About Us
Kawartha Yarn & Fibre Festival was founded by Christi & Kate Norris, and Lyn Gemmell, passionate yarn and fibre enthusiasts from across the City of Kawartha Lakes. When looking at all the travel we do to various shows and festivals across the province, we decided that what we really needed was an event closer to home, and so Kawartha Yarn & Fibre Festival was born.
Kate Norris
Kate is an insurance specialist by day, fibre enthusiast and roller derby maven by night. She is a knitter and hand spinner, and she has even been known to crochet when the mood strikes. She is always looking to expand her fibre arts hobbies and try something new, whether it is misadventures in fleece washing or trying out a new breed of fleece that she snapped up at the Royal Winter Fair for a bargain. Kate is passionate about supporting independent Canadian businesses and promoting them through building events and audiences.
Christi Norris
Christi is recently retired municipal manager. She has two grown kids, and two granddaughters. Christi is a knitter and crocheter with a wealth of experience. She has a truly impressive and ever-growing stash that she loves to take a deep-dive in for that perfect yarn. If you find yourself in a tangle with a mistake in your knitting, or otherwise in over your head, Christi is exactly the person that you want to help you fix it. She is excited about taking on the challenges of running a yarn and fibre festival.
Lyn Gemmell
Lyn is the owner and dyer from Shelridge Yarns Inc. and co-owner of Cabin Fever. She is passionate about making great products for knitters and crocheters to use in pursuit of their fibre arts. As an experienced market vendor, Lyn brought to the table a clear insight into what makes a festival great for vendors, as well as for shoppers. Lyn co-founded the festival with Kate and Christi, and continues to be a presence each year as one of KYAFF’s cherished vendors.
