Pittsburgh Tours & More will host a series of tours that will benefit families in need in northern Allegheny County.
Knit One, Tour Too yarn and fiber tours kick off May 1 and will continue through June. A portion of each tour will go to North Hills Community Outreach (NHCO), which served 5,606 families in crisis, hardship and poverty last year through more than 20 programs. “One wouldn’t associate knitting or visiting a sheep farm with fundraising or helping a family who is going through a crisis, but that’s exactly that you’re doing when you go on one of these tours,” said Sharon Wolf, executive director of NHCO. “We love it when local businesses think of unique ways to support families in need.”
The tours were designed by local knitter and yarn enthusiast Kathleen Ganster of Hampton Township with knitters, crocheters and fabric artists of all kinds in mind, although the tours hold broader appeal to those interested in history, the wool dying process, and even beekeeping and gardening.
“The tours are the perfect way for yarn and fiber lovers to enjoy several local venues while also benefitting those in need in our area. As per the mission of NHCO, the tours help our neighbors while tour goers also have fun,” Ganster said.
Tour 1: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, May 1, Sewickley and Historic Old Economy
Join us as we visit charming Sewickley for a stop at fiber boutique Yarns Unlimited, and then historic Old Economy, home of the Harmonists. The Harmonists were known for their fiber production and wealth, which funded many businesses in Western Pa. Included are a visit with the curator and a fiber historian, demonstrations of silk reel and weaving, and a tour of the historic grounds. There will also be a chance to shop in the village gift shop. Shuttled tour includes special discounts, giveaways and prizes to win. Also includes box lunch served at Old Economy – $75.
Tour 2: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, May 29, Dundee Farm and Apiary
Want to know where your yarn comes from? Interested in bee keeping? Join us for a visit to Dundee Fields Sheep Farm & Apiary, home to several rare breeds of sheep. We will also visit the farm’s natural dye garden, talk with the farmer and purchase local yarn right from the source. We will also have the opportunity to talk with the bee keeper and enjoy a honey tasting, then enjoy a farm-to-table lunch right on the farm – $ 65.
Tour 3: 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Sat. Jun 13, Ten Mile Fiber Mill & Lippencott Farm
Is there anything cuter than a baby lamb or alpaca? Join us as we visit two local farms, one a sheep farm and one an alpaca farm. Lynda West will take us on a tour of her farm, where we will see her small mill and try our hand at dying local yarn. After a box lunch at the farm, we will visit Lippencott Alpaca Farm, a fourth generation farm where Lena Galing will show us her alpaca herd. There will be opportunity to purchase local yarns from both venues. – $65.
Specialty event: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 16, Waynesburg Sheep & Fiber Festival
Travel to the Waynesburg Sheep & Fiber Festival with us! (Two pickup points: North at the Park N Ride at Mt. Nebo or South at Park N Ride at Woodville- Rt. 50 in Thoms Run Road in Collier/Bridgeville to the Green County Fairgrounds in Waynesburg.) Exhibits and demonstrations include: spinning, shearing and weaving; sheep-to-shawl competition; dog shepherding and more! Round trip shuttle ticket includes entree into festival, bottled water and snacks. -$30.
The Knit One, Tour Too tours were created in partnership with Pittsburgh Tours & More, a division of Pittsburgh Transportation Group. Each shuttled tour includes lunch, special discounts, giveaways and prizes.
Visit www.pghtoursandmore.net for ticketing information. For other questions, contact payarnandfibertours@verizon.net or 412.323.4709.
A portion of the proceeds from each tour goes to North Hills Community Outreach, a nonprofit serving local families and individuals in crisis, hardship and poverty.
Thank you so much for always posting NHCO’s press releases and announcements. We love your website!