About SVFA

Along the Saco River in Southern Maine, the earliest pioneer families settled in small villages to eke a living from farming, logging, and trade with the local Native Americans. No one worked harder than the tough colonial women who raised flax and wool, harvested, washed, spun, and wove every fiber needed for their households.

The Saco River		The Saco River Valley in Spring

What was once backbreaking work is now our therapy, our pleasure, and our pride. Saco Valley Fiber Artists are an informal group of women who love to use traditional and modern methods to create art from all forms of fiber.

A Weaving Loom		Dyeing Fibers

We are friends and neighbors, farmers and professional career women, who live along the Saco River Valley from Fryeburg all the way downriver to Saco, Maine. Our monthly meetings are as much about great food and drinks as they are about our various crafts. We travel together to learn about the world's cultural fiber traditions. We share our skills with one another and with the public at our annual workshops and demonstrations. Most of all, we support one another in our creative fiber work, through all the bends, rapids, and ice dams in the river of our lives.

Valerie Sullivan and Janet Conner, learning backstrap weaving in Guatemala		Members relaxing in handmade socks.

We invite you to learn about our work and our goals. Perhaps you would like to join us for a workshop, visit us at one of our many craft shows, or purchase some of our handmade products. Some of us are available for educational presentations and demonstrations.

Merry Christmas from Saco Valley Fiber Artists 2012!

We sell at many craft shows throughout the year.		Natural fiber dyeing at the Shearbrooke Summer Workshop

Shearbrooke Farm in winter.		Shearbrooke Farm Summer Workshop

Our past attendees have said the gourmet lunch (included in the workshop) is one of the best parts! They demanded our recipes, so we have published a cookbook. Our cookbooks are available by mail for $17.50 each, including shipping. Printable Order Form

We have adopted a special charity through Miguel Bello (http://www.artebello.com) which helps support a children's aids hospice in Guatemala, as well as helping our sister weavers in the village of Aguas Calientes, Guatemala. A portion of all our profits go directly to this cause.

Handwoven Guatemalan Fabric