Art at the Alex: Sheep to Shawl Challenge

Fibre artists (spinners, weavers, knitters and crocheters) will combine forces across four days to transform woollen fleeces into fabrics, starting with sheep and ending in wearable shawl(s).

The challenge, to take sheep fleece and turn it into a wearable shawl, is one which is often taken up as a ‘within one day’ contest between teams at state fairs and county shows. At Art at the Alex in 2026, we are taking a more relaxed approach across four days.

You will see us:

• prepare fleece for spinning (Thursday 17th)
• spin the fleece (mainly Friday 18th and Saturday 19th, Worldwide Spin in Public Day)
• weaving and knitting/crochet (mainly Sunday 20th but also Saturday 19th).