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Class Schedule

We don't usually offer classes in the summer as we've found it's hard to schedule with vacations, gardening, hiking, biking, etc...So our class schedules typically run mid Sept - early Dec and then another from mid Jan - April.

But during the summer we usually try to host some free events/tutorials and a monthly Spin - In and Knit n' Nosh, so check below as well as our Events page for good things this summer!

We make go-no go decisions about classes 1 week in advance of the class date (sometimes 2-3 weeks in advance if the instructor is coming from far away), so if you really want to take a workshop, don't wait until the last minute to sign up or the class may get cancelled or may fill up.

Sometimes classes are scheduled mid-season based on demand, so either check back frequently to keep abreast of new ones that are added, or sign up for our once-monthly email newsletter which will always alert subscribers to new classes and events as they are added.

To register for any of these classes, you need to print the registration form and mail it in with a check or your VISfA/MC info for the amount of the instruction fee only. If there is a materials fee listed with the class, it will be due the first night/day of class. If the class is being taught by a visiting teacher (identified by VT at the end of the class description) then you need to be sure you have cash or check with you at the time of class to pay for the materials as these teachers do not have debit or VISA/MC capabilities.

You may sign up at the store as well, but no sign up is taken over the phone as we require the filled out registration form. Please scroll down to the bottom of the page to read the store's class policy regarding refunds.

Weave a Chenille Scarf Wednesdays, 10 - noon June 30, July 7th, 14th & 21st

No experience necessary! Weave a colorful chenille (handdyed rayon) scarf on a 4 harness loom this summer! You'll dress the loom and learn basic weaving techniques. Instruction fee includes 1 skein of hand dyed rayon chenille (must pick from existing colors) and cotton warp, plus use of a store loom and instruction: $135 Meets 4 Wednesdays, 10 - noon, starting in late June. Limit of 6 in class.

handspun yarn Introduction to Spinning Saturday July 10th 10 - 4

Learn the fundamentals of spinning wool using a spinning wheel. We'll also review how to choose a fleece, wash it and card it, but how to draft it and spin it will be the focus. The goal is to learn the basics - coordinating your hands and your feet and understanding the wheel mechanics and how to draft the fiber and spin it into a stable yarn. What you spin in class will not necessarily be a perfect yarn in just 1 day! Some students do leave after a day's class spinning beautifully even and consistent yarn, but in a 1 day workshop, you should not EXPECT to leave spinning a perfectly even and balanced yarn! Instead, it is realistic to think you will leave with a skein of thick and thin yarn, or perhaps even yarn that is thicker than you ultimately desire, but you'll leave with the knowledge and understanding of what you need to work on to make a consistent yarn with practice. Instruction fee includes handouts, fiber and use of a spinning wheel in class. You are welcome to bring your own wheel and use it in class, but it must be in good working condition BEFORE class starts.: $85 Limit of 6 in class.

petro1 petro2 Dyed Petroglyphs with Linda Van Alstyne Saturday & Sunday August 21 & 22 10:00 - 4:00

Linda’s Petroglyph collages have gained international recognition. She will be sharing her unique layered dyeing techniques, so whether you want to learn to apply this dye technique to your felt or to fabric, this is a great class for you. You will use both resists and cut stencils in an immersion dye bath, varying the layers of color and pattern. Acid dyes will be used. You will create your own surface resists cutting both positive and negative stencils. A variety of materials will be used for resists and stencils including botanicals such as leaves, roots and more. The advantages and disadvantages of each will be discussed. Shibori pleating and folding techniques will be presented. You will create complimentary patterns for your collage. Bring at least 1 yard of felt or 5 yards of silk fabric to class 36” x 36”, preferably white. The felt yardage does not have to be in 1 piece! You could bring several smaller pieces which amount to about a yard's worth. NO pre felt unless they it has been fulled. Keep the silk fabric (if you choose to learn these dyeing techniques on fabric not felt) to a 5 yd piece which can then be cut in class to the sizes you need for the various techniques. . Instruction fee for both days includes all dyes, gloves and mask: $225.00

Students must bring:

white fulled felt or silk fabric (since the dyes being used are acid dyes, you'll need it to be silk) that can be cut up for dyeing (at least 1 yard square)

clamps, marked with a string and knots to identify yours in the pot

images/photos/ or books with ideas (Linda will bring some too, but if you are particularly inspired by some image, bring it)

eyes fire ice Felted Masks with Linda Van Alstyn Saturday & Sunday Oct 2 & 3: 10:00 - 4:00

Just in time for Halloween! Or plan ahead for Mardi Gras!

Join Linda, mask-maker extraordinaire, and craft a fabulous mask from wool. Linda has manipulated felt to make detailed features in her masks. This class will introduce you to the subtle changes occurring through the stages of hand made felt that allow you to sculpt and define intricate permanent shapes. From fanciful animal faces to lighthearted comic characters to ceremonial/tribal masks! You will have the opportunity to experiment with multiple layers of felt as you create facial features. Surface textures and inclusion of found objects will also be explored.You must have done some wet felting before (traditional, not knitted and felted), so if you haven't tried this yet and want to be ready for this mask class, stay tuned to the class page for our next beginning felting workshop, coming this summer/early fall. Limit of 8 participants in the class. Instruction fee for both days of felting: $200.00. Bring your own good felting wool of short staple, or purchase it here the day of class at a discount (regularly $6.50/3 ozs....depending on the size of your mask it could be 1-2 bags you need?). Also bring any inspiration you might have....photo, magazine clipping, etc. if you want to shape a particular mask, or just bring your creative mind and let Linda help you form your ideas in wool!

Students also need to bring :

scissors,

sharpie for making pattern,

towels,

cellulose sponges,

bubble wrap (available for sale at the shop if you don't have this already or need a new piece)

mirror (we have 2 at the shop, but if you want to bring your own, that's fine).

Nota Bene: You must prepay to confirm your spot in a class. Fees paid to confirm a spot are NOT refundable if you, for any reason, cannot attend. If the class is cancelled by the teacher or store, then a full refund will be issued. Don't register unless you are sure you can participate, but don't delay since most classes fill quickly. In the event you sign up and can't make the class, you are welcome to send someone in your spot, but you are responsible for finding your replacement and making whatever financial arrangements between yourselves.