Handweavers of the Valley to hold 38th annual Harvest of Handwovens

Handweavers of the Valley will hold its 38th annual Harvest of Handwovens event on Saturday, Oct. 28 at the Exeter Veterans Memorial Building, 324 N. Kaweah Ave.

Handweavers of the Valley will hold its 38th annual Harvest of Handwovens event on Saturday, Oct. 28 at the Exeter Veterans Memorial Building, 324 N. Kaweah Ave.

“There must be a reason why Harvest of Handwovens presented by Handweavers of the Valley is so highly anticipated year after year,” said Nikki Crain, a member of the nonprofit organization. “The professional level of this show has grown to rival anything found in Los Angeles or San Francisco, yet is unique in our Valley.”

Crain said the event, also known as “Show & Sale,” is always held on the fourth Saturday in October.

Crain said demonstrations and exhibits will open at 9:30 a.m. and the sales floor will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Weaving and spinning are the main focus of the talented group, although they use many other fiber-related techniques, said Crain. She added that knitting and crocheting are represented using only handspun yarns.

Crain said demonstrations of spinning, weaving, felting, bead weaving, color blending and dyeing of fibers and yarns fascinate visitors to the educational experience. Exquisite pine needle baskets and weaving on gourds will also be highlighted.

Crain said Carole Dulitz of Springville will be on hand with her specialty yarns for sale. The raffle is a popular and exciting part of the show each year.

She said the winner this year will receive a basket filled with items for the kitchen in an autumn theme. The basket will contain items made by members of the guild.

“You will want to plan your holiday shopping to include beautiful handmade garments, towels, rugs, throws, jewelry, scarves, baskets and other household items,” Crain said, adding that a special area will be set aside for used equipment and discounted books, yarns and fibers.

She said Visa and Mastercard are accepted and noted that admission and parking are free.

Crain said Handweavers of the Valley is a nonprofit organization that spans a large potion of Central California from Bakersfield to Squaw Valley, Three Rivers, Visalia and Porterville. The Harvest of Handwovens contributes to the guild’s goal of public awareness of the fine crafts of handweaving and spinning and serves as an educational experience for those wishing to learn more about these ancient arts.

For more information, call Crain at 561-4048 or visit www.hwotv.org/.