NEW for the 2025 conference will be a Functional Textiles exhibit featuring non-wearable, useful items such as: rugs, blankets, table runners, baskets, yardage, and more. (Please, no towels, we have the Towel Exchange for them.) Fiber artists, including conference attendees, and MAFA members who are unable to attend in-person, are invited to submit their work for the exhibit.

The Functional Textiles Exhibit will be located in the Marketplace exhibits area, and on view Friday and Saturday. For 2025 we will also record a virtual tour of the exhibit for those not at the conference. After the conference, we will add all exhibit items to the MAFA Sample Database or post an eBook of all items in this exhibit

To enter garments and wearable accessories, go to the Fashion Exhibit page HERE. For fiber art pieces meant more for display than function, visit the Fiber Art Exhibit page HERE. For towels, go to the Towel Exchange page HERE.

Click HERE for the complete Functional Textiles Exhibit Rules, Requirements, and Entry Form

Information for Functional Textiles Exhibitors:

  • Dropping off your textile submission – In-person Attendees: You may drop off your items during registration on Thursday, June 26, from 12 noon to 6 p.m. at the designated table near Registration.
  • Shipping your textile submission – Remote Participants: Once accepted to the exhibit, the Functional Textiles Exhibit Coordinator will provide shipping information.
  • Picking up your item – In-person Attendees: Pick up your item Saturday, June 28, 5:00-6:00 p.m. If you are unable to pick up your piece, please designate another person for this task and let us know in advance at textiles@mafafiber.org.
  • Returning your item – Remote Participants: Work that was shipped to us will be shipped back to you. You must provide a prepaid shipping label when your textile is submitted.

Questions? Check out the FAQs below, or contact the Functional Textiles Exhibit Coordinators Pat Mueller and Rae Turner at textiles@mafafiber.org.

Functional Textiles Exhibit FAQs

How does this exhibit differ from the Fashion or Fiber Art Exhibit?
This exhibit is for functional items other than garments or art pieces meant primarily for display. They may be household items or yardage for future projects. The exhibit is open to fiber artists working in any technique or fiber medium.

Where can I find the exhibit rules and entry form?
Click here for exhibit rules, guidelines, and entry form.

Will any of the Functional Textile Exhibit items be for sale?
The Functional Textile Exhibit is not geared to sales. However, interested attendees are encouraged to contact the artist directly.

Can instructors submit entries to the Functional Textile Exhibit?
Yes. Instructors may participate in the exhibit but are not eligible for prizes awarded.

What if I will be unable to pick up my textile item at the scheduled time? Will someone else be allowed to pick up my piece?
Entrants unable to pick up their entries must make arrangements for pickup by a designated person and provide that person’s name to the Functional Textile contact when the item is delivered to the Functional Textile Exhibit.