Seven Days: Vermont's Independent Voice

High in Fiber

Over a century ago, many more woolly ovines than bovines dotted Vermont’s hillside pastures. Though every brook and stream no longer supports a woolen mill, craftspeople from around the Green Mountain State still flock to the state’s main natural-fiber event to compete and trade yarns. Various breeds of sheep, goats and angora rabbits peek at passersby. Workshops and demonstrations of weaving, felting, knitting and other crafts compel festival-goers to think of winter sweaters, hats and mittens. If you’ve ever wanted to see a sheep-shearing, feel a fleece, or try spinning wool yourself, this is the place to go — just be sure to keep your distance when admiring the llamas. They spit.