Coggeshall celebrates traditional fiber arts, crafts

Living museum hosts 10th annual Fiber Festival

Posted 5/23/17

The sheep got a much-needed haircut and visitors got to learn how the fibers are turned into clothes and other items, while kids played traditional 18th century games at Cogeshall Farm Museum’s …

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Coggeshall celebrates traditional fiber arts, crafts

Living museum hosts 10th annual Fiber Festival

Posted

The sheep got a much-needed haircut and visitors got to learn how the fibers are turned into clothes and other items, while kids played traditional 18th century games at Cogeshall Farm Museum’s annual Fiber Festival last weekend.

The Rhode Island Fiber Festival and Craft Fair showcases historic and modern methods of working with natural fibers and other crafts. The 10th annual fair welcomed more than 30 vendors, artisans and craftsmen from all over New England, including the R.I. Spinners’ Guild.

“The festival highlights one of Coggeshall’s yearly traditions,” said executive director Eleanor Langham. “By this time of year, our sheep are in desperate need of a haircut. They are sheared using traditional methods by removing the entire fleece at once. It is a fascinating process. We sell each fleece and the proceeds support the museum.”

Coggeshall — a living museum depicting life on an 18th century New England farm — hosted hundreds of visitors Saturday for the crafts, food, live music, cooking contests and traditional games. Sitting on 48 acres off Poppasquash Road, Coggeshall opens for its summer hours on Memorial Day. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children and seniors during the week; $7 for adults, $5 for children and seniors on the weekend.

Coggeshall Farm, Fiber Festival

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