The Boston Public Market transformed into an oasis for Massachusetts fiber vendors and artists at the annual FiberFest March 20 and 21.

The market became a temporary home for over 30 local businesses and their products. Visitors also had the opportunity to take part in activities and workshops, including needle felting, yarn winding, denim patchwork and botanical bandana dyeing.

The visiting artists and farmers brought a wide array of yarns, lacing pops of color throughout the market. 

Debbie Tetreault of Plain View Farm in Hubbardston, Massachusetts, made the hour and 20-minute trip into Boston with more than just her fiber products in tow. She packed up her minivan with two extra friends: Julia the llama and Pauliana the alpaca.

Tetreault has been raising llamas and alpacas with her husband for the past 15 years at Plain View Farm, which currently houses 20 alpacas, three llamas and 30 chickens. 

Some of their fiber products are processed here in Massachusetts, but the couple also frequently travels to Peru. They bring items back with them to support the vendors there.

Tetreault noted that the farm is open to the public in Hubbardston, but it is definitely unusual to spot a llama or alpaca in the city of Boston. She enjoys seeing the looks on children’s faces at FiberFest after seeing the animals.

“You’re not going to see animals or some of this other stuff in the city, and you have to come and enjoy it,” said Tetreault.

Lisa Dachinger, who represented Hilltop Farm and Fiber Art in Lanesborough, Massachusetts, has also worked closely with animals that supply fiber artists with their holy grail. She has been working with fiber and sheep for about 30 years.

Hilltop Farm and Fiber Arts prioritizes dyeing yarn with only organic natural dye plants such as orange cosmos, pincushion flower, Mexican tarragon and much more. At FiberFest, the vendor even sold kits offering shoppers the opportunity to dye yarn organically on their own.

After being a part of the first-ever FiberFest in 2015, Dachinger’s favorite part of the market is its ability to lift spirits.

“I think it gives people a really big boost in their mood. It makes people happy. We like to get together. We like to show off what we’ve made,” said Dachinger. “I’ve seen some of the most incredible outfits that people have crafted, and the talent is amazing.”

She emphasized how the annual event is the perfect place for artists to really interact with materials.

“Come explore, touch and see because fiber is a very tactile experience. You need to touch it… unless you have sticky fingers,” said Dachinger.

Juliette Pécaut of Juliette Pécaut Designs sat proudly next to her products with her own current project: A pair of bright yellow socks. She was even sporting a sweater she knit herself.

Pécaut’s grandmother taught her to knit when she was young and it has been a part of her life ever since. She now sells patterns, yarn and knitting kits through her local business. 

Though looking forward to doing some of her own shopping at FiberFest, she commended the event’s ability to reach a wider variety of people. 

“I think it really brings the fiber arts to an audience that may not necessarily see it as often because there are people here who had no idea there’s a fiber festival going on,” said Pécaut. 

Pécaut emphasized the importance of having a hobby that allows for creativity, especially in the age of “doom scrolling.” She said crocheting, knitting and embroidery are great alternatives to disconnect from that habit.

“It’s a great way to reconnect with local materials and also ground yourself in your mind,” said Pécaut.

Though evidently showcasing experienced artists and farmers, FiberFest also welcomed creators who were relatively new to their craft.

Javiera Garcia started Cornucopia Threads after learning how to make tufted rugs and wall art by watching YouTube videos four years ago. In their Lynn-based studio, they pride themselves on one-of-a-kind pieces. No two rugs or wall decorations are the same. 

Garcia appreciated FiberFest’s gathering of people with like-minded interests and said it’s a great place for shoppers and artists who wish to shop small.

“Come to support a small business… we put a lot of time and love in what we do,” said Garcia. 

The annual FiberFest represented a community of fiber farmers, artists and vendors, giving the creative minds a space to share their work with the people of Boston.