Sheep-to-Shawl

From fiber to fashion, this classic spring festival celebrates all things wooly sheep! Visitors are invited to explore each step in the process of turning wool into cloth using 18th-century techniques. Hands-on activities include dyeing wool and weaving.

In the site’s Manor House, experience Wearable Wealth: The Value of Cloth and Clothing in the 18th Century. Activities and hands-on displays will help visitors understand just how precious fabric goods were for colonial Americans. In fact, colonists were the ultimate recyclers! The Art of the Reproduction: Recreating Period Textiles uses pieces from the HHV collection to shine a spotlight on this fun, yet often overlooked area of historic study. Along with the exhibit, there will be a series of talks and hands-on workshops. HHV’s expert staff will share information on period quilting, knitting, hand sewing, and how to care for family textile heirlooms.

Outside on the grounds, Scottish border collies display their skills at sheep- and duck-herding. Kids can try on reproduction 18^th-century clothing for a great photo op! Plus, enjoy a fashion show complete with critiques from a tough judge, HHV’s own expert costume designer.

Buy tickets online at www.hudsonvalley.org. 914-366-6900.