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.

Learn how to wet felt over a resist to create a unique wool vessel. Participants will learn all of the steps required to make a sculptural piece of art using wool, water, soap, a plastic resist, and a bit of elbow grease.

Materials: Included

Please Bring: Students are asked to bring a large bath or beach towel that will be used in the wet felting process. 

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.