Knitting, Spinning, Weaving and More

1. Monday marks the start of Spinning and Weaving Week. According to the Handweavers Guild of America, the Spinning and Weaving Week celebration reflects the guild’s international membership and the international traditions of these crafts. Folks come together by planning group activities, contests and competitions to bring spinners and weavers together to enjoy the common interest and the company of fellow artisans. Visit the guild’s site to learn about how you can participate in Spinning and Weaving Week, how to publicize your event or to tell the guild what you did for Spinning and Weaving Week. You can also check out its event calendar for festivities in neighboring states.

2. In fiber-related news, you may want to mark your calendars for an upcoming event at the Big E fairgrounds in November. The Fiber Festival of New England takes place Nov. 5 and 6. Visit the official Web site for a full list of events, which will include sheep shearing, rug hooking demonstrations and vendor exhibits.

3. Save the dates, Oct. 20 through 23, for Hartford's Stitches East event. Stitches East which takes place at the Connecticut Convention Center and Hartford Marriott Downtown. Festivities will include classes, a vendors’ market and a fashion show and dinner. A list of teachers who will be on hand for the event can be found at this link.

4. On this day in history, 1967, folk icon and political activist Woody Guthrie died at the age of 55. Guthrie wrote the song "This Land is Your Land." 

5. Scattered showers are expected late this afternoon, along with a high in the mid-60's. Showers are likely tonight, after 10 p.m., and a low in the upper 40's is expected, according to National Weather Service reports.