About Natural Fiber Fair
The Natural Fiber Fair
is an annual celebration of fiber, craftsmanship, education, and community.
Every year we bring people together to honor the beauty and sustainability of natural fibers such as wool, alpaca, mohair, linen, and cotton. At Natural Fiber Fair the heritage skills of spinning, weaving, dyeing, feltmaking, sewing and basketmaking are learned, shared and celebrated.
Learn with Workshops, Demonstrations, and Hands-On Activities
If you want to learn spinning, dyeing, felting, or another technique, you can sign up to take an in-depth workshop with one of our accomplished instructors. Pre-registration is highly recommended.
We also offer demonstrations every hour in the vendor hall. They are free to attend; some may require a materials fee.
The Hands-On Activity Area has ongoing craft projects where you can try a new skill. It’s open to all ages.
Your Source for Fiber Arts Supplies
The Natural Fiber Fair features a vibrant marketplace for a great shopping experience. Vendors sell yarn, rovings, fleece, tools, and all the supplies needed for your fiber projects. They offer beautiful finished goods as well. At the Fleece Market you can buy raw fiber directly from the people who produce it. The Used Equipment Exchange is the place to buy and sell looms, spinning wheels, and other textile equipment. Shop live and local from small businesses, where you can see and feel all the textures of natural fibers.
A Gathering of Makers
Bring a project and join everyone in the Fiber Circle, sponsored by the Humboldt Handweavers and Spinners Guild. You are also invited to watch or enter the Spinning Contest, which takes place here on Sunday.
Whether you are a seasoned artist or just discovering the world of fiber, you will find inspiration, education and a welcoming community at Natural Fiber Fair.
Celebrating Local Artists
Every year, we feature an outstanding fiber artist from our area. Be sure to visit them and see their work.
Family Friendly and Community Focused
Natural Fiber Fair is for all ages. Our demonstrations, displays, and hands-on activities are enjoyed across generations. We believe fiber arts are for everyone!
Join Us for Lunch
Take a break from your shopping and workshops and have lunch with us! The kitchen will be serving wonderful meals as well as coffee and fresh pastries.
Our Mission
The Natural Fiber Fair’s mission is to educate, inspire, and provide access to tools and materials for the fiber arts. Through the use of natural fibers we promote sustainability, craftsmanship, and community engagement.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
We are committed to promoting natural fibers and supporting small businesses and artisans. Natural fibers connect us to generations of makers who value durability as well as artistry. Sourced from plants and animals, natural fibers are biodegradable, gentle to the earth, and a healthy alternative to synthetics.
Our Story
Natural Fiber Fair was founded in 1990 by Mary Alice Denson. Her vision was to make quality supplies and workshops available to our rural community. Unlike big conferences in metropolitan areas, Mary Alice envisioned a relaxed setting where people could get to know each other and look forward to seeing each other year after year.
The Mateel Community Center in Redway was home to the fair from 1990-2010. In 2011 the fair was moved to the Arcata Community Center where it could reach a larger audience and have more space for workshops.
In 2000 and 2001 during Covid, the fair continued with virtual events online. The live fair resumed in 2022.
Natural Fiber Fair continues to bring more people into the fiber arts. Although it has grown since the beginning, Natural Fiber Fair still retains the friendly feeling of a community gathering. Many people come back every year anticipating a wonderful weekend of good friends, learning and creativity.
Our Team
Our all-volunteer staff includes:
Leslie VanderMolen, Linda Hartshorn, Georgi Lyon, Connie Anderholm, Jan Groe, Sandra Kernen, Nancy Kennedy, Chris Manhart, Brenda Goosby, Rebecca Salstrom, Rima Greer, Alison Pritchard and Cleo Carrino.
They are joined by additional volunteers during the weekend event.