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Northern Michigan Fiber Festival a hub of creativity

By Darby Hinkley 2 min read

ALPENA -- The Northern Michigan Fiber Festival returned to Alpena on Saturday and Sunday at the APlex, offering a wide variety of fiber arts, from yarn to felting to jewelry and much more.

Over 50 vendors spread out in the APlex tennis court area, and live spinning demonstrations and workshops were held, offering many creative options for crafty people.

Alpena’s Megan Kalenauskas and her mom, Jean Rowley, cheerfully manned the Shuttle Sisters booth, featuring intricate shuttle tatting fiber art including ornaments, framed pieces, and dangle earrings in all colors.

Kalenauskas and Richelle Marshall make the Shuttle Sisters fiber art.

Michael Paggeot and husband Randy Kelley of Traverse City came back to the Northern Michigan Fiber Festival, representing Reaction Yarn. Paggeot has been knitting for over 40 years, he said. Kelley picked it up in 2016, and they both enjoy the hobby and coming to festivals.

“We always come back to this one,” Kelley said. “It’s our favorite show. It’s well-organized.”

Laura L. Parker of Fresh Start Creative in Holly, Mich., worked on a felting project at her booth full of enchanting felt creatures and scenes on display.

“Last year was our first year and we had such a good time that we decided to come back, and this year has been just as good,” Parker said. “It’s been a fun festival. The people are awesome. It’s a fun community.”

The Northern Michigan Fiber Festival is held on the fourth Saturday in September each year.

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