The Fibre East event is held annually to celebrate natural and handmade fibre. Thus, it follows the tradition of the finest British wool, harvested from British sheep, and extracted by local farmers. Held in Bedfordshire, a county in England located 45 km from London, the Fibre East event is focused on educating the community about various techniques and providing wool-related experiences.
This country’s history has been deeply connected with sheep and has been one of the main wool trade centres since the Bronze Age. The wool extracted from British sheep has been used for exportation and the creation of fine clothing for more than 1000 years. Nowadays, England boasts 60 breeds of sheep, making this fibre one of its primary resources.
Getting to know the Fibre East festival in Bedfordshire
Fibre East is the place you want to go if you want to find like-minded people and fabulous activities. This is one of the main festivals of this kind in the East of England, and it is proud to welcome exhibitors from all over the country once a year. Thus, they can demonstrate what they can do with a bit of natural fibre and lots of creativity. You’ll find displays of different activities:
- Knitting
- Felting
- Weaving
- Spinning
- Crochet.
This is the place where you’ll get the best fibre and where you can meet the experts that work wonders with it. There are many options for beginners, too, as they can have their first attempt at weaving and knitting.
Also, professionals and amateurs can find the essential resources for their work or their hobbies:
- Pattern kits
- Stitch markers
- Fibre tops
- Spinning wheels
- Hooks
- Looms
- Spindles
- Yarn
- Other accessories
Wool and the UK: a history that is intrinsically woven together
British wool is famous for a reason: its fine quality. This clearly is and has always been a profitable business in the country. Statistics show that the value of British combed wool has increased consistently for ten years until the 2020 crisis. In 2019, for example, it was valued at 84 million British pounds. Although the value of wool for exportation decreased in recent years, the export value of yarns remained stable until the COVID-19 pandemic.
Different types of wool for various purposes
Wool was the backbone of the English economy in medieval times. The business was so big that there was a huge demand, and practically every landowner was dedicated to raising sheep. Moreover, towns like Ghent, Bruges, and Ypres were major high-end clothing producers and were willing to pay considerable prices for English wool.
Thus, from the late 13th century to the 15th century, wool was the “jewel in the realm” and was considered England’s main source of wealth. As the fibre became more successful, lords began to count their capital in sheep, and the king started to levy tax on the exported wool.
Merchants used to come to England from Italy and Flanders to get the best wool, whether from Lords or peasants, and were ready to pay good rates. In this period, most of England was a huge wool producer, from the Lake District, in the north, down to the Southern Downs through East England.
Wool nowadays: Fibre festivals
Now, the county of Bedfordshire continues with the tradition of the British wool trading business. As you can see in the video below, there are all kinds of materials, resources, tools, and merchandising for those that are fond of knitting and weaving.
However, the leading country in trading wool can’t have just one festival of this kind, naturally, there are tens of similar events throughout the year.
East Anglia Yarn Festival – 18–19 March 2023, Norfolk, England
The East Anglia Yarn Festival was such a success in 2022 that they are back and stepping strongly in the current year as well. They have several workshops and activities like a crochet act and knit-a-long, make-along, and several other social events, including the stitch night.
Stitch Fest and Fibre Quest – 18–19 March 2023, Somerset, England
The Stitch Fest saw the light of day in 2016 and started out as quite a success attracting people from all over the country. The following years were even better, with more classes and workshops available. In 2021, the event was held at Newton Abbot Racecourse, displaying some of the industry’s best independent professionals, including designers, dyers, makers, and spinners. They all showed their talents on the demonstration timetables and workshops. You can see pictures from past events on their website.
To repeat the great success of 2021, organisers held the event in the same place in 2022. This year, they present the 7th edition of the Stitch Fest with lots of fun things to watch and see.
Last year, in March 2022, the Stitch Fest gave place to a new initiative called Fibre Quest. Held on a farm on the Mendip hills, this event brings a modern point of view to the wool and fibre industries. Thus, they study the field while focusing on regenerative agriculture. They also raise important questions regarding ethical choices that the industry players have to make when it comes to collecting fibre and manufacturing yarn. Those who are interested in shifting the industry into a more sustainable approach will enjoy the Fibre Quest on March 18th and 19th, 2023.
The Stitch Festival 23–26 March 2023, London, England
One of the fashion capitals of the world also holds a fibre event. In this case, it focuses on contemporary sewing, stitching, and dressmaking.
Attendees will have access to small design businesses and independent brands. Also, there will be catwalk shows and presentations from leading designers. You’ll also be able to meet your favourite celebrities in the sewing industry and attend interesting workshops.
There are many resources available, like fabric, kits, patterns, tools, sewing machines, embroidery supplies, and yarns. One of its most distinctive features is its dressmaking competition which takes place annually. To sum up, the Stitch Festival in London is a great place for knitters and weavers to let their creativity run free.
The Stitch Festival is one of the youngest of its kind, as it was launched in 2020. It used to be known as the Spring Knitting and Stitching Show at Olympia in London. Eventually, the Stitch Festival was redirected to fulfil the needs of the modern fibre worker.
You’ll find this event in one of London’s most vibrant areas: Islington. Its unique approach helps both the local community and individuals with a particular interest in embroidery, crochet, knitting and similar crafts.
All in all, the Stitch Festival does a great job of highlighting modern dressmaking and independent brands. Its competition, its colourful environment, and the opportunity to boost one’s creativity make this a delightful festival to enjoy.
Wonderwool Wales 22–23 April 2023, Powys, Wales
Wales is also at the forefront of fibre festivals. The most important one in this country takes place in Powys, and it’s called Wonderwool Wales. Besides providing a lot of materials for home furnishing, designer outfits, and creative crafts, it celebrates the green credentials of the local wool.
Wonderwool has been around for some time, and it has developed and improved itself over the years. Now you can find all kinds of attractions, from sheep exhibits, all kinds of fibres (raw and dyed), yarn for different purposes, equipment, embellishments, and even books.
Its quality and flexibility made Wonderwool worthy of important awards. The Mid Wales Tourism Award in 2019 and 2020 is one example. It also received a Highly Commended award in the “Let’s Knit British Knitting and Crochet” contest for several years.
Woolly Weekend – 10–11 June 2023, Norfolk, England
The organisers of the Woolly Weekend in Norfolk are big fans of the traditional woolly craft. By sharing their knowledge with the community, they help maintain the traditional dyeing, spinning, and weaving techniques for the next generations.
Professional craftsmen can exhibit their skills, give demonstrations, and provide sessions. New “Worstead Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers” members can attend workshops and set out their own paths in this industry.
The Wool Monty – 2023 – dates to be confirmed, South Yorkshire, England
Everyone is welcome at the Wool Monty in South Yorkshire. The organisers are committed to making the festival as representative as possible. Thus, they support vendors and workshop providers from minorities. They make sure that everyone has a place, including members of the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. The event is conceived over a no-discrimination policy, and every tutor or vendor must accept these terms beforehand. Discrimination of any kind won’t be tolerated, so every single person in the knitting and weaving community feels welcome. The organisers will make sure that this is clear even before the event through their social media channels and through signs at the event itself. They are also open to hearing suggestions as to how they can improve their inclusivity even further.
The woolly industry is still alive in the UK
Besides maintaining excellent numbers when it comes to manufacturing and exportation of wool, the UK continues its tradition through its people. These are only some of the festivals that will take place during the first half of 2023, and they all focus on three things: educating the new generations, helping fellow weavers and knitters, and providing resources and knowledge.
Even though they have their own characteristics, all in all, these events are a part of British culture and will continue to be in the years to come.