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 knitted items like socks, gloves, hats, sweaters, and more. Learn to repair a hole or snag in a knit item by darning, a simple woven type of mending. Learn how to inspect and assess a knit (or woven) item that needs repair.Learn how to select a needle, select yarn/thread, and tie a knot.

Learn running stitch, the backbone of mending! (If time and interest, backstitch (sesame seed) or blanket stitch).

Learn how to start, weave and finish a basic darn square with one or two colors using a mushroom or embroidery hoop.Practice or start darning an item that is ready for some attention!

Students can bring an item they would like to learn how to mend by darning.

All other materials included.

Are you curious about weaving software and wonder if it would be worthwhile? 

This class is an opportunity to try one of the popular weaving software programs - Fiberworks PCW - and explore its basic features. Weaving software allows you to quickly create a drawdown of a pattern, explore color combinations, and modify a draft to suit your project. It’s an easy way to play with design options, and it offers convenient features that will tell you the maximum float length or how many heddles you’ll need on each shaft. The only problem with weaving software is that playing with design options can be as addictive as the actual weaving!

For this class, you will need to have a laptop with the software loaded on it. We  will use Fiberworks PCW for Mac. The free demo version is fine.  You will be able to do everything except save or print your files.  Either the Bronze or Silver version is fine. Silver has some extra features that are mainly useful if you have more than 8 shafts. 

See http://www.fiberworks-pcw.com/mac.html to download a copy of the software and for installation instructions.

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.

Rigid Heddle Looms are known for their simplicity and portability. In this introductory workshop, students will learn the basics of weaving as well as several weaving techniques to achieve a variety of textures, looks and designs. Other skills learned will be:

* dressing a rigid heddle loom* preparing yarn for weaving* finishing techniques

The completed project will be a sampler showcasing the various techniques demonstrated which will give each weaver plenty of ideas and inspiration for their next project!

Students will learn the art of needle felting and create three-dimensional wool sculptures using a special barbed needle. We will make pumpkins and other manner of gourds! Instruction will be hands-on and will include demonstrations.

Students between the ages of 9 and 12 are welcome to enroll with an adult.

Have you always wanted to learn how to knit, but didn’t know which pattern to choose?

A warm and Cozy Cowl is a wonderful first project to start your knitting journey. As you knit your cowl, you will learn how to cast on, knit, purl, increase, decrease, and bind off. At the end you will have a hand-knitted piece you can wear or give as a gift. In class, we will talk about knitting tools, yarn, and gauge.

This is a perfect class to take as we enter the winter months! You will leave with enough knowledge to start your next knitting project and stay cozy all season long!

Materials Information:

Please bring your yarn to the first class.

Circular needles will be provided and are included in the class fee, and will be yours to keep.

The Yarn suggested for the pattern is Super Bulky. You will need 175 to 200 yards to complete the project. A solid or tonal color is suggested for your first piece in order to see the stitches.

There are multiple local yarn stores in the area to buy yarn; Must Love Yarn, Northeast Fibers, The Makery, and Michaels.

Backstrap weaving is one of the oldest textile-making traditions in the world. Backstrap looms were used by the ancient Maya and Aztec cultures, and the fact that their descendants still use these looms today speaks to their functionality and importance. For anyone with hands that know patience, both plain and complex cloth can be woven with the simplest of tools: just a few sticks, some string, a flat sword of wood and a band of cloth around your back by which you can provide tension to the warp.  

Backstrap weaving is not something to be mastered in just a few hours, but in 8 weeks of two-hour class sessions, we will gain familiarity and ease with weaving plain and patterned cloth in this time-honored and traditional way. 

You will learn how to wind a warp, preserve its cross and set it up on sticks for weaving either a balanced-weave cloth or a warp-faced weave. You will learn how to make and use continuous heddles, key to developing greater ease in weaving. Those who wish will learn how to warp and weave figures on a plain ground in a complementary warp technique called pebble weave. 

You will learn how to read pattern charts and an innovative method that will enable you to chart your own designs in this technique. Hopefully you will weave a sturdy backstrap for yourself that will serve you for many years to come as well as several other sample projects as you explore weaving backstrap style in this class.

You will be expected to work at home on your weaving each week as there will be no open studios for this class. All yarn is provided. Backstrap kits are included in the cost of the class.

No Class on November 24th

This Learn to Crochet six-week class covers it all while you make a cozy, warm scarf to protect against the winter winds!

Students will enjoy learning a bit about the history of crochet as well as all of the fundamental skills needed to get started on projects. Areas covered will include, but are not limited to:~ types of crochet~ crochet stitches and building fabric~ granny squares~ switching colors~ yarn types~ pattern reading~ sewing and finishing

Each class will have time for teacher demonstration and active crocheting. By the conclusion of the course, students will have a completed scarf that highlights all of the acquired skills to admire!

~ Students should plan on crocheting in-between classes.