narrow bands, and shoelaces on a loom that is light-weight and easy to carry around. You can create wonderful patterns through varied placement of colorful thread. Bring scissors.
• Beginning Spinning
  1–3 p.m.
  Instructor: Margaret Couch
  Cost: $30 (materials provided)
  This 2-hour class is meant for those who have never used a spinning wheel before. You’ll learn the basics of drafting wool and using the wheel to make yarn.
  If you have a spinning wheel, you should plan to bring it; if not, we’ll have one for you to use.
• Twined Rugs
  1–4 p.m.
  Instructor: Fiona Zahnke
  Cost: $30 (materials provided)
  Come learn the skill of making Twined Rugs. You will make a small twined mat to practice the techniques needed to do this old craft.