KATV Channel 7 - The Spirit of Arkansas: 4th Annual Arkansas Fiber Arts Extravaganza

4th Annual Arkansas Fiber Arts Extravaganza

The Fourth Annual Arkansas Fiber Arts Extravaganza will take place at The Lodge at Mount Magazine in Paris, Arkansas, on December 3-4, 2010. Knitters, crocheters, spinners, and weavers will gather to practice their crafts, take classes, shop at vendor booths, and generally enjoy visiting with each other. This year's featured guest teacher is Mary Beth Temple, a nationally-known author, teacher of knit and crochet classes, and owner of the podcast, "Getting Loopy."

The Fiber Arts Extravaganza started in 2007 as an informal gathering of 27 knitters, according to Anne Bean, co-director of the event. It has grown substantially since then, with more than 200 people from Arkansas and several surrounding states expected to attend this year. "The public response has been gratifying," Bean stated.

The weekend kicks off with Ms. Temple appearing at a book signing Friday evening, December 3, where her books Hooked for Life, The Secret Language of Knitters, and DIY Afghans will be available for purchase. The vendor room will also be open from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday's schedule includes classes such as "Beginning Spinning," "The History of Fair Isle Knitting," "Simply Fabulous Single Crochet," and "Spin Some Bunny." Circular sock machines and a weaving loom will be demonstrated in The Lodge's Hearth Room. Guests are encouraged to participate in speed knitting and crochet contests and in a fashion show. The vendor room will be open all day and door prizes will be awarded throughout the weekend.

The Extravaganza is open to the public; registration is $15.00. For more information or to register, go to www.arfiberartsextravaganza.com, send an email to arextrav@gmail.com, or call 479-518-0777.