We set up a small table, and laid out all of our items. The week before Madeline and I spent some time putting together as many fiber samples as we could. We also made little pictures of the plant or animal that the fiber came from.
It was fun being able to pass around all of these different fibers, and be able to explain a little about each of them. The biggest hit was the bamboo. Who would have thought such a soft silky fiber could come from a bamboo tree?
I took the ladies through the process of gathering the raw fleece, washing it, carding it, then spinning it. Madeline and her best friend Emma also gave a demonstration on how they spin.
After we were done with the spinning demo, I taught a small group of ladies how to knit. I was hoping for a bigger turn out, but at least the ladies who did turn up now know how to correctly cast on and do some stitches.
I put together a quick hand out that explained the stitches along with pictures and poems to help the ladies remember.
We had a lot of fun at the expo! We were even able to join in a couple of the other craft classes. We made earrings, and I learned how to crochet flowers.
If you would like to learn how to knit, and have your own copy of the hand out, click here. Or go to www.knittinghelp.com for in depth videos on every stitch imaginable.
I have done demonstrations and I remember my first one. I was so nervous that I almost cancelled by saying I was sick. I am so glad I didn't because I met my husband this way. I am glad it was a pleasant expierence for you.
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