I will be demonstrating rug hooking on Saturday, April 18!

The Oxford Historical Society will sponsor its 8th Annual Fiber Festival on Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday, April 19, from noon to 4 p.m. The event will be held at the Twitchell-Rowland Homestead, 60 Towner Lane, in Oxford. David Humphreys in 1802 purchased 100 Spanish merino sheep, shipping them on April 10 to his homestead in Derby, Connecticut, making him the first successful importer of merino sheep in America. Humphrey’s innovation changed the agriculture and the economy of Oxford and of the entire Naugatuck Valley.

Once again, we will feature the Jensen Farm barn loom which dates to the late 1700’s, spinning and weaving demonstrations, lace making, rug hooking, live fiber-producing animals, shearing demonstrations and crafts for sale. Food will be available. There is no fee for vendors or admission to our event.

We are honored to have several experts demonstrating their crafts. Naomi Allen, owner of Raven’s Gate Rug Hooking, will be onsite Saturday to showcase this ancient art. Fiona Fine will show us how to spin fiber into yarn on an antique spinning wheel. The New England lace group will join us on Sunday to demonstrate the making of bobbin lace.

Several vintage and antique vehicles will be on display on the Homestead grounds.