Laurann Gilbertson, Chief Curator at Vesterheim, will speak at the Iowa Federation of Handweavers and Spinners! The meeting will be in Decorah, Iowa, on Saturday, April 22, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and she will present “Spinning Wheels from Moi, Norway.” Most men in the village of Moi were involved with turning a distinctive style of spinning wheel in the late 1800s. Moi wheels were sold all over Norway and in the United States in the early 1900s through Minneapolis importer Alfred Andresen.

Also during the day, Maddy Bartsch will talk about fibers from sheep and animal breeds that are suitable for our area, as well as the work of Three Rivers Fibershed to develop regional fiber fiber systems that build the soil and protect the health of the biosphere. And there will be a style show of garments that were designed, sewn, and elaborated embellished garments by Marcia Cook of Decorah.

Register in advance for $20 or at the door for $25. Students are $10. The complete schedule will be listed here soon here.

Vesterheim staff members can give presentations to cultural, community, and church groups on a variety of topics. Find more information about presentation options and how to schedule one for your group here.