Exciting News

Hi Everyone, Before I talk about me, I would like to first give a HUGE SHOUT OUT and THANKS to Barb for having a vision all those years ago when she started the Pittsburgh Creative Arts Festival/Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival.  THANK YOU BARB! If it wasn’t for all the work Barb, Ann, the volunteers, vendors, teachers, sponsors, and attendees have done over the years to make this one of the best Fiber Festivals, I wouldn’t be in this position today to have the opportunity to take over the reins and for that I am very grateful. Who am I? My name is Laura Regan.  I am an avid knitter, crocheter, weaver (self taught during Covid-19) and indie dyer/owner of Created 4 U by Laura.  Fiber/creativity runs through my body…..during college (many decades ago), I wrote a business plan for opening a yarn shop that received an A….still have that plan today.  It may have been the only A I got in College, I say it was the best A I received! I am very excited to be taking over the Pittsburgh Creative Arts Festival.  The opportunity it creates to bring together vendors, teachers and attendees is something that I want to see continue. I love the retreat like feel that Barb has created.  One that I will continue as well. I will also admit that I am a little nervous as I am a one woman company and I have a lot to learn about the intricacies of organizing and running a festival.  On the plus side, I have been a vendor at many festivals around the US and will call on that experience to help make this the best festival it can be. Why did I do this? To be honest it felt like the right thing to do…a little risky considering all that has happened in the fiber community and the world in general this year.  I love being creative….and want everyone to have the opportunity to learn, become better, meet/make new friends whether you knit, crochet, weave, sew, quilt, spin, dye, paint, bead, mold clay etc.  What better place to do that then at a festival. Also, my husband is from Pittsburgh and my in-laws still live there…so it makes a perfect opportunity for me to do something in a town that has meaning for my family. What’s next? I’ll be working with Barb and Ann on transitioning all the details of running a festival to me.  I can share with you the following about the 2021 Pittsburgh Creative Arts Festival: ·       It will be August 12-14, 2021 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday).  You may ask why August and not March – March/April has become rather crowded with festivals and with everyone having to make a choice on which to attend, vend or teach at.  In August there are not as many festivals, so hopefully people will only have to choose to attend this one. ·       It will be at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel in Green Tree, PA.  The same hotel it was at in 2019. My hope is that you all will continue with me on my new adventure! I look forward to meeting everyone and begin to create new and lasting friendships. Stay tune for updates!  Don’t forget to follow us on instagram and Facebook!