1 00:00:07,720 --> 00:00:10,120 Hey there, you're on best DJ from Hobby here and you're 2 00:00:10,120 --> 00:00:13,080 listening to Skiing and Sell, the podcast that unravels it 3 00:00:13,080 --> 00:00:16,600 all, everything from cozy chaos to crafty world tours. 4 00:00:16,880 --> 00:00:19,600 Now let me ask you something, OK? 5 00:00:19,920 --> 00:00:24,720 Have you ever dreamt of walking into a castle filled with yarn? 6 00:00:25,320 --> 00:00:31,600 Or maybe wandering through a sheep show while eating an apple 7 00:00:31,600 --> 00:00:34,720 cider doughnut and wearing your latest handmade cardi. 8 00:00:35,200 --> 00:00:39,280 Or maybe shopping hand dyed alpaca yarn under the Southern 9 00:00:39,280 --> 00:00:43,640 American sun while buckle up Bessie, grab your project bag 10 00:00:43,640 --> 00:00:47,160 because today we are going global. 11 00:00:47,760 --> 00:00:52,000 This episode is your passport to the best yarn festivals and 12 00:00:52,000 --> 00:00:56,280 fiber events around the world, broken down by continent. 13 00:00:56,280 --> 00:00:59,600 Because you know, let's just make things easy to follow, OK? 14 00:00:59,920 --> 00:01:04,280 Whether you're plotting your next fiber filled get getaway or 15 00:01:04,680 --> 00:01:08,280 you're just maybe looking to add A Little Dream destination to 16 00:01:08,280 --> 00:01:11,560 your stash list, this one is definitely for you. 17 00:01:12,000 --> 00:01:15,720 So throw skiing in your carry on and let's go yarn shopping 18 00:01:15,720 --> 00:01:26,080 around the world. Europe, where yarn meets fairy 19 00:01:26,080 --> 00:01:31,320 tale vibes, the land of historic wool traditions, rolling green 20 00:01:31,320 --> 00:01:35,840 hills and fiber markets that look like they were styled by 21 00:01:35,840 --> 00:01:40,920 cottage core goddesses. Now our first stop in our yarn 22 00:01:40,920 --> 00:01:46,200 festival adventure is actually in Scotland the most 23 00:01:46,200 --> 00:01:49,360 specifically at the Edinburgh Yarn Festival. 24 00:01:49,920 --> 00:01:57,120 OK, so this is possibly actually the most famous or was the most 25 00:01:57,120 --> 00:01:59,400 famous. Oh, I gave it away already. 26 00:01:59,640 --> 00:02:03,720 OK, it was the most famous European yarn festival. 27 00:02:03,880 --> 00:02:07,760 It's legendary, it is set in Scotland's capital, and it 28 00:02:07,760 --> 00:02:11,640 brought together indie dyers, heritage wool producers, and, 29 00:02:11,680 --> 00:02:14,120 you know, sweater weather dreams. 30 00:02:14,120 --> 00:02:19,360 Basically, it launched in 2013 by passionate knitters Joe and 31 00:02:19,360 --> 00:02:25,040 Mika, and it quickly established itself as the cornerstone event 32 00:02:25,040 --> 00:02:27,920 for yarn enthusiasts actually worldwide. 33 00:02:28,280 --> 00:02:32,480 Now, the festival typically spanned 5 days, featuring a 34 00:02:32,480 --> 00:02:36,000 bustling market with nearly 100 vendors. 35 00:02:36,160 --> 00:02:40,880 It offered a diverse array of yarns, tools, and accessories. 36 00:02:41,560 --> 00:02:45,960 But beyond shopping, it was renowned for its comprehensive 37 00:02:45,960 --> 00:02:50,200 workshop programs, You know, catering to all skill levels and 38 00:02:50,360 --> 00:02:55,560 tons of lovely social events, including traditional Scottish 39 00:02:56,240 --> 00:02:59,360 Nick nights. So despite its popularity, 40 00:02:59,360 --> 00:03:05,400 unfortunately, it actually ended in 2019, leaving quite a 41 00:03:05,400 --> 00:03:08,640 significant void in the UK's fiber festival scenes. 42 00:03:08,640 --> 00:03:15,920 But but, but the spirit of the Edinburgh Yarn Festival is not 43 00:03:15,920 --> 00:03:19,200 gone. It's not forgotten this year. 44 00:03:19,480 --> 00:03:26,240 In 2025, a new event called the Woolly Good Gathering launched 45 00:03:26,240 --> 00:03:29,320 in Edinburgh, picking up the torch and giving the fiber 46 00:03:29,320 --> 00:03:32,600 community a new space to connect, to shop and to 47 00:03:32,600 --> 00:03:36,400 celebrate in the same city. I mean, it's not a direct 48 00:03:36,400 --> 00:03:40,400 replacement, but it's definitely carrying on the vibe. 49 00:03:41,480 --> 00:03:44,640 But we have to hurry because we will miss our next flight. 50 00:03:45,160 --> 00:03:49,960 Next up we have Woolen in Dublin, Ireland now. 51 00:03:50,280 --> 00:03:53,040 Wholesome chaos in the best way possible. 52 00:03:53,480 --> 00:03:57,640 Woolen is a smaller but very beloved little festival. 53 00:03:58,080 --> 00:04:02,360 Local Irish yarn, yes. Friends you haven't maybe met 54 00:04:02,360 --> 00:04:05,760 but somehow you love them Immediately, Definitely double 55 00:04:05,760 --> 00:04:10,600 yes. It launched in May of 2018 and 56 00:04:10,600 --> 00:04:14,200 it quickly established itself as a must visit event for fiber 57 00:04:14,200 --> 00:04:17,720 enthusiasts. It was held at the ALSA Center 58 00:04:17,720 --> 00:04:21,760 near Dublin Airport, and the inaugural festival featured 59 00:04:21,760 --> 00:04:25,320 actually 56 vendor stands offering, you know, a diverse 60 00:04:25,320 --> 00:04:27,720 array of yarns, tools of accessories. 61 00:04:27,720 --> 00:04:32,400 And attendees also enjoyed a bustling, you know, engaging 62 00:04:32,400 --> 00:04:36,960 workshop thing happening social spaces to connect with fellow 63 00:04:36,960 --> 00:04:39,680 crafters. And while the festival faced 64 00:04:39,680 --> 00:04:43,480 challenges due to, you know, global events, Woola's impact on 65 00:04:43,480 --> 00:04:46,800 the fiber community remains significant to this day. 66 00:04:47,080 --> 00:04:50,800 Not only showcase Ireland's rich textile heritage, but also 67 00:04:50,800 --> 00:04:54,400 foster that community feeling among crafters. 68 00:04:55,440 --> 00:05:01,160 All right, let's grab a plane again and head out to France. 69 00:05:01,600 --> 00:05:05,120 So the next festival feels more like a postcard. 70 00:05:05,120 --> 00:05:07,840 OK. It's set in a ridiculously 71 00:05:07,840 --> 00:05:12,640 charming French village. It is a blend of spinners of 72 00:05:12,640 --> 00:05:17,000 weavers and natural dyers. And you'll leave definitely with 73 00:05:17,080 --> 00:05:20,520 beautiful yarn and probably a croissant in your bag at the end 74 00:05:20,520 --> 00:05:22,000 of the day. All right, I see. 75 00:05:22,000 --> 00:05:26,760 So picture this. OK, it's early February, you're 76 00:05:26,760 --> 00:05:31,520 in a charming little French town nestled in the hills of the tomb 77 00:05:31,720 --> 00:05:37,280 region, and the entire place smells faintly of wool and 78 00:05:37,280 --> 00:05:42,160 roasted chestnuts. Oh, welcome to Fete de la Len, 79 00:05:42,680 --> 00:05:45,360 AKA the Festival of Wool and Crest. 80 00:05:45,400 --> 00:05:48,160 And yes, it's every bit as dreamy as it sounds. 81 00:05:48,160 --> 00:05:50,000 Now. This festival's been going on 82 00:05:50,000 --> 00:05:55,680 strong since 1992, and it's not just a cute weekend fair. 83 00:05:55,880 --> 00:06:00,000 It's a full blown fiber celebration that pulls in 84 00:06:00,160 --> 00:06:04,520 artisans and yard lovers from all over France and beyond. 85 00:06:05,120 --> 00:06:10,280 It runs for three cozy days, usually in the early days of 86 00:06:10,280 --> 00:06:16,200 February. And trust me, this is this is 87 00:06:16,200 --> 00:06:20,240 like a place where you just would say, look at that yarn, 88 00:06:20,400 --> 00:06:22,360 look at that yarn, look at that yarn. 89 00:06:22,360 --> 00:06:25,280 You know, it's like a deep dive wool culture. 90 00:06:25,680 --> 00:06:29,080 So you got over 60 artisans. We're talking spinners, weavers, 91 00:06:29,080 --> 00:06:32,880 felters, dyers, Andy yarn producers bringing their most 92 00:06:32,880 --> 00:06:35,080 gorgeous natural fibers to the table. 93 00:06:35,520 --> 00:06:37,920 We're talking about materials that go way beyond sheep. 94 00:06:37,920 --> 00:06:41,240 You know, we're talking about also mohair, angora, hemp, silk, 95 00:06:41,240 --> 00:06:45,840 flax and others demonstrations where you can literally watch 96 00:06:45,840 --> 00:06:51,920 someone card wool, spin it, dye it, maybe, then knit it into 97 00:06:51,920 --> 00:06:54,640 something that makes you, I don't know, throw out your 98 00:06:54,640 --> 00:06:56,760 entire wardrobe and start over again. 99 00:06:57,280 --> 00:07:01,520 Plus hands on workshops where you can try everything yourself, 100 00:07:01,640 --> 00:07:06,160 even if all you've ever made is like a scarf, you know, with a 101 00:07:06,160 --> 00:07:10,760 panic hole in it. It's all set in Espas Suberian. 102 00:07:10,840 --> 00:07:15,720 I think I said that right? Which turns into a magical 103 00:07:15,720 --> 00:07:21,000 little wool market full of texture of color and definitely 104 00:07:21,160 --> 00:07:24,800 some serious handmade energy. I think that the best part is 105 00:07:24,800 --> 00:07:28,240 definitely the fact that it is free to attend. 106 00:07:28,520 --> 00:07:33,160 No tickets, no gatekeeping, just open doors and a warm welcome. 107 00:07:33,720 --> 00:07:35,440 Now the vibe is super down to earth. 108 00:07:35,640 --> 00:07:39,840 Lots of makers, lots of families, beginners, seasoned 109 00:07:39,840 --> 00:07:44,720 crafters, kids running around with felted cheap. 110 00:07:46,880 --> 00:07:49,920 Also very focused on sustainability and tradition, 111 00:07:50,480 --> 00:07:54,560 showcasing the full, you know, sheep to scheme story basically 112 00:07:54,840 --> 00:07:58,280 and celebrating that slow, thoughtful textile creation. 113 00:07:58,280 --> 00:08:01,200 It's not it's not the biggest festival in the world, but it 114 00:08:01,200 --> 00:08:05,760 has something that you know, it has that blend of culture and 115 00:08:05,760 --> 00:08:09,200 crafting community that makes you want to stay longer than 116 00:08:09,200 --> 00:08:13,360 three days and maybe have felt a behead. 117 00:08:13,760 --> 00:08:17,360 And that also explains why it's been going strong since 1992. 118 00:08:17,920 --> 00:08:23,120 So if you're planning maybe like a winter fiber pilgrimage, Crest 119 00:08:23,120 --> 00:08:26,720 is absolutely the place to go. It's wholesome, it's 120 00:08:26,720 --> 00:08:29,560 heartwarming. And you will definitely leave 121 00:08:29,560 --> 00:08:34,120 probably with some new yarn, some new friends and, yeah, 122 00:08:34,840 --> 00:08:38,559 definitely some schemes that smell a bit of, I don't know, 123 00:08:39,440 --> 00:08:43,919 lavender, you know, destiny. All right. 124 00:08:43,919 --> 00:08:47,360 And our last stop in our Europe Yarn Festival list is, of 125 00:08:47,360 --> 00:08:52,200 course, Barcelona Nets. All right, bestie, if your dream 126 00:08:52,200 --> 00:08:56,600 fiber festival involves sunshine, tapas, you know, more 127 00:08:56,600 --> 00:09:00,520 Indian and Mediterranean breeze blowing through your project 128 00:09:00,520 --> 00:09:05,400 bag, the Barcelona Nets is calling your name. 129 00:09:05,400 --> 00:09:10,520 Hello, Hello, bestie, it's me. Barcelona Nets so held every 130 00:09:10,520 --> 00:09:15,440 November in the stunning seaside World Trade Center of Porto Vey, 131 00:09:16,440 --> 00:09:22,640 which translates to Old Harbor. This festival in Spain is 132 00:09:22,680 --> 00:09:27,760 probably the first and biggest knitting event in Spain. 133 00:09:28,320 --> 00:09:31,440 It feels kind of like the Coachella of yarn, but you know, 134 00:09:32,240 --> 00:09:38,520 with more sensible clothing. And it was launched by two 135 00:09:38,520 --> 00:09:42,680 passionate local knitters who just wanted a space to celebrate 136 00:09:42,760 --> 00:09:45,760 all things fiber. And of course, it exploded into 137 00:09:45,760 --> 00:09:50,920 this amazing international hub of connection and creativity. 138 00:09:51,280 --> 00:09:54,240 So let me set the scene, OK? You walk into this gorgeous 139 00:09:54,240 --> 00:10:00,840 venue overlooking the water and it is packed with color dyers 140 00:10:00,840 --> 00:10:05,080 from all over Europe, Spanish wool producers with yarn so soft 141 00:10:05,080 --> 00:10:08,600 it makes you, you know, question your stash. 142 00:10:09,920 --> 00:10:16,120 It has buttons, it has bags, it has stitch markers, it has 143 00:10:16,120 --> 00:10:17,920 handmade tools. I don't know it, it, it's 144 00:10:17,920 --> 00:10:20,120 basically like Etsy coming to life. 145 00:10:20,120 --> 00:10:22,520 It's like, it's, it's insane, right? 146 00:10:24,080 --> 00:10:27,400 And then you've got this huge marketplace filled with the 147 00:10:27,560 --> 00:10:33,480 nicest indie brands as well as workshops taught by world class 148 00:10:33,480 --> 00:10:38,360 designers and tons of social events like the Tapas in Yarn 149 00:10:38,360 --> 00:10:41,920 Party, which honestly is exactly as magical as it sounds. 150 00:10:42,520 --> 00:10:46,320 Who wouldn't want to enjoy some tapas, you know, and knit? 151 00:10:47,440 --> 00:10:50,440 And don't get me started on the knitwear fashion show. 152 00:10:50,560 --> 00:10:56,840 Everybody is wearing their most extra, you know, clothing fits. 153 00:10:57,360 --> 00:11:01,520 It's like, it's insane. The festival usually runs over a 154 00:11:01,520 --> 00:11:03,720 2 day weekend, Saturday and Sunday. 155 00:11:03,720 --> 00:11:06,320 And trust me, it it goes really too fast. 156 00:11:07,200 --> 00:11:11,200 You will shop, you will stitch, you will cry, laugh in your 157 00:11:11,200 --> 00:11:13,920 knitting circle with somebody from the other side of the world 158 00:11:13,920 --> 00:11:17,280 who just kind of gets you. And you also get to do it in 159 00:11:17,280 --> 00:11:20,760 Barcelona. I mean, you know, take a yarn 160 00:11:20,760 --> 00:11:23,920 break to visit Gaudi's Sagrada Familia, eat some churros with 161 00:11:23,920 --> 00:11:28,600 chocolate or just sit in a sun warmed bench and work on your 162 00:11:28,600 --> 00:11:32,840 whip while locals walk by and compliment your beautiful stitch 163 00:11:32,840 --> 00:11:34,600 tension. Hashtag dream life. 164 00:11:35,520 --> 00:11:37,800 Now if you're looking for a festival that feels like a 165 00:11:38,320 --> 00:11:44,880 Fiesta, then Barcelona Nets should be on your must stitch 166 00:11:44,880 --> 00:11:54,320 list. We interrupt this episode for a 167 00:11:54,320 --> 00:11:59,360 special segment that explores the history of yawn, the 168 00:11:59,400 --> 00:12:05,080 archaeology of yawn. Brought to you by our special 169 00:12:05,080 --> 00:12:08,360 correspondent. By my boots turning like my my 170 00:12:08,360 --> 00:12:10,760 accent is going like off the rails today. 171 00:12:12,040 --> 00:12:14,600 Yeah. Brought to you by our special 172 00:12:14,600 --> 00:12:23,640 correspondent, Yandiene June. OK busty, Today we are diving 173 00:12:23,640 --> 00:12:29,640 into the shiny, the sparkly and the seriously extra beads, 174 00:12:29,640 --> 00:12:34,800 buttons and balling. You thought your beaded shawl or 175 00:12:34,800 --> 00:12:38,280 fancy notions jar was just for flair? 176 00:12:39,120 --> 00:12:42,720 Well, think again because these little fiber embellishments have 177 00:12:42,720 --> 00:12:46,720 been out there carrying big meaning like, you know, trade 178 00:12:46,800 --> 00:12:50,880 route, alternating status, symbol making and spirit 179 00:12:50,880 --> 00:12:54,920 protecting levels of meaning. So let's start with it all began 180 00:12:55,280 --> 00:13:00,160 in ancient Egypt. Now picture this golden sand 181 00:13:00,160 --> 00:13:08,480 dunes denial flowing and someone 5000 years ago says this linen 182 00:13:08,480 --> 00:13:16,120 tunic is fine but what if we made it fabulous and enter. 183 00:13:19,480 --> 00:13:23,600 Oh my God this is so ridiculous. Entered the Pheon's beads. 184 00:13:23,880 --> 00:13:28,240 Glassy turquoise hued and made from sand based paste. 185 00:13:28,280 --> 00:13:31,640 Egyptians loved them. These weren't just pretty, they 186 00:13:31,640 --> 00:13:35,720 were a symbol of rebirth, of protection and power. 187 00:13:36,120 --> 00:13:39,000 Pharaohs wore them, mummies were wrapped in them. 188 00:13:39,360 --> 00:13:42,120 Beads were basically your spiritual insurance policy for 189 00:13:42,120 --> 00:13:45,920 the afterlife. Now hop on to West Africa, for 190 00:13:45,920 --> 00:13:49,080 instance, where the Maasai people have been creating 191 00:13:49,080 --> 00:13:51,160 jaw-dropping beadwork for century. 192 00:13:51,160 --> 00:13:56,120 Every color and every pattern, all codes, all secret meanings. 193 00:13:57,680 --> 00:14:01,280 Red was I remember for from what I read from for bravery. 194 00:14:01,840 --> 00:14:06,040 White was for purity, and blue was for, like, energy, you know, 195 00:14:06,040 --> 00:14:09,280 from the sky. These aren't just accessories, 196 00:14:09,280 --> 00:14:13,360 they're biographies, if you want to call them that you actually 197 00:14:13,360 --> 00:14:16,360 wear. So Masai beadwork tells you your 198 00:14:16,360 --> 00:14:22,880 age, your marital status, your clan, your social standing. 199 00:14:23,160 --> 00:14:28,240 It's like wearing your resume, your CD, your mood ring, and all 200 00:14:28,240 --> 00:14:30,920 your family tree all at once on you. 201 00:14:31,280 --> 00:14:34,280 It looks absolutely amazing. Please check it out. 202 00:14:34,320 --> 00:14:37,640 The Maasai beadwork. It's, it's crazy. 203 00:14:38,240 --> 00:14:41,960 All right, let's keep going. Fast forward to indigenous North 204 00:14:41,960 --> 00:14:48,080 America, where wampum belts made from quahog and shell beads were 205 00:14:48,080 --> 00:14:51,320 used as currency. They were used as contracts, as 206 00:14:51,320 --> 00:14:54,920 historical records. Now these beads held so much 207 00:14:54,920 --> 00:14:57,920 weight they were literally diplomatic tools. 208 00:14:58,200 --> 00:15:02,400 Forget fine print, these were like stitch treaties, you know. 209 00:15:02,760 --> 00:15:08,440 And oh get this, glass beads from Venice traveled all over 210 00:15:08,440 --> 00:15:10,840 the world during the height of European trade. 211 00:15:10,840 --> 00:15:15,680 Now these tiny little baubles were so valuable that they were 212 00:15:15,680 --> 00:15:20,440 used in exchange for land, for goods, and sometimes even 213 00:15:20,520 --> 00:15:24,120 people. Oh boy, the dark history and the 214 00:15:24,120 --> 00:15:28,680 real consequences all wrapped up in something that just sparkles. 215 00:15:29,280 --> 00:15:32,560 Insane. But what about buttons? 216 00:15:32,640 --> 00:15:35,080 You know, you might think buttons are just oh, they're 217 00:15:35,080 --> 00:15:38,080 functional, but, but, but, you know, they're just, they're 218 00:15:38,080 --> 00:15:41,200 cute. They're we used them, but in the 219 00:15:41,200 --> 00:15:43,560 Middle Ages they were status bling. 220 00:15:43,600 --> 00:15:46,160 You know, imagine that status bling. 221 00:15:46,760 --> 00:15:49,760 Fancy brass or ivory buttons on your duplet. 222 00:15:49,760 --> 00:15:54,200 Hello, aristocracy. Buttons were so prized. 223 00:15:54,800 --> 00:15:58,960 They were the laws about how many you could weigh or 224 00:15:58,960 --> 00:16:02,640 depending on your class. No buttons for you, peasant. 225 00:16:03,000 --> 00:16:06,880 No, thank you. And now let's talk about 226 00:16:07,280 --> 00:16:08,960 sequence. OK, sequence. 227 00:16:08,960 --> 00:16:12,800 Today they scream disco and drag shows, as they should, you know, 228 00:16:13,280 --> 00:16:18,080 But they actually go way back, like ancient Egypt, way back, 229 00:16:18,080 --> 00:16:23,160 you know, archaeologists like myself found gold discs sewn 230 00:16:23,160 --> 00:16:28,280 unto garments in tombs, which actually were meant to symbolize 231 00:16:28,280 --> 00:16:32,440 that the person who was buried there had a lot of wealth and 232 00:16:33,160 --> 00:16:36,880 got divine protection. So the OG Sparkle was some 233 00:16:36,880 --> 00:16:38,800 serious business back in the days. 234 00:16:39,200 --> 00:16:40,880 All right. Now Fast forward to the 20th 235 00:16:40,880 --> 00:16:45,320 century, and suddenly we got plastic sequence metallic 236 00:16:45,320 --> 00:16:48,440 embroidery. You know, rhinestones turning up 237 00:16:48,440 --> 00:16:51,440 everywhere from Hollywood glamour to runaway couture. 238 00:16:51,880 --> 00:16:53,400 And they're not just for show, OK? 239 00:16:53,400 --> 00:16:58,160 They're often used to honor heritage, to reclaim identity, 240 00:16:58,160 --> 00:17:01,840 or to even make a statement. Because whether it's a beaded 241 00:17:01,840 --> 00:17:06,839 necklace in a Zulu ceremony, or a jeweled sari in South Asia, or 242 00:17:06,839 --> 00:17:12,359 just a punk vest covered in enamel pins, it shows that it's, 243 00:17:12,560 --> 00:17:17,240 it's the story your clothes tell about you before you even open 244 00:17:17,240 --> 00:17:20,000 your mouth. Basically, it's it's, it's 245 00:17:20,000 --> 00:17:23,599 embellishing identity, right? So next time you're stitching a 246 00:17:23,599 --> 00:17:28,880 little button or threading A bead or bedazzling your project 247 00:17:28,880 --> 00:17:31,640 with some spark or do, remember that that shiny little thing 248 00:17:31,640 --> 00:17:35,440 you're using? It has more than 5000 years of 249 00:17:35,440 --> 00:17:39,760 drama, symbolism, and, you know, pride behind it. 250 00:17:39,800 --> 00:17:43,080 And that best team is the story of fiber bling. 251 00:17:48,480 --> 00:17:53,720 You already know the vibes. Booths packed with skeins, iced 252 00:17:53,720 --> 00:17:57,520 coffee in one hand, whip bag in the other, and somebody 253 00:17:57,520 --> 00:18:02,400 shouting, is that a malabrigo across the aisle? 254 00:18:02,840 --> 00:18:08,400 OK, let's talk about the Beyoncé of North America's Yarn 255 00:18:08,400 --> 00:18:09,680 Festival. That's true. 256 00:18:09,680 --> 00:18:13,800 It's Rhinebeck, officially known as the New York Sheep and Wool 257 00:18:13,800 --> 00:18:15,560 Festival. But truly, if you just say 258 00:18:15,560 --> 00:18:19,040 Rhinebeck to any American knitter or crocheter they know, 259 00:18:19,680 --> 00:18:23,920 held every October in the Hudson Valley, this festival is the 260 00:18:24,640 --> 00:18:30,880 fall pilgrimage for fiber folks. Basically, it's it's part 261 00:18:30,880 --> 00:18:36,400 country fair, part sheep shell, part indie yarn marketplace, 262 00:18:36,400 --> 00:18:41,320 part handmade fashion runway, and it all happens under a 263 00:18:41,360 --> 00:18:44,680 golden canopy of crisp autumn leaves. 264 00:18:44,960 --> 00:18:48,800 The vibes are Immaculate. People start planning their 265 00:18:48,800 --> 00:18:53,200 Rhinebeck sweater muds sometimes a whole year in advance. 266 00:18:53,840 --> 00:18:57,280 There's contests, there's group photos to price meetups, and 267 00:18:57,280 --> 00:18:59,440 even spontaneous compliments from strangers. 268 00:18:59,440 --> 00:19:03,360 Like, did you make that? Of course I made it. 269 00:19:03,360 --> 00:19:08,840 We're at the Rhinebeck Festival, and yes, apple cider doughnuts 270 00:19:08,840 --> 00:19:12,800 are the unofficial currency. People literally queue for them 271 00:19:13,120 --> 00:19:15,360 longer than for yarn boots. Are they worth it? 272 00:19:15,920 --> 00:19:19,760 I heard they were. Now they've got tents and barns 273 00:19:19,760 --> 00:19:24,560 full of yarn vendors, both big names and Indy dyers. 274 00:19:25,440 --> 00:19:28,000 They have live sheep competitions where you can watch 275 00:19:28,000 --> 00:19:33,200 breeds you didn't know existed, prints around being their 276 00:19:33,200 --> 00:19:36,880 fluffiest, best selves, and they obviously have also spinning 277 00:19:36,880 --> 00:19:42,200 demos, felting workshops, rug cooking tutorials and and tons 278 00:19:42,200 --> 00:19:46,800 of other little events. And I mean, you know, it's all 279 00:19:46,800 --> 00:19:49,400 surrounded by a crowd of thousands who who get it right. 280 00:19:49,400 --> 00:19:53,320 It's cozy, cozy chaos. It's sweater weather magic. 281 00:19:53,320 --> 00:19:56,880 It's one of the few places on earth where it feels totally 282 00:19:56,880 --> 00:20:02,480 normal to wear a full blown outfit made of yarn just head to 283 00:20:02,480 --> 00:20:06,280 toe. If Rhinebeck isn't on your 284 00:20:06,280 --> 00:20:11,400 bucket list yet, go ahead and you know, put it on now. 285 00:20:11,720 --> 00:20:14,680 This is this is a must. This is a must. 286 00:20:15,520 --> 00:20:19,760 All right, but if if by some reason you can't get to 287 00:20:19,760 --> 00:20:23,560 Rhinebeck, you know, then there's some options out there 288 00:20:23,560 --> 00:20:26,680 that can replace it. There is also the stitch events 289 00:20:27,480 --> 00:20:31,720 in various U.S. cities. They're a little bit more clean, 290 00:20:31,720 --> 00:20:33,760 more classy, more, you know, air conditioned. 291 00:20:35,120 --> 00:20:38,200 These events are great for newer fiber artists that are looking 292 00:20:38,200 --> 00:20:42,880 to level up, or makers who love a workshop heavy schedule, or 293 00:20:42,880 --> 00:20:48,480 just folk who want some variety like, you know, a bit of 294 00:20:48,480 --> 00:20:50,640 everything. Crocheting, knitting, weaving, 295 00:20:50,640 --> 00:20:53,960 Tunisian crocheting and beyond, all under the same roof. 296 00:20:55,040 --> 00:20:58,280 It features a massive vendor hall packed with everything from 297 00:20:58,280 --> 00:21:02,760 luxury yarn and project bags to looms and books and buttons and 298 00:21:03,280 --> 00:21:07,040 tons of tools you didn't really know existed until now. 299 00:21:07,440 --> 00:21:12,760 And a full a cart. A menu of workshop and classes 300 00:21:12,760 --> 00:21:16,560 led by well known designers and teachers in the fiber world, 301 00:21:16,760 --> 00:21:19,920 plus an on site yarn winding station. 302 00:21:20,040 --> 00:21:24,760 Bless social lounges and some truly excellent people watching. 303 00:21:26,200 --> 00:21:28,280 It's especially great if you want to dive deep into 304 00:21:28,280 --> 00:21:31,360 techniques or spend your weekend surrounded by fiber loving 305 00:21:31,400 --> 00:21:33,360 strangers who become your besties. 306 00:21:34,480 --> 00:21:37,760 And yes, you can wear your most extra shawl without fear of 307 00:21:37,760 --> 00:21:40,160 judgement. And did I also mention I think I 308 00:21:40,160 --> 00:21:42,880 did air conditioning? Yes, yes, please. 309 00:21:44,480 --> 00:21:49,560 All right, but staying still in in North America, let's talk a 310 00:21:49,560 --> 00:21:53,200 little bit about Canada. Ah, knit city. 311 00:21:53,400 --> 00:21:58,200 Now Canada looked at the yarn world and said, well, we got to 312 00:21:58,200 --> 00:22:02,440 do this also, you know, but it has to be inclusive and it has 313 00:22:02,440 --> 00:22:06,120 to be stylish and it has to be super cozy, you know. 314 00:22:06,560 --> 00:22:13,000 So they launched this awesome, awesome festival called Knit 315 00:22:13,000 --> 00:22:21,080 City and NIT City, launched by the amazing folks at NIT Social, 316 00:22:22,280 --> 00:22:25,480 and it also expanded from Vancouver to Montreal and it's 317 00:22:25,480 --> 00:22:29,120 become one of the most beloved yarn festivals in North America. 318 00:22:30,120 --> 00:22:33,240 The reason why this is actually quite special is because it has 319 00:22:33,240 --> 00:22:38,680 that community vibe. You know, it has that welcoming 320 00:22:38,680 --> 00:22:43,280 feeling. It has tons of building spaces 321 00:22:43,280 --> 00:22:47,840 that are super inclusive and diverse and accessible and 322 00:22:48,080 --> 00:22:52,520 obviously a beautiful marketplace that is curated with 323 00:22:52,520 --> 00:22:56,800 a mix of Canadian indie dyers, natural fibers, ethical mark 324 00:22:56,800 --> 00:23:03,000 makers, markers, ethical markers, and also some some nice 325 00:23:03,000 --> 00:23:08,720 stylish designs as well that you can you can see now the workshop 326 00:23:09,040 --> 00:23:10,920 is definitely a little bit next level. 327 00:23:10,920 --> 00:23:13,520 They're taught by some of the biggest names in the fiber 328 00:23:13,520 --> 00:23:16,800 world, but it is quite down to earth. 329 00:23:16,800 --> 00:23:20,600 It's quite approachable. It's full of kindness, very, 330 00:23:20,600 --> 00:23:24,880 very chill, very Canadian. And oh, the food. 331 00:23:25,080 --> 00:23:29,160 I have read online that the food there is amazing. 332 00:23:30,520 --> 00:23:36,040 And did they have Maple latte? Oh, sign me up now. 333 00:23:38,520 --> 00:23:42,960 You know, it's I love it. OK, the vibe is definitely super 334 00:23:42,960 --> 00:23:47,200 modern maker meets in the art show and you will definitely 335 00:23:47,200 --> 00:23:52,520 leave feeling inspired, feeling seen and probably a little bit 336 00:23:52,760 --> 00:24:00,400 poor, but in a good way, you know, all right, moving on down, 337 00:24:00,400 --> 00:24:03,600 down, down the globe. We're going to go travel to 338 00:24:03,600 --> 00:24:09,200 Australia and Oceania where the yarn is just as wild as the 339 00:24:09,200 --> 00:24:12,880 landscape. Now, if you haven't lived until 340 00:24:12,880 --> 00:24:17,120 you bought yarn while being stared down by prize winning 341 00:24:17,120 --> 00:24:21,560 sheep, then it's time to go to either the Bandingo Sheep and 342 00:24:21,560 --> 00:24:25,560 Wool Show in Australia or the New Zealand Wool Fest. 343 00:24:26,040 --> 00:24:30,000 Now the Bandingo Sheep and Wool Show is the biggest wall 344 00:24:30,000 --> 00:24:31,720 celebration in the Southern hemisphere. 345 00:24:31,720 --> 00:24:35,160 It's rustic, it's rugged, it's full of actual sheep. 346 00:24:35,600 --> 00:24:39,880 Think country, fair meat, serious yarn knowledge, plus 347 00:24:40,640 --> 00:24:43,640 beautiful, beautiful fleece auctions. 348 00:24:43,640 --> 00:24:46,040 And you know, you might even leave with a whole sheep. 349 00:24:46,720 --> 00:24:51,000 No judgment otherwise. If you're in New Zealand, the 350 00:24:51,000 --> 00:24:54,000 Wool Fest is awesome. It's a chill community centered 351 00:24:54,000 --> 00:24:57,240 event with amazing regional wool and natural fibers and you'll 352 00:24:57,240 --> 00:25:01,600 find hand spinners and dyers and a lot of people could just 353 00:25:01,640 --> 00:25:08,440 casually shear sheep bread. Also add jaw-dropping scenery 354 00:25:08,440 --> 00:25:12,320 because come on, it's New Zealand so that must be 355 00:25:12,360 --> 00:25:15,760 incredible. Then we have South America. 356 00:25:16,880 --> 00:25:20,040 Earthy, vibrant, and alpaca powered. 357 00:25:20,640 --> 00:25:23,840 The fiber in South America has deep roots, literally. 358 00:25:23,840 --> 00:25:26,680 We've heard about it many, many times. 359 00:25:27,640 --> 00:25:31,560 It's home to some of the most sustainable and ancient and 360 00:25:31,560 --> 00:25:34,040 beautiful yarn traditions on earth. 361 00:25:34,440 --> 00:25:37,200 And I have two, I have them on my list. 362 00:25:37,200 --> 00:25:39,720 I have one in Chile and one in Argentina. 363 00:25:39,960 --> 00:25:43,760 The one in Chile, the Feria de Las Manolidades, is a massive 364 00:25:43,760 --> 00:25:46,920 craft fair with a strong fiber presence. 365 00:25:46,920 --> 00:25:50,920 And I mean, you know, think vibrant alpaca yarns, think 366 00:25:50,960 --> 00:25:54,880 artisan tools and tons of traditional dyeing techniques 367 00:25:54,880 --> 00:25:57,800 right alongside contemporary designs. 368 00:25:57,800 --> 00:26:02,080 It's incredible. And if you're happening to be in 369 00:26:02,080 --> 00:26:06,800 Argentina, then do go to the Festival del ILO Ilana, the 370 00:26:06,800 --> 00:26:11,200 festival of the Thread and bulb. This one's a little smaller. 371 00:26:11,200 --> 00:26:16,360 It's more local, but I think from what I've read, full of 372 00:26:16,360 --> 00:26:19,640 heart. I mean, you know, picture grassy 373 00:26:19,640 --> 00:26:25,680 markets and homemade empanadas and yarn dyed in earthy tones, 374 00:26:25,680 --> 00:26:27,840 you know, from all the native plants. 375 00:26:27,840 --> 00:26:32,880 And if you love slow fashion and natural fibers and you are in 376 00:26:32,880 --> 00:26:37,560 Argentina, this is such a stop to put on your list. 377 00:26:38,800 --> 00:26:40,520 And I mean, we're kind of closing in. 378 00:26:40,520 --> 00:26:44,640 We just have Asia and Africa to to check out. 379 00:26:44,640 --> 00:26:48,800 So where is your passport? Let's go now. 380 00:26:49,240 --> 00:26:54,440 Asia's yarn scene is kind of like a rich tapestry, you know, 381 00:26:54,480 --> 00:26:58,720 it's woven from centuries of textile tradition and stitched 382 00:26:58,720 --> 00:27:03,480 up with cutting edge design and innovation and some super 383 00:27:03,480 --> 00:27:07,280 adorable craft supplies. Whether it's, you know, a 384 00:27:07,320 --> 00:27:14,320 minimalistic Japanese design or more bold Korean aesthetics or 385 00:27:14,320 --> 00:27:19,320 maybe even India's lush heritage of natural fiber arts, this is a 386 00:27:19,320 --> 00:27:25,360 part of the world that deserves a fiber experience like no 387 00:27:25,360 --> 00:27:27,720 other. So let's hop on a board and 388 00:27:27,720 --> 00:27:31,720 let's go to Japan. All right, so we're in Tokyo. 389 00:27:31,720 --> 00:27:36,400 OK Konichiwa. We are in Japan. 390 00:27:36,400 --> 00:27:41,960 Yarn Festival. If there is a word for perfectly 391 00:27:41,960 --> 00:27:48,040 balanced between calm and chaos and very chic, the Yarn Japan 392 00:27:48,040 --> 00:27:51,840 Festival or the Japan Yarn Festival, sorry, would be it. 393 00:27:52,200 --> 00:27:55,040 Now this festival is held in Tokyo. 394 00:27:55,040 --> 00:27:56,920 This place is in Tokyo. Yes, it is. 395 00:27:57,080 --> 00:28:02,760 Turns out it is. So this festival is held in 396 00:28:02,760 --> 00:28:08,160 Tokyo, and it's a love letter to Japan's unique blend of 397 00:28:08,280 --> 00:28:11,160 precision and design and crafting soul. 398 00:28:11,160 --> 00:28:15,120 Now, these yarns are often naturally dyed incredibly fine, 399 00:28:15,440 --> 00:28:19,680 and they come in tons of cute, minimalistic packaging. 400 00:28:19,680 --> 00:28:23,640 And I just, oh, I'm, I'm already like, drooling, sliding. 401 00:28:25,600 --> 00:28:27,720 Don't let the Zen aesthetic fool you, though. 402 00:28:27,840 --> 00:28:31,360 This festival is packed with a lot of creative energy, with 403 00:28:31,360 --> 00:28:35,800 workshops that dive deep into Japanese techniques like sashiko 404 00:28:35,800 --> 00:28:39,520 and amigurumi and lace knitting and traditional weaving. 405 00:28:40,240 --> 00:28:43,000 There's also local and international vendors offering 406 00:28:43,000 --> 00:28:46,560 tools, stationary and accessories. 407 00:28:46,560 --> 00:28:48,720 Who doesn't like herself a little stationary? 408 00:28:48,840 --> 00:28:51,800 Well, I think that isn't that kind of like tied together 409 00:28:52,080 --> 00:28:55,240 because I feel like everybody who is a little bit into 410 00:28:55,280 --> 00:29:00,120 knitting or crocheting also has a thing for stationary or a 411 00:29:00,120 --> 00:29:04,760 thing for storage, you know, like boxes or a thing for 412 00:29:04,960 --> 00:29:08,480 packaging, like a gift packaging, you know, gift 413 00:29:08,480 --> 00:29:10,800 wrapping and stuff like that. I have all of them. 414 00:29:10,880 --> 00:29:13,920 I'm, I'm just, I'm, I'm full on chaos in here. 415 00:29:14,280 --> 00:29:17,920 And Speaking of chaos, there is so much kawaii chaos. 416 00:29:17,920 --> 00:29:24,400 You'll, you know, spot little amigurumis everywhere, cat 417 00:29:24,400 --> 00:29:27,600 shaped yarn balls, stitch markers that look like sushi. 418 00:29:27,880 --> 00:29:31,280 The whole thing is very, very intentional. 419 00:29:32,240 --> 00:29:36,680 It's very beautifully curated and it's very Tokyo. 420 00:29:37,040 --> 00:29:41,560 If you love fine fiber work, cultural craftsmanship, the 421 00:29:41,560 --> 00:29:45,680 clean aesthetic would burst of creative sparkle, then add this 422 00:29:45,680 --> 00:29:49,000 to your list because Japan Ichiban baby. 423 00:29:49,040 --> 00:29:55,160 It's so worth it. And I have on my, on my list all 424 00:29:55,160 --> 00:30:00,080 of these festivals, but I feel like this one really speaks to 425 00:30:00,080 --> 00:30:02,920 me. And I'm excited for maybe, maybe 426 00:30:02,920 --> 00:30:06,400 when Albert grows a little older, you know, when he's 427 00:30:07,200 --> 00:30:11,640 starting school or maybe when he's about 10:00. 428 00:30:11,880 --> 00:30:15,400 I definitely want to take a trip with him in Japan. 429 00:30:15,400 --> 00:30:20,520 And I will make sure, I will definitely make sure that I will 430 00:30:20,520 --> 00:30:25,640 plan this trip when the Japan Yarn Festival happens. 431 00:30:25,840 --> 00:30:31,920 That's for sure. All right, moving up to Seoul in 432 00:30:31,920 --> 00:30:35,200 South Korea now. Seoul Handmade Fair. 433 00:30:35,640 --> 00:30:39,680 Buckle up, because this craft scene is electric. 434 00:30:40,800 --> 00:30:44,480 The Seoul Handmade Fair is part fiber show, part lifestyle 435 00:30:44,480 --> 00:30:48,440 explosion. It takes place in this big venue 436 00:30:51,280 --> 00:30:55,000 like I think, I think it's called the Dong Daeun Dong Dae 437 00:30:55,000 --> 00:30:56,560 Moon. Dong Dae Moon. 438 00:30:56,600 --> 00:31:00,520 Yeah. Moon Dang Dei Moon Design Plaza, 439 00:31:01,240 --> 00:31:04,960 which from what I could see pictures of it looks like a 440 00:31:04,960 --> 00:31:10,200 spaceship and the vibe is very much that it's modern, it's 441 00:31:10,200 --> 00:31:12,880 maximalism. You know, it's Instagram ready. 442 00:31:13,080 --> 00:31:17,640 It's kind of like a little bit the opposite of Japan, but you 443 00:31:17,640 --> 00:31:27,320 will find everything from yarn to tools to beautiful workshops 444 00:31:27,320 --> 00:31:32,120 that blend fiber with digital designs and, and even techie 445 00:31:32,120 --> 00:31:38,080 crafts like LED embroidery and yeah, tons of handmade stuff 446 00:31:38,080 --> 00:31:42,840 too, like candles and ceramics and jewelry and felted stuff, 447 00:31:42,840 --> 00:31:46,560 you name it, you know, And also the yarn booths, they're mixed 448 00:31:46,560 --> 00:31:50,640 with fashion pop ups. So, so I feel like Koreas fibre 449 00:31:50,640 --> 00:31:53,800 culture blends traditional would trend quite, quite well. 450 00:31:54,120 --> 00:31:58,800 And this event really shows off that spectrum quite perfectly. 451 00:31:59,720 --> 00:32:05,400 You might meet a 75 year old handbook Weaver next to a 22 452 00:32:05,400 --> 00:32:10,000 year old Indy Dyer making neon sock yarn and marketing it with 453 00:32:10,040 --> 00:32:13,720 K Pop gifts. And yes, you will walk out with 454 00:32:14,040 --> 00:32:17,440 a tote bag full of things you didn't plan on buying because 455 00:32:17,720 --> 00:32:19,800 there's some crazy stuff happening there. 456 00:32:19,800 --> 00:32:22,040 It's it's insane. That's the that's the sole 457 00:32:22,040 --> 00:32:28,000 handmade fare promise and last on our Asian Yarn Festival tour. 458 00:32:28,440 --> 00:32:33,960 We are headed to Mumbai, where yarn means color, history and 459 00:32:33,960 --> 00:32:36,960 craftsmanship. So good it's been passed down 460 00:32:36,960 --> 00:32:40,320 through generations. Yes, I'm talking about the India 461 00:32:40,320 --> 00:32:43,760 Yarn Bazaar in Mumbai, India, and it's still growing. 462 00:32:44,120 --> 00:32:52,120 It's more the grassroots than the glam, but it has the kind of 463 00:32:52,120 --> 00:32:55,200 soul that stops you in your tracks. 464 00:32:55,520 --> 00:33:00,840 It's a crazy marketplace, a treasure trove of naturally dyed 465 00:33:00,840 --> 00:33:05,240 silks and cottons, of hand spun yarn bait by women's collectives 466 00:33:05,240 --> 00:33:12,080 and artisans from rural regions and also Kadi Fibers, which is a 467 00:33:12,080 --> 00:33:16,120 hand woven cloth that actually was part of India's independence 468 00:33:16,120 --> 00:33:18,680 movement. And what makes this festival 469 00:33:18,680 --> 00:33:20,640 special isn't just the yarn, though. 470 00:33:20,640 --> 00:33:24,680 Yes, obviously it's stunning, but it's the blend of legacy and 471 00:33:24,680 --> 00:33:27,400 innovation. So you'll meet artisans who've 472 00:33:27,400 --> 00:33:31,320 been spinning and weaving for decades, sharing space with, you 473 00:33:31,320 --> 00:33:33,720 know, up and coming Indian designers, pushing the 474 00:33:33,720 --> 00:33:36,080 boundaries of modern IT and crochet designs. 475 00:33:36,120 --> 00:33:39,400 And let's not forget the colors. We're talking about deep 476 00:33:39,520 --> 00:33:44,960 turmeric yellows, indigo Blues, pomegranate Reds, and you'll 477 00:33:44,960 --> 00:33:48,440 feel like you just walked into a spice market that turned into a 478 00:33:48,440 --> 00:33:50,960 yarn shop basically. And also, let's talk about the 479 00:33:50,960 --> 00:33:54,160 workshops. I mean, the workshops are so, so 480 00:33:54,160 --> 00:33:56,920 incredible. We're talking about block 481 00:33:56,920 --> 00:33:58,760 printing. We're talking about natural 482 00:33:58,760 --> 00:34:02,680 dyeing, embroidery, sorry, silk recycling. 483 00:34:02,680 --> 00:34:06,200 And yes, you will definitely leave with something totally 484 00:34:06,200 --> 00:34:08,679 unique. I feel like India's fiber 485 00:34:08,679 --> 00:34:14,080 festival, especially the India Yarn Bazaar, maybe a little 486 00:34:14,080 --> 00:34:19,600 small now, but I think it has a massive, massive potential. 487 00:34:19,600 --> 00:34:25,320 So if you're in Mumbai, just make sure you plan around so 488 00:34:25,320 --> 00:34:29,400 that you go visit the India Yarn Bazaar because I think, wow, 489 00:34:29,600 --> 00:34:32,560 incredible. And from Asia, we're going to 490 00:34:32,560 --> 00:34:35,880 hop on a boat and go straight to Africa. 491 00:34:36,520 --> 00:34:40,080 So still growing, still evolving, and absolutely busting 492 00:34:40,080 --> 00:34:43,159 with potential. Africa's fiber scene is having a 493 00:34:43,280 --> 00:34:46,080 moment, and we are so here for it. 494 00:34:46,440 --> 00:34:50,159 From ancestral craft traditions to bold new indie brands, these 495 00:34:50,159 --> 00:34:54,960 festivals reflect a continent rich in skill, rich in story, 496 00:34:54,960 --> 00:34:57,200 and definitely rich in creativity. 497 00:34:57,480 --> 00:35:02,040 So let's meet the two emerging stars on our little fiber map. 498 00:35:03,360 --> 00:35:07,960 OK, so this one is a vibe. The Yarn Indie Market South 499 00:35:08,000 --> 00:35:11,960 Africa is a celebration of independent dyers, makers and 500 00:35:11,960 --> 00:35:16,360 fiber artists all doing their thing in their own way, and it 501 00:35:16,360 --> 00:35:18,960 shows. The Yarn Indie Market was born 502 00:35:18,960 --> 00:35:22,880 out of a desire to amplify Africa's fiber voices and give a 503 00:35:22,880 --> 00:35:27,480 spotlight to homegrown talent. And the result is a gorgeous mix 504 00:35:27,480 --> 00:35:32,840 of mohair, wool, cotton, plant based blend source locally 505 00:35:33,360 --> 00:35:36,480 stunning hand dyed yarns in Palace that reflect the South 506 00:35:36,480 --> 00:35:39,440 African landscape. You know, think earthy Reds and 507 00:35:39,440 --> 00:35:44,680 coastal Blues and rich greens. And a growing network of slow 508 00:35:44,680 --> 00:35:49,160 fashion champions focused on sustainability and intentional 509 00:35:49,160 --> 00:35:51,320 making. There's also big focus on 510 00:35:51,320 --> 00:35:56,160 natural dyeing and hand spun yarn and small batch processes. 511 00:35:56,160 --> 00:35:59,120 So when you buy from this market, you're not just getting, 512 00:35:59,120 --> 00:36:02,720 you know, fiber, you're getting somebody's passion and heritage 513 00:36:02,720 --> 00:36:06,120 spun into a skein. The best part is not just a 514 00:36:06,120 --> 00:36:11,000 place to shop, it's once again a community building event, you 515 00:36:11,000 --> 00:36:14,600 know, so makers swap stories and share techniques and super local 516 00:36:14,600 --> 00:36:17,040 artisans. And they also help bring 517 00:36:17,040 --> 00:36:20,760 visibility to a fiber culture that's often a little bit 518 00:36:20,760 --> 00:36:24,640 overlooked globally. So beautiful, bold, and I'm just 519 00:36:24,640 --> 00:36:29,360 getting started and we love it. The second cool emerging yarn 520 00:36:29,360 --> 00:36:33,600 festival happening in Africa right now is in Kenya. 521 00:36:34,280 --> 00:36:38,120 So let's head up to East Africa in Kenya, where the Nairobi Yarn 522 00:36:38,120 --> 00:36:42,000 Festival is planting roots and growing fast. 523 00:36:42,640 --> 00:36:47,000 Still a relatively new player in the global yarn scene, this 524 00:36:47,000 --> 00:36:50,680 festival is full of energy, full of ambition and grassroots 525 00:36:50,680 --> 00:36:53,240 magic. It's it's a gathering of 526 00:36:53,240 --> 00:36:57,560 traditional craft practitioners like, you know, Weaver spinners, 527 00:36:57,560 --> 00:37:00,760 dyers who bring centuries of knowledge to this table. 528 00:37:00,760 --> 00:37:05,400 And it's a contemporary designers blend with workshops 529 00:37:05,400 --> 00:37:11,840 and talks and modern aesthetics, sustainable sourcing, 530 00:37:11,840 --> 00:37:16,200 storytelling through stitch. It's a beautiful example of what 531 00:37:16,200 --> 00:37:21,000 happens when local traditions meet a new wave of creatives who 532 00:37:21,000 --> 00:37:26,120 are hungry to to craft and share and make space for African fiber 533 00:37:26,120 --> 00:37:30,200 arts in the world stage. And honestly, it is incredibly 534 00:37:30,200 --> 00:37:34,840 exciting to to read about. And it's not just a craft fair 535 00:37:35,120 --> 00:37:37,520 in this case, it's more like a movement. 536 00:37:37,520 --> 00:37:40,880 It's, it's like a promise, a space where community and 537 00:37:40,880 --> 00:37:44,640 cultures are being spun into something very, very powerful. 538 00:37:44,960 --> 00:37:47,560 These events may be emerging, but they are, I think, 539 00:37:47,560 --> 00:37:50,360 essential. They remind us that fiber arts 540 00:37:50,360 --> 00:37:53,080 are not just a trend. They're ancestral, they're 541 00:37:53,080 --> 00:37:58,200 resourceful, and they are a means to pass down stories 542 00:37:58,200 --> 00:38:03,560 through through what we make. So whether it's a South African 543 00:38:03,560 --> 00:38:09,080 mohair magic or Nairobi's rising maker scene, one thing's clear. 544 00:38:09,080 --> 00:38:14,920 The yarn coming out of Africa, it is strong and soulful, and 545 00:38:14,920 --> 00:38:18,200 it's only just beginning to shine on the global stage. 546 00:38:18,720 --> 00:38:20,760 So busty. What did we learn? 547 00:38:21,000 --> 00:38:22,880 The world is stuffed with yarn festivals. 548 00:38:22,880 --> 00:38:26,560 They're cozy and they're chaotic and inspiring and beautifully 549 00:38:26,560 --> 00:38:28,480 human. And they remind us that whether 550 00:38:28,480 --> 00:38:32,000 you're, you know, on a Scottish hillside or in a Tokyo 551 00:38:32,000 --> 00:38:36,880 exhibition hall or maybe at your neighbor's market, fiber really, 552 00:38:36,880 --> 00:38:39,160 really connects us. And you don't need a passport to 553 00:38:39,160 --> 00:38:40,920 feel part of this global community. 554 00:38:41,120 --> 00:38:44,520 You just need a hook and a skein and a heart that says, let's 555 00:38:44,520 --> 00:38:47,240 just make something. But if you do have a passport 556 00:38:49,000 --> 00:38:53,280 and you are planning maybe a trip maybe to some of those 557 00:38:53,280 --> 00:38:55,480 locations, please give me a call. 558 00:38:55,520 --> 00:38:59,000 I want to join. Yeah. 559 00:38:59,000 --> 00:39:03,280 If you've been into any of these festivals or you would want to 560 00:39:03,280 --> 00:39:07,360 go, please share it or message me or tag us with #skeen and 561 00:39:07,360 --> 00:39:14,480 Sell or Hashtag Hobby Podcast so we can explore and see more of 562 00:39:14,480 --> 00:39:17,200 this global yarn map that's growing. 563 00:39:18,280 --> 00:39:22,000 All right, until next time, keep your bags packed, but only with 564 00:39:22,000 --> 00:39:25,200 hooks and needles because the yarn will buy at the next fiber 565 00:39:25,200 --> 00:39:30,760 art festivals together, I hope. All right, Besty, love you, talk 566 00:39:30,760 --> 00:39:32,000 to you soon. Bye.