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Vibrant Red Flowers

Carnation Fiber Fest 2026

Get ready to celebrate creativity, craftmanship, and community at Carnation Fiber Fest 2026!

Saturday November 14, 2026
9:45am - 4:00pm
Registration Begins at 9:30am in The Alliance Commons

Rodman Library logo

Rodman Public Library 
215 E Broadway St, Alliance, OH 44601

The Alliance Commons
405 S Linden Ave, Alliance, OH 44601

All Events are Free for Participants thanks to generous support from ArtsInStark and Greater Alliance Foundation.

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Registration Opens October 1, 2026

Tentative Schedule

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Class Descriptions

Workshops - 2hr 15 min - Orange Background

Drop-In Activities - Blue Background

Demonstrations - 45 min - Green Background

Anderson Sheep Farm

Snowmen Needle Felting

Learn how to create these cute snowmen using needle felting techniques. All supplies will be provided.

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Samantha Speer

Needle Felt Tote

Learn the basics of needle felting by decorating your own felted tote. (Size: 15in x 10in x 7in)

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Joanne Burnes

Fun and Easy Potholder Weaving

Participants will weave one Large Potholder (8” x 8”) and one coaster also called a mug rug( 5”x5”) They are made of 100% cotton loops made by the Friendly Loom Company.  The looms used for the workshop are not included for take home. Participants will take home the potholder and mug rug they make at the workshop.  Additional Looms and Loops will be for sale if desired.  

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Mindy Albright

Nalbinding: an ancient needlework

Nalbinding, an Endangered Heritage Craft this ancient technique preceded both knitting and crochet. The earliest fragments come from the Middle East, but it was found on every inhabited continent, and in a few places is still practiced. Using a single needle, you can learn to make a fabric that can be cut, and does not ravel. Help us keep this fascinating handicraft alive, while enjoying modern creativity!

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Mary Rose Bihler

Library Maker Space 

Visit the Rodman Library Maker Space and make a Carnation Fiber Fest Button and see what services they offer.

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Anderson Sheep Farm

Peg Loom Weaving

Watch a demonstration on two different ways to set up a peg weaving loom.

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Samantha Speer

Ashford Knitters Loom

Learn the very basics of weaving on a rigid heddle loom and try it yourself. 

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Karen Edenfield

Free Motion Applique

Observe Free Motion Applique techniques for machine applique during the demonstration.

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Wendy Cheatham

Spinning through History

A look at and history of fiber spinning including drop spindles, a walking wheel and antique Saxony wheel. This demonstration can be hands with on lookers trying their hand at ancient spinning techniques

Three fiber art fabric squares, scissors, and needle

Mindy Albright

Spindle Spinning

Watch this demonstration on how to spin thread using a spindle.

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Kathy Krisher

Kinusaiga

Kinusaiga is a modern Japanese art form created by Japanese artist, Maeno Takashi, in the 1980s, as a way of using leftover kimono silk.  This is a modernized version of a centuries-old tradition of tucking fabric into carved wooden grooves.  The method has been simplified and we now use foam.

 

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Sarah Russell
 

Stitch it Back to Life: Visible Mending Techniques

Got a rip, tear or separated seam? Mend it so your stitches can be seen and create new interest in your garment. Attendees are encouraged to bring a garment with them to mend during this workshop.

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Karen Edenfield

Machine Applique    

A hands on class covering the basics and beyond for all skill levels.

Supply List for the students attending this class:

Sewing machine that does zig zag stitch, machine power cord, foot control, all feet and machine manual.  Also - All purpose thread (denim blue, white, and medium gray), one bobbin filled with the gray thread and sharp scissors.

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Kelleen Davis

Charity Sewing

Visit the Sew4Service Sewing Studio and learn how they turn donated fabric into handmade items which are delivered to community agencies. Our Volunteers make quilts, blankets, tote bags, pillowcases, baby items and more, which are delivered to Pregnancy  Centers, Nursing Homes, Foster Care Agencies and more.

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Dave Lewis

Visit a Sheep

Pet a Sheep, the source of great wool fiber for all our crafting.

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Sarah Russell

From Pencil to Performance: How Costumes Come to Life

Learn about the process of creating costumes for the theater in this demonstration. What do you need to consider when selecting garments for a costume and how to alter for the perfect look.

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Samantha Speer

Spinning Wheel

Learn the very basics of spinning on an Ashford Kiwi 3 Spinning Wheel and give it a try yourself.

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Sandy Honaker & Debbie Ames

Quilt Blocks

Learn to make different quilt blocks.

French Rose Quilt

Kate McMahon

Card Weaving

Card Weaving--With and without an Inkle Loom

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Colorful Macrame Design

Call for Presenters - Closed for 2026

Sew4Service, Rodman Public Library and The Alliance Commons invite you to submit a proposal to be a presenter during Carnation Fiber Fest, an inspiring event offering opportunities for fiber enthusiasts to learn new skills and techniques and explore innovative ways to create with fabric and fiber.

 

Location

The event will be held at both The Alliance Commons and Rodman Public Library on Saturday, November 14, 2026. The library is located at 215 E Broadway St, Alliance, OH 44601 and The Alliance Commons is located at 405 S. Linden Ave, Alliance, OH 44601. 

 

You are invited to submit a proposal for either a 45-minute demonstration or a 2.25-hour workshop. 

Multiple proposals are welcome.


Event Details

  • Demonstrations and workshops will be offered in both the morning and afternoon.

  • Class sizes can vary.  Please indicate below the maximum number of participants that allows for one instructor to teach comfortably.

  • Stipends for Instructors:  Demonstrations: $50, Workshops: $150, plus supplies.

  • The Library and Sew4Service can supply some sewing machines for use during your session.

  • Tables and chairs will be provided for all activities. Indicate any special supply needs below.

  • A Resource Room will be available throughout the day for those who wish to set up a display and share information about their business, classes, and services. This is a wonderful opportunity to engage with the Fiber Arts Community.

Example Sessions

  • Cultural Fiber Arts - Kawandi, Kinusaiga, Pinecone Quilts

  • Needle Felting

  • Weaving

  • Quilting and Applique

  • Patchwork Pillows

  • Inkstitch and Embroidery

  • Upcycling Clothing and Mending

Please submit your proposal(s) for a demonstration and/or workshop by completing the relevant sections below.

*Submission Deadline:* August 1, 2026. You will be notified by September 1 if your proposal has been selected.

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