This class will work with 3 natural indigo vats of varying strengths. Attention to mixing vats with a focus on the final color value will be stressed. Thus we will have one for pale, medium and dark colored yarns. Correct measuring of dye material to the volume water in the vat will be emphasized to ensure successful indigo dyeing. Students will assist in making the vats and running samples on natural colored yarn and as well as  pre-dyed natural dyed yarns to mix for greens and blues and purple shades. Finally, correct finishing of indigo dyed yarns will be demonstrated to minimize crocking. Students will receive a set of 96 samples that we dye in class.

Wondering whether to use a huckaback pattern or an advancing twill pattern for that baby blanket?

Knowing how different weave structures affect the drape and feel of your fabric can help. In this short class, we’ll look at woven samples of different structures, learn to identify their basic weave structure, and see how the weave structure’s interlacement affects the fabric’s appearance and hand.

Students will learn the characteristics of 4 important weave structures (plain weave and its derivatives, twill weaves, compound weaves, and double weaves), how their drafts differ,  how to choose a structure that suits the aims of their project.

Participants will learn the art of needle felting and create a three-dimensional wool sculpture of an owl using a special barbed needle. Instruction will be hands-on and will include demonstrations.

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

Materials: Included

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.