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Alicia Arroyo

ONCE UPON A TIME, THERE WAS A WOOL FESTIVAL...

Updated: Jul 21, 2023

Originally written in Spanish.


On July 8th and 9th, I had the opportunity to attend Wollfestival Kassel's first edition. It had 65 exhibitors from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Poland, and Lithuania. Many people who traveled from different parts of Germany and the world enthusiastically welcomed the festival. And how do I have that information? Well, at the entrance, there was a large map on which you could mark with a pin the place you're from. I thought it was an amusing idea and, of course, I participated.


Wollfestival Kassel
© Alicia Arroyo

Outdoors, there were some exhibitors and places where you could sit and start knitting or crocheting something with the yarn you had just bought. On the patio, they had a Bulli —the name given to the classic German Volkswagen van— covered with yarn that was the perfect background for photos for social media.


Wollfestival Kassel
© Alicia Arroyo

Inside the building, where most exhibitors were, you could find many types and colors of wool and yarn, with a good assortment of options for the summer. There were also exhibitors selling spindles and fleece, both natural and dyed. Books, needles, markers... everything a fiber crafter needs. The two floors were perfectly adapted for people with reduced mobility.


Wollfestival Kassel
© Alicia Arroyo

There was also a space in the inner courtyard for a group of spinners. I love watching spinning wheels; the constant movement of the feet on the treadle seems very relaxing to me. It was an amiable group, and they would answer you if you had any questions.


Wollfestival Kassel
© Alicia Arroyo

At Wollfestival Kassel, there was a collection point for Grüne Socken, the solidarity green socks that give hope to people with ovarian cancer and other gynecological diseases. Many knitters participated by donating green socks they knitted.


Wollfestival Kassel
© Alicia Arroyo

Wollfestival Kassel next year's edition will happen on July 6th and 7th, so don't forget to save the date! If you decide to visit the area, you can follow the German storytelling route Deutschen Märchenstrasse, tour the places where the Grimm brothers created their fables and tales, and leave the weekend free for attending the festival. You can knit a little red riding hood or ask the magic mirror what the trendy color will be next year. In the land of the Grimm brothers, fantasy is just around the corner. Believe me — I have found ET wearing a Stephen West shawl!


Wollfestival Kassel
© Alicia Arroyo

If you want to know more about festivals, click here.

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