Cook County has a wonderful array of fiber artists. They meet at a number of locations throughout the county to share their favorite pastime. This group meets at Java Moose in Grand Marais on Tuesdays. Some of the group members are (L-R) Fran Kosciek, Nancy Kemp, Nina Simonowicz, and Linda Blaine-Ottis with just a small sampling of the beautiful items that will be on display—and for sale—at the Northwoods Fiber Guild Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 3.
Throughout the year, the Northwoods Fiber Guild—and friends—gathers at various places throughout the county to knit, to crochet, to craft, creating beautiful one-of-a-kind items. On Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., many of these wonderful creations will be on display at the Grand Marais Art Colony during the Fiber Guild’s Holiday Open House & Sale.
The talented fiber guild members and friends can be found at about 9 a.m. on Tuesday mornings at the Java Moose in Grand Marais, where they will be working on current projects, enjoying coffee and chatting.
On Wednesday, there is another gathering of fiber guild friends at Chicago Bay Marketplace in Hovland. Betty O’Brian of Hovland said they meet “around 9 a.m.”
And yet another group of knitters meets in Tofte at the Tall Tale Yarn Shop on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. There is also a men’s knitting group there on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
Anyone is welcome to attend any gathering, said Nina Simonowicz. “Visitors are welcome. We’ve had a lot of visitors who started with a visit, but have come back to join us,” she said.
The actual meetings of the fiber guild are held the fourth Tuesday of every other month at 7 p.m. in the basement of the First Congregational Church. In addition to the informal gatherings and regular meetings, the fiber guild also hosts workshops. Simonowicz said, “A lot of time the meetings are ‘show and tell’ of what we’ve made.”
The fiber guild has about 50 members, said Simonowicz. About half of them will have items at the Open House. Stop by the Art Colony on Dec. 3 to see some of the amazing items they have to offer.
There will be hot cider, holiday treats, music, and the all-age, ever-popular hands-on table. This year the special project will be a hanging paper ornament— with a spot for a hidden treasure.
Don’t miss this chance to see the fiber guild “show and tell.” It’s a marvelous opportunity to shop for one-of-akind hand knit mittens, gloves, scarves, felted purses, jewelry, wall décor, rugs, baskets, clothing, cards, and much more.
“There is something new every year,” said Simonowicz.
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