Jeannie Collins (left) shows Lynn Benedict new winter hats made from her hand spun and hand dyed yarn.

Jeannie Collins loves wool. She has raised Cotswold sheep, and sheared, spun, dyed, and knitted wool for years, creating one of a kind beautiful hats and sweaters in rich color palettes.

Every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. you’ll find Jeannie at the Winter Farmer’s Market where you can watch her spin, purchase her hand spun yarn, or try on a wool garment that she has made. Aspiring fiber artists will find a warm welcome and a wealth of experience to further their knowledge.

Wool is a wonderful material. It is sustainable, moisture wicking, mildew and mold resistant, fire resistant, flexible and durable, and doesn’t make a home for dust mites. If you haven’t worked with wool or worn it, you are missing out.

The Winter Market is open Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Gus Douglas building at the WV State Fairgrounds next to the Flea Market. Even on the coldest days vendors offer a variety of bread, baked goods, winter vegetables, herbs, pork, poultry, game bird meat, lamb, chair massage, body care products, handmade jewelry, knitted and woolen-wear, one of a kind crafts, handmade clothing, and excellent conversation and community. The Winter Market accepts credit cards, SNAP and EBT.