Why You’ll Fall in Love with the Twist Fiber Festival

Nestled in the heart of the Outaouais region, the Twist Fiber Festival is more than just an event—it’s a vibrant tapestry of creativity, community, and craftsmanship. Each August, the quiet town of St-André-Avellin transforms into a haven for fiber enthusiasts, artists, and curious newcomers alike, all drawn by the allure of yarn, wool, and the magic of handmade textiles.

This year, I had the joy of attending the festival myself, and what I discovered was far beyond skeins and stitches. Twist is a place where tradition meets innovation, where every booth tells a story, and where the hum of spinning wheels harmonizes with laughter and learning. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter, a curious crafter, or someone simply seeking inspiration, Twist offers a feast for the senses and a spark for the soul.

In this post, I’ll take you behind the scenes of my visit—sharing the highlights, the heartwarming moments, and why I believe this festival deserves a spot on your calendar next year.

🌅 Setting the Scene: First Impressions at Twist

The morning air buzzed with anticipation as I arrived in St-André-Avellin for the opening of the Twist Fiber Festival. Even before the doors officially opened, the sidewalks were already alive with chatter, coffee cups in hand, and the unmistakable excitement of fiber lovers ready to dive into a weekend of woolly wonders.

Tickets

A long line had formed outside the entrance, winding its way around the building like a giant yarn skein—but here’s where a little planning paid off. I had a pre-paid ticket, and that line? It zipped along like a well-oiled spinning wheel. If you’re thinking of attending next year, trust me: grab your ticket in advance. Not only does it save time, but it also lets you start your day with less waiting and more wandering.

Parking

As for parking, I lucked out and snagged a free spot on a nearby street—just a short walk from the venue. While there’s a paid lot available, it’s worth cruising the side streets first. A little patience and a keen eye might just save you a few bucks (which you’ll probably spend on yarn anyway!).

From the moment I stepped onto the festival grounds, it was clear: this was going to be a day full of colour, creativity, and connection.

✨ Highlights from the Festival: Wool, Wonder & Whimsy

Once inside, the festival unfolded like a patchwork quilt—each corner stitched with something new to discover. From the bustling vendor marketplace to the cozy corners of live demos and workshops, Twist offered a little something for every fiber-curious soul.

🧶 Marketplace Magic
The vendor hall was a kaleidoscope of colour and texture. Indie dyers, spinners, and weavers showcased their wares with pride—skeins of hand-dyed yarn in every hue imaginable, baskets of roving so soft they practically purred, and tools that made you want to take up a new craft on the spot. I found myself drawn to booths with natural dyes and locally sourced fibers, each with a story woven into the skein.

🎨 Hands-On Creativity
Workshops and demos were happening throughout the day, offering glimpses into everything from needle felting to tapestry weaving. Even if you weren’t signed up for a class, you could still watch artisans at work—spinning wheels whirring, looms clacking, and fingers dancing with precision and passion. It was mesmerizing.

👩‍🌾 Meet the Makers
One of the most heartwarming parts of the festival was chatting with the makers themselves. Whether it was a sheep farmer explaining the nuances of fleece or a dyer sharing their colour inspiration, every conversation added depth to the craft. These weren’t just products—they were labours of love.

🧵 Community Vibes
Everywhere you looked, people were connecting—sharing patterns, admiring each other’s handmade wares, and striking up conversations over skeins. It felt less like shopping and more like joining a family of fiber fanatics.

👩‍🎨 Meet the Makers

With 118 vendors to meet, there was no shortage of makers to be inspired by! Some of my favourites and the ones that caught my attention included:

Threads & Yarn

Atelier Perluette

Atelier Perluette was one of my favourite booths from last year’s visit, and it was a fave this year again. There’s something about the pretty spools and gorgeous colours that entice me every time 😉

I was also fortunate to catch a quick demo of Alice showing her knitted lace technique. Not something I’ve ever tackled, but fascinating to see and hear someone walk you through their creative process.

Iréne Textiles

I’m pretty sure I saw Iréne Textiles‘ booth last year, too. This year, I spent quiiiite a bit of time exploring the different threads and yarns they offered. The main ones that I was considering were their silk thread and their linen/flax yarn options.

The Lab

I had a chat with the ladies behind The Lab about the different weights of yarn they offered. And I can attest to the gorgeous array of colours they offer them in!

Urso Yarn Co

Urso Yarn Co was a new one for me, and I just adored the booth Paule had set up. The softness of her Canadian wool was a tactile joy to discover.

Waxwing

Waxwing is a newer custom yarn dyer with most fibers being sourced in Ontario, Canada. Christine has a love for colour. And a goal to reduce her environmental impact. Two qualities you know I love, too. Not surprising that the custom warm tone dyes instantly caught my eye.

Clothing

Bergé

There were a couple of fashion booths that caught my eye, but the one I can’t get out of my mind is Bergé. It also happened to see me adding items to my wish list – ha!

Eveline was sharing a booth with Étincelle, and I couldn’t get over her gorgeous hand-dyed and woven tops. They felt scrummalicious and beyond soft, and the colours were just so eye-catching. You can shop her handmade goodies online at Bergé.

Fiber Arts

Fibres D’art Reddy Fiber Arts

I actually have a book on needle felting. It specifically focuses on using cat hair, as I have quite a bit of that with Pips shedding on the regular 😉 I couldn’t help but zone in on these adorable needle felted sheep by Reddy Fiber Arts. Cute, right?!

Julie Lacroix

My one regret from the show?

Not picking up some fiber art by Julie Lacroix.

I loved how delicate and detailed her artwork was. The colours were soothing and calming, and her work was simply stunning.

A not-to-miss for any tactile lover 😉

Pottery

Elisabeth Gauthier Atelier

You know my love for pottery, and I literally gasped and spent a solid 20 minutes ogling Elisabeth’s gorgeous wares.

The challenge?

Figuring out which pieces I wanted to bring home. After asking if her goodies were available online, I grabbed her card to mull over my options and place an online order. She mentioned her online inventory would be updated once she was done with her craft summer season 😉

A great shop to keep in mind for custom homewares and gift ideas.

Fabric & Notions

Craft de Ville

For all my fellow local Montrealers, Stacy from Craft de Ville has all the key sewing notions you need. I’m pretty stocked, but if you need some tools + fabric, she’s got you covered. She also happens to be my go-to batting bolt provider 😊

Tamara Kate Design

I’ll never miss a chance to pop in and say hi to Tam whenever I’m at an event she’s selling at. Her colourful booth always inspires, and there’s not a chance of me leaving without some fiber numminess. I got my hands on two prints from her upcoming collection – stay tuned for more of that!

📅 Why You Should Attend Next Year

If you’ve ever dreamed of immersing yourself in the world of fiber arts—surrounded by passionate makers, vibrant materials, and a community that feels like home—Twist Fiber Festival is the place to be. Unlike larger, more commercial craft expos, Twist has a distinctly intimate and artisanal vibe. It’s curated with care, celebrating not just the products but the people and processes behind them.

🧡 What Makes Twist Special

• Authenticity: Every vendor, workshop, and exhibit is chosen with intention, showcasing the best of Canadian fiber artistry.
• Community: You’re not just attending an event—you’re joining a movement of slow fashion, sustainability, and handmade beauty.
• Location: St-André-Avellin offers a charming rural backdrop that makes the whole experience feel like a creative retreat.

🧳 Tips for First-Time Attendees

• Book Early: Pre-paid tickets mean shorter lines and smoother entry—plus, some workshops fill up fast.
• Stay Local: Accommodations in and around St-André-Avellin can book quickly, so reserve early. Consider charming B&Bs or nearby campgrounds for a cozy stay.
• Pack Smart: Bring a reusable tote (you’ll need it), comfy shoes, a water bottle, and maybe a project to work on while resting your feet!
• Budget for Yarn: Trust me—you’ll want to leave room in your suitcase and your wallet.

📆 Mark Your Calendar

While official dates for Twist 2026 haven’t been announced yet, the festival typically takes place in early August. Keep an eye on the Twist Fiber Festival website for updates, ticket releases, and workshop schedules.

As I packed up my treasures and said goodbye to the sheep (yes, actual sheep), I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of creative renewal. Twist wasn’t just a festival—it was a reminder of why we make things by hand, why we gather, and why fiber arts continue to thrive in a digital world. Whether it was chatting with indie dyers, learning a new stitch, or simply soaking in the colours and textures, every moment felt like a celebration of craft and connection.

So… see you at Twist 2026?
If you’ve never been, make this the year you go. And if you’re a returning fiber fanatic, you already know the magic that awaits. 🧵

I’d love to hear from you! Have you been to Twist or another fiber festival that left you inspired? Share your stories, tips, and favorite finds—I’m always up for a good yarn tale.

xo,

Shannon

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