A group for the creative soul – Fiber Friday

 

Judith Campanaro

Richard Merrick and Nancy Waldron.

About ten years ago a group of local artists came together to share ideas. Formerly known as the "Fiber Frogs", they met weekly at the Field of Dreams Alpaca Ranch. Three years ago when owner Amy Stewart sold the ranch she opened Thrive Nutrition and Wellness Center. Now called "Fiber Friday" the group continues to meet at Thrive. Stewart said she wanted to create a place where people could share their knowledge and expand their interest in fiber arts. The group enjoys exploring their creative sides with all mediums and members often bring in different projects to share with each other. They even do field trips. Bernice Romo, a member since the group began, said there is always something going on. "We might go to a yarn shop, knitting show or even to Bakersfield to Hobby Lobby and lunch." Fiber Friday has also adopted a grave at the old cemetery.

At the last Fiber Friday, Romo was working on a hat out of llama yarn reinforced with thread of alpaca silk. She said she is making the hat for the woman who sold her the llama. This past year she made 56 purple hats and donated them to the National Center for Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Marge Colby was doing viking knitting. Colby explained viking knitting is an old method of knitting using wire to make jewelry. Her work can be found for sale at Gallery and Gifts on Tehachapi Blvd.

Judith Campanaro

Bernice Romo works on her llama wool hat.

Richard Merrick weaves on a portable loom. He has been attending the group for the last three years. Merrick said, "I just can't stop. I make place mats, rugs, and scarves." Richard also sings. You can hear his melodies on YouTube at RichardMerricksongs.

Nancy Waldron started attending six or seven years ago at the alpaca farm and is still a member. She does watercolor and knits or crochets. Waldron said, "I like coming here and visiting with all the people. The comradeship is fun. Everyone brings something different and works on whatever they want."

Jessica Rausch the youngest member of the group, has been attending Fiber Friday for about a month. She is crocheting a poncho with a cowl neck.

For more information feel free to call Amy Stewart at Thrive (661) 823-4949. She said the public is welcome anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. every Friday. Thrive Nutrition and Wellness Center is located at 20406 Brian Way, Tehachapi.

 
 

Powered by ROAR Online Publication Software from Lions Light Corporation
© Copyright 2024