Above: Yarns and knits from Tina Harp's Mountain Yarns shop in Margaretville.
Most folks have heard of the importance of eating local to support local farmers. But there's another side to Catskills agriculture: fiber and wool.
Eating local should go hand-in-hand with wearing locally-made clothing -- that's the message of the Catskills Wool & Fiber Festival, which makes its first-ever debut this Saturday in Margaretville.
The festival -- the brainchild of Tina Harp, the owner of the Margaretville yarn shop Mountain Yarns -- will showcase spinning, weaving, knitting and rug hooking with materials sources locally from the Catskills.
"The ability to take local products and create finished, handmade items is one of the ways we help our agricultural economy survive," Harp said in a press release about the festival.
The festival will feature handspun yarns, carded fiber for spinning, and ready-to-wear clothing made by local fiber artisans. There will also be baked goods, hot soup, live music and fresh cider to fortify you as you shop.
Left: Tina Harp. Photo via the Mountain Yarns website.
Supporting the festival -- and Harp's shop -- is especially important because Harp's home in Shandaken burned down in a fire two weeks ago. Harp's house and all of her possessions were destroyed in the blaze, which brought ten fire companies to Shandaken on September 18 and took hours to subdue, according to the Daily Freeman.
This Sunday, a benefit to raise funds for Harp and her family as they rebuild is being held at Parish Hall on Main Street in Phoenicia.
Key Bank in Phoenicia has set up an account to accept donations for the Harp family. You can contribute to it online via PayPal by clicking here.
Below: The fire at the Harp house on September 18, 2013. Photo from the Tina Harp FundRazr page.
Below: The remains of Tina Harp's house after the fire. Photo from the Tina Harp FundRazr page.
A Fall Affair: The Catskills Wool & Fiber Festival. Saturday, October 5. 10am - 4pm. Margaretville, NY. www.mountainyarns.com.
Tina Harp Family Fire Relief Fundraiser. Sunday, October 6. 3 - 6pm. Parish Hall, Main Street, Phoenicia. More info at the Town of Shandaken website and the Tina Harp FundRazr fundraising page.
Catskills Wool & Fiber Festival press release:
The first Catskills Wool & Fiber Festival to be held in Margaretville
A Fall Affair @ The Square
Saturday Oct 5, 2013 10am-4pm Margaretville, NY
On Saturday October 5th Mountain Yarns, with support from the Bed & Bath Shoppe, will host the 1st Annual Catskills Wool & Fiber Festival.
“Our goal for this festival began with a dream of bringing together fiber producers and fiber artists. The ability to take local products and create finished, handmade items is one of the ways we help our agricultural economy survive. Our festival will inspire one to create as well as appreciate the fiber artisan works.” Tina Harp, Mountain Yarns
As visitors wander through the Binnekill Square they’ll see demonstrations of spinning, weaving, knitting and rug hooking. You’ll find Tina Harp’s one of a kind handspun yarns, her hand painted yarns & rovings and carded fiber for spinning. With the cold weather setting in they’ll also be plenty of warm and cozy winter wear to keep you and your loved ones toasty. Are you a knitter, hooker or spinner? Strut your stuff in the garment competition! From novice to expert there’s a category for you!
Vendors from the surrounding area will also have their locally made handcrafted items for sale. Catskill Candies & Confections will offer fresh made pies, breads and other delectable treats! Sam’s Country Store will be serving up homemade soup and the Senior Class from Andes will have their delicious homemade goodies sale. Get your pumpkins, mums, sip cider or just relax to the strumming of guitars and take in the beauty of the Catskill Mountains.
“I’m very excited to support this Fall Event at the Binnekill Square. This is a season of color and our beautiful Catskill Mountains set the perfect backdrop to showcase the amazing talents of these artisans.” Liz Warren, Bed & Bath Shoppe
More info about the Oct. 6 Harp Family fundraiser:
Tina Harp Family Fire Relief Fundraiser
Sunday Oct. 6, 3-6pm @ Parish Hall Phoenicia
On Sept. 18th the Harp Family, Rt. 42 Shandaken – lost their home and all their possessions.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Please Join us on Sunday October 6, 2013
Parish Hall – Main Street – Phoenicia NY
3pm to 6pmTo show your support for the family & to raise funds
Ziti Dinner with all the Fixins’
50-50, Bake Sale, Gift Certificate Raffle
Donations are also being accepted at
KEY BANK
53 Main Street – PO Box 36 Phoenicia NY 12464More info: Teresa 845-688-9778 or Town Clerk 845-688-5004
