Enlarge PhotoA huge tradeshow is housed in the fairground buildings
By Janel Laidman
Calling all West Coast Spinners! Black Sheep Gathering in lovely Eugene, Oregon is one of the West coast's premiere fiber gatherings, and this year was no exception. Black Sheep was started as a gathering for breeders of colored sheep, but it since has grown to encompass not only colored sheep, but also white sheep, other animals, classes and a trade show. The gathering takes place at the Eugene Fairgrounds, and the tradeshow is housed in 3 adjacent buildings. There is also a concomitant Alpaca show that takes place. There are lots of beautiful raw fleeces to choose from, and would-be fleece buyers line up to get the first pick directly after the fleece judging ends.
Enlarge PhotoCookie shows off her delicious rainbow hued Hitchiker wheel
Fiber arts judging of skeins, garments and other projects, a fun fashion show where the contestants lead appropriate animals (coordinated with the type of fiber in the garment) around the ring (extra points if you own the animal and it was used to make your garment). The emcee is Trish Anderson, a delightfully entertaining, tiara wearing, fiber aficionado. This year was particularly amusing, as two visiting wool judges from New Zealand put on an entertaining sketch involving volunteers pretending to be sheep, shuffling around the show ring whilst they "judged" them.
Black Sheep Gathering happens every June, I heartily recommend making plans to visit next year!
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