Weaving Wonders: Get a Feel for Mountain Fiber Arts in Asheville
The natural fiber tradition runs deep in Western North Carolina. Spinning, knitting, weaving and felting are literally part of the region’s fabric.
Some say that the tradition of selling functional weavings began 40 miles north of Asheville at a Presbyterian mission located on a remote crossroads near the Tennessee border. It was here in 1897 at Allan’s Old Stand that a hand-woven coverlet inspired the formation of Allanstand Cottage Industries. Today, you’ll still find Allanstand weavings at the Southern Highland Craft Guild’s Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
George and Edith Vanderbilt also played an important role in promoting the region’s fiber culture. More than a century ago, they created Biltmore Industries. Using the wool of sheep bred and raised on the Biltmore Estate, local crafts men and women created fine fabrics and blankets that appealed to the wealthy and famous visiting Asheville in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Biltmore Industry weavers even created special presidential blankets -- red for President Calvin Coolidge, gray for President Herbert Hoover and white for President Franklin Roosevelt.
Today’s visitors to the region will find the long-held traditions of shearing, dyeing, spinning, knitting and weaving alive and well in a variety of settings and locations in and around Asheville.
Fiber Arts and Fiber Farms in Asheville, NC
The Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair (SAFF): This largest farm-to-spindle celebration in the Southeast features hundreds of fiber vendors from throughout the U.S., as well as demonstrations and classes. The livestock competition provides a chance to see the alpacas, llamas, sheep, goats and angora rabbits up close and personal. In addition to finished garments, visitors can purchase lanolin soaps, lotions and everything needed to become a fiber fanatic.
Local Cloth: The region’s Scots-Irish heritage is celebrated with tartans and much more at Local Cloth, an organization dedicated to teaching the art and science of transforming local fiber into cloth. You’ll find them in the River Arts District at 408 Depot Street, #100.
Artists in the River Arts District: The River Arts District is home to several fiber artists and clothing designers. Stocked with supplies and colorful yarns ranging from locally produced wools to organic cottons, these keepers of the cloth offer apparel, accessories, demonstrations, classes, retreats and wisdom throughout the year.
Spring Yarn and Fiber Crawl: This annual self-guided tour of fiber stores, farms and galleries takes place in May.
Fiber Farm Tours
Several farms in the region offer tours May through October. Because these are working farms, it is important to check availability and make reservations.
- Well Spring Farm, Burnsville, NC – Located in picturesque Yancey county, Well Spring Farm raises llamas and alpacas; Jacob Sheep, an ancient breed distinguished by its multiple horns; the red-headed Tunis Sheep; and Corriedale Sheep, known for their bulky wool.
- Sycamore Farms, Mills River, NC – This Henderson County farm raises Shetland sheep, a small breed that originated on Scotland’s remote Shetland Islands. The breed produces warm rugged wool that takes color well, making it perfect for the vibrant, intricate and highly prized Fair Isle knitting.
Yarn Shops and Textile Experiences
- At Purl's Yarn Emporium, you’ll find an eclectic mix of fibers and an inviting atmosphere, perfect for sparking creativity.
- Friends & Fiberworks is a community hub, boasting an extensive selection of yarns and hosting a variety of classes and events.
- Earth Guild, with its focus on traditional & contemporary handcrafts, offers everything from yarn to tools for spinning, dyeing, and weaving.
- A short drive to the picturesque town of Black Mountain brings you to the Black Mountain Yarn Shop, renowned for its cozy setting and friendly staff ready to assist with all your fiber needs.
- In the heart of Asheville's historic Grove Arcade, Asheville NC Home Crafts showcases the work of local artisans alongside a curated selection of high-quality yarns.
- For those interested in the art of dyeing, WAXON Batik & Dye Studio offers a hands-on experience, allowing you to create custom-dyed fabrics and yarns.
