This fall’s fiber fest in Macomb on Oct. 24 featured a dozen farmers and nine artisans — all of them women.
“The fact that we had 12 women farmers under one roof I thought was kind of neat,” said event organizer Lindsey Moore, who owns Little Creek Alpacas near Plymouth.
The United Nations declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, so Moore said it seemed appropriate to highlight women entrepreneurs during the fiber fest.
“I think it’s awesome because the energy, like seeing all the things they create, and just the vibe they bring,” Moore said. “To see so many women be successful in their own farm business is just exciting to me.”
Moore said they’ve held a fiber fest every spring and fall since 2023, and next year’s Western Illinois Fiber Fests are already scheduled for March 20 and Oct. 23, 2027, also at the 4-H Center, 3022 W. Jackson St. in Macomb.
She said a wide variety of fibers and yarns are available for purchase at fiber fests. People can also purchase finished products such as rugs, shawls, gloves, socks, tie-dye clothing, and much more.
“We have felted animals, knit and crocheted animals and dolls, we even have women hero dolls — Jane Goodall, Amelia Earhart, Rosa Parks, and a few other ones,” Moore said.
Also at fiber fest, people can learn how to needle felt or use a drop spindle to spin fiber into yarn.
Fiber farmers raise animals such as sheep, goats, and alpacas. Moore believes natural fibers are better than synthetics because they don’t carry static, naturally wick moisture, and have antimicrobial properties.
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