Area spinners, weavers, knitters, quilters, embroiderers and other fiber artists are invited to a meeting of a local fiber group Tuesday, Aug. 16 from 6-8 p.m. at the Mill Spring Agricultural Center.

The group was formed recently to find creative ways to grow the local fiber economy and revive the area’s rich history of textile traditions. Hosted by Mountain BizWorks for the purpose of supporting the fiber arts, the group works together with Handmade in America to establish a regional branding and marketing program to build a sustainable, successful fiber economy for Polk County and the surrounding area.

Some of the ideas for possible activities and events discussed at the group’s July meeting included:
• Developing a garden of plants for dyeing use and possibly a shared dyeing studio;
• Developing a directory of local resources for yarns, supplies, dyers, weavers, spinners, knitters, quilters, embroiderers and others involved in fiber production, processing and use;
• Hosting a “fiber tour” that would allow participants to visit fiber-related sites, including local farms that raise sheep, llamas and other animals whose fleece is harvested for use in yarns and cloth, facilities that process fibers and studios of local weavers, knitters, quilters and other fiber artists;
• Holding a fashion show featuring wearable art and other items made locally; and
• Bringing Handmade in America experts to the county to hold classes in marketing for fiber artists.

Everyone is welcome. Snacks will be offered, including local watermelon, figs and cantaloupe.