Fleece to Shawl Demonstration

This exciting event highlights the skill, speed, and teamwork it takes to transform a fleece into a finished piece—all in just one day!

We’re thrilled to welcome Rachel and Renee, the dynamic duo behind Table Ten: A Knitting Podcast, as MCs for this year’s Fleece to Shawl Demonstrations. They’ll guide you through the action as teams race the clock to turn raw fleece into beautiful handwoven creations right before your eyes.

The Five Adult Team Fleece to Shawl Demonstration takes place on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Over the course of this 3½-hour competition, teams will card, spin, and weave a shawl from start to finish. Judging will follow immediately, and the completed shawls will then be auctioned in the show ring.

Spectators can also get involved by casting a vote for the People’s Choice Award. Competing this year are:

  • Butler Spinners and Weavers Guild

  • Loominati

  • Loyalhannon Spinners

  • The Pittsburgh Fates

  • Three Rivers Fiber Focus

On Sunday, October 12, 2025, the spotlight turns to the youth with a Fleece to Scarf Demonstration. Watch as the talented Fabulous Fiber 4H Club – Butler County showcases their skills, from fleece to finished scarf. Judging will follow, with the completed scarf auctioned in the show ring.

Fleece to Shawl Rules:

1. Members: Teams will consist of 5 core members: one weaver, one carder, and three spinners. Each team may select one additional novice member and/or one additional crowd liaison member. The novice member is one who has never participated in a fleece (or sheep) to shawl competition; the role filled by this novice is up to the team. The crowd liaison member’s role is to interact with spectators to help explain and answer questions but should not assist in the production of the shawl/scarf.

2. Equipment: Teams will provide all of their own equipment (including chairs). No drum carders, electric bobbin winders, or will be allowed. One spinner may use an electric spinner.

3. Fleece: Teams will supply a fleece of their choice. It must be animal fiber and retain its original lock structure.

4. Display: Teams must create a display that includes: their draw-down, a sample, information on their design choices, and team identity. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. The sample must be woven in the pattern of the shawl/scarf and should be a minimum of 144 square inches or three full repeats in length and width (whichever is larger).

5. Loom Prep: The loom will be threaded before the competition with a minimum sett of 8 EPI. The warp yarn must be animal fiber and must measure at least 24 inches wide sleyed in the reed for shawls; unrestricted for scarves.

6. Shawl: All weft yarn must be spun during the demonstration. The weft should not be more than 3 times the diameter of the warp. The finished shawl/scarf should be at least 72 inches (excluding fringe) and also have a minimum of 5 inches of fringe on both ends.

Judging: Scores will be based on objective criteria and will be provided to each team (i.e Constructive Criticism and Feedback on weaving, spinning, and fleece selection).