Join Us Tomorrow at the Cataldo Mission – Historic Skills Fair 2014
Last year, I had the privilege of demonstrating tatting at the Historic Skills Fair. It was a nice relaxing day of tatting, teaching, and chatting. In fact, it was such a relaxed atmosphere that I forgot to take any photos until the event was over.
The mission overlooks a marvelous view and I had just found a setting on my phone’s camera that I didn’t know it had. So I managed to snap a few pictures of the view and none of the actual fair. This year I plan to get pictures of the fair as well as some additional view shots.
Luckily, one of the park staff managed to snap a couple photos at our booth. She took a shot of Jan’s tatting display, the baby booties I was working on, and Patti’s hands demonstrating a reverse half-hitch knot.
You can see the other photos taken of the 2013 skill fair on the Coeur d’Alenes Old Mission State Park Facebook page. Last year we were between a group of spinners and a gentleman with an interactive tutorial on how to prepare a musket cartridge.
There were many things to experience at the Historic Skills Fair. A gun shot sounded off the hour on Saturday. I wasn’t able to make Sunday, but I’m told that’s when they shot off the cannon on the hour.
There was a young lad demonstrating how to use flint and steel to start a fire. He was really good at it too (tended to take him two minutes or less for each fire he demonstrated).
There was a group of demonstrators explaining the various tools and techniques used to make the Cataldo Mission. I was informed that there were no metal nails used in the construction. They used a joining method with large wooden dowel pieces for nails. The restoration that has been done to the buildings is wonderful. It is a very peaceful place inside the church.
The fair also featured mountain men, several handmade craft vendors, and the Lion’s Club selling food. There was also a spot where you could learn how to make a rag rug.
My favorite booth (aside from our tatting one) was the blacksmith. He had set up a portable forge. The fire was memorizing (I could have easily watched it all day) and I’ve always wanted to learn more about the process. This is one craft I still would like to try my hand at.
I’m sure many of these amazing people will be back tomorrow and we will have a good showing from the guild. Come learn how to tat and take in the many other sites to see at the Historic Skills Fair.
Saturday, July 13, 2013 – 8:00am – Sunday, July 14, 2013 – 5:00pm
Cour d’Alenes’ Old Mission State Park at 31732 S. Mission Rd, Exit 39 I-90 , Cataldo, ID 83810
Contact: Kathleen Durfee @ (208) 682 3814 or old@idpr.idaho.gov
I hope to see you there!
-Natalie
Shuttlebirds 