Introducing the Fiber Plus Fabric Craft Festival: A Crafting Extravaganza

An Inside Look at the Upcoming Crafting Event of the Year

Craft enthusiasts, mark your calendars for May 2026! The crafting world is abuzz with excitement about the Fiber Plus Fabric Craft Festival, set to take place at the Donald E. Stevens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. This groundbreaking event promises to be a pivotal moment for crafters, creators, and fiber enthusiasts across the country, launching a new era of creativity and community.

A Passionate Vision

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Darren Stern, Vice President of Koelnmesse, Inc., who is leading the charge in bringing this innovative festival to life. Darren’s passion for the project is infectious. He explained how the idea for the event grew from listening to the evolving needs of the crafting community and recognizing a gap in the market. The Midwest, known for its rich crafting culture, was missing a major spring consumer event to unite enthusiasts, independent artists, and industry leaders.

A Crafting Celebration Like No Other

The Fiber Plus Fabric Craft Festival aims to be more than just a venue for shopping and selling—it is designed to be an unforgettable experience. The festival will celebrate the joy of making and creativity, providing a space where crafters can connect, learn, and find inspiration. Whether you’re new to fiber crafts or a seasoned maker, the festival promises something for everyone.

The festival will showcase a wide range of fiber and fabric crafts, including knitting, quilting, sewing, crocheting, and needlepoint. Darren describes it as a cross-craft experience, offering attendees exposure to new ideas, innovative products, and creative techniques. Unlike trade-only events, this festival is crafted for everyday crafters, providing exhibitors with the opportunity to engage directly with their end users.

Education at Its Core

Education forms a pivotal part of the festival, as emphasized by Darren. Expect a robust lineup of hands-on workshops, seminars, and live demonstrations. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from industry experts, master new techniques, and leave feeling inspired and motivated to take on new projects.

Supporting the Crafting Community

The festival has a strong mission to uplift independent creators and small business owners. Kiln Mesa, Inc. is offering a 50% booth discount to qualifying local businesses, ensuring that the festival reflects and supports the community. This initiative focuses on independent artists, shop owners, and local designers who contribute significantly to the fiber and fabric world.

A Strategic Move

The festival is also part of Kiln Mesa’s broader strategy, fitting into the H+H family of events. By bringing expertise from their successful European events stateside, Kiln Mesa aims to set a new standard for crafting events in North America. Darren hopes that attendees will leave the festival feeling inspired, with bags full of projects, heads full of ideas, and hearts full of joy.

Join the Celebration

The Fiber Plus Fabric Craft Festival is shaping up to be a landmark event in the crafting community. Whether you are an attendee eager to discover new passions, an exhibitor looking to connect with customers, or someone who simply loves the world of fiber and fabric, this festival has something for everyone. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a new chapter in the craft world. Mark your calendars for May 2026, as this is an event you won’t want to miss.

For more details and to stay updated, visit www.FiberPlusFabric.com. Let’s celebrate the creativity that unites us all!