Get thready: Fiber Arts Fiesta set for Oct. 11-12 with local artisans

Join more than 100 weavers, spinners, basket makers, felters, gourd artists, quilters, and knitters at the Fiber Arts Fiesta Oct. 11-12 at the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum in Vista.

Featured at the Fiesta will be a spinning corral (bring your wheel), and booths with finished products and craft supplies.

“This is a great opportunity for all ages to learn about the history of fiber arts in America, and be introduced to old and new ways to weave, spin, do needle art, and even create on rainbow looms,” said Tyler Orion, a Del Mar weaver and longtime member of the Museum Weavers.

The Museum Weavers Barn will be open with more than 50 floor looms and 40 spinning wheels, all working and dating to the 1840s.

Visitors will see demonstrations on how to make rugs, table covers, towels, and wearable art.

There will be great music and food, and baby alpacas will be greeting the public.

“All who visit can experience how vibrant and alive fiber arts are in San Diego, meet leading local artists, and find good quality, reasonably priced, handmade one-of-a-kind items just in time for the holiday season,” said Marty Foltyn, Carmel Valley resident and Museum Weaver. “We’ll even have looms and wheels for sale for those who want to dive right in!”

The Fiesta will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 11-12 at the museum, 2040 N. Santa Fe Ave., Vista. Admission and parking are free. The grounds will also feature a Gem and Mineral Show and a Horologist (clock repairer and restorer) Marketplace. On Saturday, blacksmithing, model railroading, and furniture restorers will practice their crafts on museum grounds. Visit www.vistafiberartsfiesta.com.