Many of us have a beloved clothing item with a hole or a stain that we can’t bear to throw away and don’t know how to mend. Many of us also don’t want to create more waste and add to overflowing landfills. In the past, wearing mended clothing was not acceptable but with the right skills mended clothes can be beautiful. This class is for anyone who wants to learn the basics so they can mend their own clothing like jeans or shirts using stitching or patching. Learn to cover a hole or a stain using simple stitch techniques that can be used as the basis to learn Sashiko or Kantha or your own creative stitching.

Learn how to inspect and assess a fabric item that needs repair.

Learn how to select patch fabric, select thread, and tie a knot.Learn and practice stitches used for fabric mending: running stitch, backstitch (sesame seed). (If there is time and interest, chain stitch, stem stitch, split stitch, blanket stitch).

Learn different approaches to patch placement (under, over, quilt).Practice patching a fabric square or own item.

Materials:

Students can bring an item they would like to learn how to mend by stitching or patching.

All other materials included.

In this workshop, students will learn the fundamentals of coil basketry by creating a small hand-stitched basket. We’ll cover how to start a base, shape the sides, and use simple stitching techniques to build structure and pattern. This class is suitable for beginners and anyone who enjoys working with their hands. All materials are provided, but if you have special yarns or fabric you’d like to incorporate, feel free to bring them along.

This three-day workshop offers an opportunity to weave with abandon, following the directions of instinct, whimsy, and one’s own uniquely creative expression. Do you have sticks, stones, fabrics, or papers you’ve been hanging onto because you know they’d be beautiful in something? This is the class where they might find their place!

Students need not have any weaving experience to explore the boundaries of warp and weft. We will be using a variety of frame and circular looms to create one of a kind pieces that embody the weaver and this “once in a blue moon” moment. The only requirement will be to come ready to play and break some rules.

How will this workshop be organized?

Each day we will meet from 10am - 4pm. We will be able to work both inside and out (weather depending). Weavers can bring lunch/snacks each day or can access the local markets/restaurants or the Shelburne Farmer’s Market on Saturday that runs from 9am - 1:30pm. Lunch breaks will hover around 12:30. There is a refrigerator, microwave, and tea kettle available for use.

On Sunday, we will roll into our third day of weaving together with the Full Blue Moon energy as our guide. There will be also be some time of reflection on how we’d like to harness our creative energy throughout the summer months.

In this workshop, students will learn the fundamentals of coil basketry by creating a small hand-stitched basket. We’ll cover how to start a base, shape the sides, and use simple stitching techniques to build structure and pattern. This class is suitable for beginners and anyone who enjoys working with their hands. All materials are provided, but if you have special yarns or fabric you’d like to incorporate, feel free to bring them along.

Make your own pack basket and in the process learn one of the oldest crafts in human history. For thousands of years baskets served as indispensable objects in every culture. Carry on the tradition and take home a beautiful, durable and functional basket crafted from local and responsibly harvested, hand-pounded black ash logs. In this workshop students will craft a daypack-sized traditional Adirondack-style packbasket with cedar runners, adjustable webbing straps and a white ash handle, carved by local craftsman, Eric Cannizzaro, of Vermont Handworks. Great for hikes, farmer’s markets, picnic lunches and whatever else you would use a regular backpack for. This basket is made to last and be used. Included is a discussion on how the material is harvested and processed.

Please bring a check for $100 for Penny on the day of the class for materials.

Looking to kick off Pride month with a fun new craft, or just add some color to your summer? During this workshop, you will have the choice of making a rainbow coaster, earrings, patch, or piece of decor. Whether you are interested in learning to stitch curves, want to dabble in micro-crochet, or just want the chance to add to your fabulous summer swag, come and join this relaxed workshop! Tools and materials will be provided. If you would like to make a rainbow in colors other than those in the Pride flag, please make the request in advance. Previous crochet experience is helpful, but not required.

Included

People have been spinning yarn on spinning wheels since the 11th century. It continues to be a wonderful way to dive into or more fully participate in the world of fiber art and craft.

In this workshop, students will learn how to prepare and handle fibers for spinning. Different fibers, like wool, alpaca and mohair will be available to spin. Controlling twist, plying, and other details of making yarn will be covered, especially the mechanics of a spinning wheel and how to keep it in perfect running order.

This class can be taken repeatedly, to practice and hone spinning skills.

Materials fee: $10 included in cost of class. Students are welcome to bring their own wheels and the school will have wheels available for use.

In this workshop, students will learn the fundamentals of coil basketry by creating a small hand-stitched basket. We’ll cover how to start a base, shape the sides, and use simple stitching techniques to build structure and pattern. This class is suitable for beginners and anyone who enjoys working with their hands. All materials are provided, but if you have special yarns or fabric you’d like to incorporate, feel free to bring them along.