This fall, Federation will be held at the Mount Carmel Bible Camp, 800 Mount Carmel Drive Northeast in Alexandria, Minnesota on October 17-19. The phones at the camp are 1 800-793-4381 or 1 320-846-2744. Accommodations Lodging Options 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 and registration date. Keynote Speaker Dennis has been an active member /participator in the Crow River Lamb and Wool Producers group, local county fairs, and the Shepherd’s Harvest where he has won numerous awards for his fleeces. He has also served as judge for the fleece show of Wright County. Special Events If you do not want to take part in the Swap Meet (or even if you do) bring along a portable project to work on—knitting, spinning, crocheting, or a small loom. 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. Show and Tell - Show and Tell on Sunday morning will include all types of fiber creations this year. It will include fashions, rugs, spinning, weaving, and other fiber projects you wish to share Vendors - This year, with the new construction at Mount Carmel, we do have room for vendors. Vendors will be available from 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday and we have left time in your schedule to shop. Gathering - Registration begins at 3:00 PM on Friday afternoon in the main lodge. At this time you may collect your conference materials and begin to move into your rooms. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy the lake, visit with old friends, or take a walk in the area. Vendors who are attending the conference may set up their tables. At 5:30 a sandwich/salad bar will be available in the dining room. There will be meat, cheese, buns and condiments for sandwiches. In addition, beverages (water, coffee, and tea) and chips will be supplied.
All accommodations are at Mount Carmel Family Camp. Cost of the conference is $175.00. This includes lodging, meals, linen for the weekend, and 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.
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.
Dennis Matter is the owner of Cedar Point Merinos in Delano, Minnesota. He has lived his life on the family farm which was built in the nineteen forties. Dennis graduated from St. Cloud State University in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in Art and English Education. In the nineteen seventies he bought the family farm and has raised Arabian horses, sheep, and a multitude of other animals. In 1991 Dennis purchased his first flock of “mixed bred” sheep for hand spinning. He quickly moved into raising Merino sheep. He has held sheering day festivals at which he demonstrated sheering, skirting and tying fleece, felting, and spinning.
Swap Meet - On Friday evening from 7 – 9, we will have a swap meet for anyone who wishes to participate. Bring those things that you once thought were great and no longer think so wonderful, yarns and wool for spinning and weaving that have overwhelmed you, equipment that you have replaced, and whatever else you have that is textile related. Your items should be in good condition and in working order.
