Creativity, community, compassion and sustainability come together in the first Shivering Sheep Fibre Arts Festival in the San Juan Islands Jan. 31 to Feb. 3.

Brainchild of Orcas Islander Lisa Bierman, the event will focus on sustainable farming and non-profit production of clothing for socially responsible causes. “I wanted to put on an event in the winter that highlighted the use of creative arts to raise awareness of social causes,” said Bierman. “It was designed so that all three of the major ferry-served islands have a different event.”

The Shivering Sheep Fibre Festival kicks off on Lopez Island with an all-day knit-in on Thursday, Jan. 31 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Vortex Café in Lopez Village. Participants are welcome to bring knitting, crocheting, spinning, weaving or sewing projects to work on for a socially responsible cause.

“Bring your ideas and patterns to share with the community, which benefit non-profit organizations and help raise awareness for your favorite charity,” said Bierman. “There will be extra needles and materials for anyone who is interested in participating.”

On Friday, Feb. 1 a potluck forum on sustainable farming will be held at the Westsound Community Center on Orcas from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. An open mic forum will discuss issues such as production of bio-fuels from waste, local farmer networking, sustainability in the San Juans, the water table and wetlands. “Bring any issues you have in mind to discuss,” says Bierman.

Short musical pieces by young artists will be featured. Singers and musicians of all ages on topics of sustainable community are being sought to join the program. “Bring an instrument and sing-out your message,” says Bierman. Call 376-4051 or write sheepfiber@yahoo.com to sign up for a music slot.

Potluck-goers are urged to bring their own place settings and silverware in addition to their potluck dishes to reduce waste. The potluck and musical entertainment is free.

Sunday, Feb. 3 a bazaar and swap meet sale will be held at the Friday Harbor Grange from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Booths are available for the sale of any type of fiber product including locally grown wools, yarn, knitted, crocheted or sewn items, lessons and fiber arts displays.

Booths are $20 per group or free to children to sell or showcase their arts. Retail sellers are welcome. A discount on booth fees will given to sellers who walk on the ferry or use non-gas or hybrid transportation. Booths should be reserved by Jan. 31.

For more information on the Shivering Sheep Fibre Festival or to reserve a booth at the sale, call 376-4051 or write to sheepfiber@yahoo.com.

Maps and ride-share information are available at 376-0850.