Head out for a spin

Barbara Ballas

By Gretchen Ammerman

Oregon Coast TODAY

The spinning of the wheel is mesmerizing, as is watching skeins of unfinished fiber guided into the machine emerging as yarn, ready to be knit, purled, crocheted.

The monthly meetings of the Yaquina Fiber Arts Guild at Toledo Public Library swell each year in anticipation of the group’s annual show, the Newport Spin-in, taking place at Newport Middle School this Saturday, Feb. 7.

Made up primarily of spinners, the group welcomes anyone fascinated by fiber arts. During the show-and-tell time at a recent meeting, I saw a stunning shawl, some truly original hand-made yarn of multiple colors and sparkles and even a monkey made from yarn that looked ready to create a bit of mischief.

“Each one of her monkeys has a different set of clothes,” said Guild President Donna Carter. “What is so fun about our group is the variety of interests and talents.”

The show will have more than 20 vendors that reflect that diversity. Guests can bring any ongoing project or question about the art of spinning, knitting or any other fiber arts.

Food will be available from Chubby Lil Mermaid.

The show is partially a great gathering and also a way for the guild to gather more members. With the growth in interest in knitting and crocheting groups, what better time than now to either learn how to create your own yarn, or make friends with someone else who can?

“We’re a fun group,” said Karen Fitzgibbon, who has been a member for more than 25 years. “I like to sit and spin and listen to all the people talking. We even have people come to our meetings from Florence and Monmouth.”

Many fiber artists laud the practice for its mental health benefits.

“There is something special about working with tactile things,” said guild member Deirdre Allen. “It’s very soothing.”

This year’s event is dedicated to the late long-time guild member Sally Houck.

Proceeds from the event, now in its 26th year, go to local charities that support various food banks and programs, kids’ summer programs and even guide dogs.

Saturday’s event runs from 9 am to 4 pm at Newport Middle School, located at 825 NE 7th Street. Entry is $5 for adults and free for kids.

For more information, go to the Yaquina Fiber Arts Guild page on Facebook or email info.yaquinafiberartsguild@gmail.com.