A place where you are warmly welcomed to learn, laugh, linger and be inspired…

Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-6pm
201 W. Galena St. (RT 30)
Big Rock, IL 60511
630-556-WOOL (9665)
info@esthersplacefibers.com

Lamb Of God Farm


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Press Release 05/02/06

ESTHER’S PLACE RIBBON CUTTING

Big Rock, IL- The Ribbon Cutting Celebration of Esther’s Place on Saturday April 29th was a well attended and enjoyed by all! Those who came to Esther’s Place this past Saturday had the opportunity to take tours, see demonstrations, win door prizes, enjoy refreshments and attend the 1 o’clock ribbon cutting ceremony of this local fiber studio devoted to supporting the Illinois fiber industry.

Preceding the ribbon cutting ceremony was a presentation of flags by the Yorkville American Legion and invocation by First Baptist Church’s Pastor Gene Frost. The Ribbon Cutting at 1 pm was well attended by local officials, including USDA State Director Doug Wilson and representative Molly Cleary; Kane County Board Director Jan Carlson; Big Rock Village President Doug Porch; Executive Secretary of the Illinois Lamb and Wool Producers Jane Zeien; Kane County Farm Bureau Manager Steve Arnold; Aurora Area Tourism Director Sue Voss; Waubonsee Small Business Development Center Coordinator Harriet Parker and Big Rock Historical Society

President Charlotte Miller. A check, given through a USDA Value-Added Producer’s
Grant, was presented to Esther’s Place by State Director Doug Wilson. Remarks showing community support and encouragement were given by the officials. The ribbon, white wool roving adorned with American ribbon, was cut by Esther’s Place owner, Natasha Lehrer. Cake and refreshments were served following the ceremony.

Every corner of Esther’s Place was filled with recollections of an earlier era! Demonstrations of spinning, weaving and an antique sock knitting machine were given by the Lamb of God Farm Fiber Arts Guild members. The group Ashton Gap and other local musicians enlivened the air with live bluegrass and Civil-war era music throughout the day. A dozen beautiful door prizes from local businesses were given at the end of the day. Refreshments, including cake, muffins and appetizers from two area restaurants, were enjoyed by all.

Esther’s Place in downtown Big Rock is partnering with Lamb of God Farm of Big Rock and the USDA to promote wool and the fiber arts. Classes, retreats and instruction in knitting, spinning, weaving, felting and dyeing are offered in a bright and spacious Victorian location. American-made products, supplies and gifts are also available at Esther’s Place.  Their Green Pastures Collection of roving, yarn and wool productsis especially unique, featuring local Illinois shepherds and their wool. “ Our shepherds form the foundation of Esther’s Place. We are trying to keep lambs on the landscape of Illinois agriculture”, says owner, Natasha Lehrer.

Her family raises the Cheviot sheep that were the genesis of the project. She has been a fiber artist for the past six years. “I just have a heart for the animals, and I want to see sheep and the farmers that raise them, flourish”, she adds.

These are the goals of Esther’s Place, which is revolutionary project for Illinois, considering it is not traditionally thought of as a fiber producing state. However, there are 2500 shepherds in the state, and the Green Pastures Collection is the place where producers can find a market for their wool and fiber art consumers can find a high quality, one-of-a-kind, locally produced product.

Esther’s Place has plenty to offer and a beautiful setting to enjoy. For more information about Esther’s Place, contact them by phone at 630-556-WOOL or on the web at www.esthersplacefibers.com .