Who we are

The Minnesota Federation of Weavers and Fiber Artists is a group of weavers, spinners and dyers, eager to share learning and fun with new and veteran fiber enthusiasts. We host an annual event to meet fellow fiber lovers, learn new techniques, and introduce fiber arts to people just starting to explore their interest in fiber. All are welcome to join us for a weekend of learning and fellowship. 

This fall, the Federation Annual Retreat will be held  October 15-17 at:

    Mount Carmel Bible Camp

    800 Mount Carmel Drive Northeast

    Alexandria, Minnesota

    The phones at the camp are  1-800-793-4381  or  1-320-846-2744 .

Accommodations

All accommodations are at Mount Carmel Family Camp.  Cost of the conference is $175.00.  This includes lodging, meals, and linen for the weekend, as well as classes.  There may be additional fees for some of the classes.  If you have a specialty diet or prefer a vegetarian meal, we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Lodging Options 

Lodge Rooms:  Located in the main lodge, these rooms have air conditioning, heat, and queen or twin beds.  These nine hotel-style rooms have a private restroom (toilet, sink and shower) in each room.  The rooms sleep 1 – 5 people (if you are willing to share a queen size bed or sleep in a bunk.)  The lodge rooms are also handicap accessible.

New Cabins:  Newly constructed during 2006, 2007 and 2009. These winterized cabins are equipped with cooking facilities, utensils, dishes, and linen (sheets and towels).  Each cabin has two bedrooms, a bathroom with a combined living/kitchen area.  The cabins have double or twin hide-a-bed.  Cabins sleep 1 – 7 people.

Older Cabins:  There are three older cabins which have been remodeled.  They have a double bed, a set of bunks, and a double futon.  These cabins also have a refrigerator, 2 burner cook-top, a microwave, and a full bath.  They sleep 1 – 7 people.

You may request your preference.  However, the committee reserves the right to assign space based on needs, availability and registration date.

Keynote Speaker - Traudi Bestler on Colorplay

Traudi Bestler a well known figure on the Minnesota fiber art scene, has been weaving, spinning, dyeing and enjoying fibers for over 30 years.  She currently teaches at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts, the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, and NorthHouse Folk School in Grand Marais, as well as conducting workshops all over the Upper Midwest.  Her keynote address "Colorplay", is an exploration into where colors come from:  a little history, a lot of fact, a look into the future, and a fun color game.

Business Meeting - The Business Meeting will take place on Sunday morning.  Please think about hosting the next conference.  The Federation needs a site and hopefully there will be seed money to pass along to the next host.

Special Events

Guild Display - If your guild has completed a challenge or an interesting project that you’d like to share, there will be space to display your guild “show and tell” in the vendor room. Please indicate on your registration if you are bringing a guild display.

Show and Tell - Show and tell on Friday evening will include all types of fiber creations: rugs, spinning, weaving, and other types of fiber preparations you wish to share.  The theme this year is color. Rag Rug Talk - Our rag rug talk will be on Friday evening, in conjunction with Show and Tell. 

"Look out! It's hot!" A celebration of Potholders - Potholders and hot pads are fun to make, and practical too!  Using any fiber technique you choose, create a potholder (trivet, hot pad, oven mitt) to exchange.  We'll display all the potholders over the weekend, and have People’s Choice Awards for Best Use of Color, Best for Purpose, and Best in Show.  On Sunday, we'll exchange our creations.  Which one will go home with you?

Vendors - Vendors will be available from 10:00AM to 5:00PM on Saturday, and we have left time in your schedule to shop.

Gathering - Registration begins at 1:30PM on Friday afternoon in the main lodge. At this time, you may collect your conference materials and begin to move into your rooms.

Friday Tour - This year the tour will have two stops.  First we will be going to the Runestone Museum [there is a $6 admission fee at the museum].  On the return there will be an optional stop at Carlos Creek Winery for those who are interested.  We will gather at 2:00PM, and the tour group will carpool at 2:30PM.  Of course, the tour is optional. If you are not going on the tour, you are free to enjoy the lake, visit with friends, or take a walk in the area.

Wearables Fashion Show - A highlight of Federation is seeing folks wearing their creations!  Sunday morning we'll have an informal modeling of your creations.  An emcee will read your description of your wearable creation while you model it for us.