One of the more unique vendors at the 2022 Mount Vernon Farmers Market is Nimby Acre Fiber Art run by Raeschell Noonen. One of the requirements that makes the local market special is that everything must be made or grown within 25 miles of the square.
You will find alpacas and llamas in Raeschell’s backyard. In fact, the name Nimby stands for ‘Now in my backyard.” She sells alpaca and llama clothing and yarn that is either spun in a mill or by hand.
On a recent Saturday morning Raeschell and Sharon Metcalfe were weaving on site to the delight of market shoppers.
Raeschell also makes Eco prints on silk and organic cotton. The process involves using foliage and flowers to make botanical prints on the fabric. Eco print scarves adorn her booth in addition to wool winter hats, knitting yarn, tablecloths and runners and cat toys.
You may have seen Raeschell’s work before when she had a brick-and-mortar store on South Main Street. It closed in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic. She also has an online store at nimbyacrefiberart.com.
Many market shoppers like that they can speak to the vendors directly about their products. That is something Raeschell enjoys saying, “I like being able to interact face to face with people. The online store doesn’t offer that.”
Raeschell teaches weaving at the Columbus College of Art & Design and the Kenyon College Craft Center. She leads classes in weaving, spinning, natural dying and eco printing. You can get more information on the classes when you visit the market. Nimby Acre Fiber Art sets up on the east side of the square.
