Spinning yarn on drop spindles is one of our most ancient technologies and remained the primary way humans spun fibers for millenia until the invention of the spinning wheel in the 13th century. Spinning continues to be a wonderful way to dive into or more fully participate in the world of fiber art and craft as well as connect with a skill that connects us to our ancestors and to each other.

In the first week of this class, students will learn how to spin fibers on a drop spindle. The second week will introduce spinning on the wheel. 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: $20 included in cost of class. Students are welcome to bring their own wheels and the school will have wheels available for use.

Inkle refers to the weaving of warp-faced bands, and there are a great many ways to inkle weave, all of them easy and relaxing. This portable mode of weaving is not limited to using a modern inkle loom though that is where we will begin. We'll start by choosing from a host of designs in your choice of colors and soon you'll understand how to create your own color designs.   

Inkle looms may be threaded to create bar patterns if you wish to explore pattern development through simple pick-up techniques. We can provide tablet boards and tablets if you wish to explore tablet weaving and hole and slot heddles and curved shuttles if you wish to explore the fascinating world of Baltic Pick-up patterns.  Explore color and pattern design while creating sturdy and sumptuous straps and sashes, lanyards and much more. No previous weaving experience is necessary.

In this six-week class you will learn different ways to plan and create your warp-faced designs, how to select the best yarns for your intended purpose, and how to warp your inkle loom in a design of your choosing. 

You'll learn how to measure and make your own string heddles if you don't already have them for your inkle loom. You'll learn how  designs are charted for a variety of styles of band weaving, how to read  them, and you’ll be offered time saving tips on warping & to achieve even edges on your bands and be shown several ways to secure the ends of your weaving.

Please bring your own inkle loom and stick shuttle  if you have one, though several will be available on loan for those who don't have one of their own. If you have time to weave at least two hours a week between classes at home, you can expect to weave as many as 4-5  bands over the course of this six week class. All yarns provided.Surely someone on your gift list needs a guitar strap, a camera strap, a bookmark, a small cellphone bag, a zipper purse, or just a greeting card with a snip of your inkle weaving in the window! 

No Class on November 24

This class is for the those who want to organize and display their artwork.  It is especially useful for storing textile samples that are too thick to display in a book format.

Come and explore some book based structures to keep your work documented and in order.  A bag of dyed yarn samples is only useful if you have it cataloged and labeled. Use these structures to add interest and creativity to your work and keep yourself engaged in that work. 

This class will look at some very simple structures and spend the major part of the class putting together a sample portfolio which can include a pocketed insert to store dyed yarn samples or cloth samples for easy reference. 

The class will also include a second portfolio structure with a slip case.

No experience in bookbinding or sewing necessary..

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 will be a fun, engaging and hands-on opportunity to learn the wonderful art and craft of rug hooking.

Students will learn to hook various shapes and how to prepare the wool and yarn fiber. Different finishing techniques and design considerations will also be covered.

Sample kits ($25 fee) will be provided and are included in the cost of the class. They include an 8” x 8” design and all materials. Frames and hooks will be available for use and loan between classes.

In this class, students will learn the basics of wet felting to create a wearable piece of art. Using merino wool roving, soap, water, and a bit of elbow grease, you can create your own fabric and mold it into 3D form.

We will explore the use of a resist (plastic template) to create a seamless felted 3D shape. Students will be encouraged to create their own unique hat shape or can utilize provided templates. In addition to felting techniques, we will explore color and texture options to personalize your creation.

NOTE: Please bring two bath towels you don’t mind getting wet along with a garbage bag to transport home.

Shibori is a collection of ancient Chinese/Japanese resist dyeing techniques on fabric often dyed with indigo. This class will cover the 3 categories of techniques of resist:  Stitching, folding and clamping and pole wrapping.  We will spend each week on a different technique and a final open studio session to work on final projects. We will work on cotton and silk and several indigo vats of varying strengths. Shibori resists offer exploration full of mystery and surprise. Something magical happens in the process.

Students Bring:

pre-scoured fabric or scarves to sample techniques. A good source for both fabric and scarves is Dharma Trading.  https://www.dharmatrading.com. 

No synthetics.

Please do not bring clothing to dye. Our vats are not large enough to accommodate pieces of clothing.

Instuctor will also have some organic cotton bandanas for purchase.

Note: No class on November 27