ALPENA — There are numerous fiber artists throughout our community — enough so that it warrants several small groups of people with like interests coming together the last full weekend in September each year to hold a festival. Thus, the Northern Michigan Fiber Festival in Alpena was born.

In September and October, the Northern Michigan Fiber Festival’s many artists are featured at Thunder Bay Arts Gallery. Being a collection of fiber artists, the works of art displayed are from all kinds of yarn and or fiber, using various techniques to create pleasing works of visual art and/or functional art, e.g. art that can be worn. As with most art pieces, the pieces you see are one-of-a-kind.

There are sweaters, shawls, hats, mittens, socks, scarves, purses, towels, blankets, slippers and a wall hanging. Most are for sale. Some are for display only. Contributing artists are: Kate Goodrich-Arling, Diane Block, Shelia Robbins, Marion Jagst, and Connie Stafford. Given that the Northern Michigan Fiber Festival is a group, additional artists may be adding to the display, to help showcase the varied works of art and the talent in our community.

To meet these fiber artists and more associated with the Northern Michigan Fiber Festival, the community is invited to a reception from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday at Thunder Bay Arts Gallery, 127 W. Chisholm St., Alpena.

“Fiber artists exist in all walks of life and create using a number of genres, so to speak: spin, weave, knit, crochet, bobbin lace, wet felt, needle felt, rug hook — and the genres don’t end there,” said Northern Michigan Fiber Festival President Mary Centala. “To get to the materials used in the final product, many fiber artists start with a raw product in the form of a sheep fleece right off the sheep. In order to use it, they skirt, sort, wash, pick, and card it. If they choose to dye the wool, they can do that after they wash it, after they card it, or after they spin it. Truly, the options for dyeing don’t end there. They can choose commercial dyes, or select herbs from nature to make natural dyes. The mordant they decide upon also affects the color outcome.”

Centala explained that mordant is an agent that helps the dye adhere to the fabric.

“One aspect of our fiber artists that is fascinating are the various walks of life the fiber artists come from,” Centala added.

Kate Goodrich-Arling is a felter and a retired natural resources manager with the U. S. Forest Service, having recently moved to Presque Isle from West Virginia.

Diane Block is a weaver, sewer and crocheter and is a retired CPA and former Administrator for Alpena Public Schools. Her creative talents are showcased in her hats, scarves, towels, and bags.

Shelia Robbins is a shepherd, spinner, knitter and owner of Spruce Shadow Farms. Each of her sheep has a fiber arts purpose. When lambs are born, she refers to them as yarn seeds. Shelia markets her fiber arts creations throughout Michigan, including hats with evergreen tree forms knitted in the design.

Marion Jagst is a retired Special Education teacher, having taught for years at Pied Piper. She is an accomplished spinner and weaver who was born in Scotland and comes from a long line of fiber artists. Marion’s shawls, jackets, vests, and handbags on display showcase many different techniques.

Connie Stafford is a retired reporter from The Alpena News who spins, knits and designs unique sweaters and shawls. She creates many of her designs and patterns as she knits the garment.

This year’s Northern Michigan Fiber Festival will be held Sept. 27 and 28 at the APlex. For more information, visit fiberfestival.net.