Morning Class Choices
Federation Friendship Scarf
On Saturday morning we will gather to begin a scarf for each of us to take home at the end of the weekend. It can be woven, knit, crocheted, or whatever technique you choose. This is a good time for us to renew old friendships and cultivate new ones. If it is not finished, you may continue on the scarf after the hour of time together or choose to take one of the classes offered. Coordinator for this project is Maryann Olme.
Inkle Weaving with Naomi Binsfeld
Inkle weaving is the art of weaving narrow bands. They are often used for decoration, badge lanyards, camera straps, or combined by sewing to create a larger project. Naomi will concentrate on weaving narrow bands (shoestrings, hair ties, etc). Beginners will learn how to warp the loom and weave their band. Experienced weavers might enjoy the class and gain additional tips for using on their inkle loom. Students will need an inkle loom, a band shuttle, and 5/2 pearle cotton or equivalent.
Needle Felting with Leila Peterson
Needle felting is creating a piece of felt from wool with needles. It is a dry felting procedure so the mess of wet felting is not a deterrent to making your own felt. Students will create a two dimensional picture of their own design by “painting with wool”. Needles and some wool will be provided by the instructor. You are encouraged to bring whatever odds and ends of wool and wool yarn you have to be used and shared.
Spinning to Crochet with Judy Payne
Spinning yarn is one of the most relaxing and rhythmical techniques that can be done. Most of us who spin, spin to weave with the yarn or to knit with it. Spinning to crochet is a slightly different technique, but not hard to do. We will spin yarn for crocheting and then take the yarn and crochet a small project. Students will need a spinning wheel, a medium staple wool, and a size F, G, or H crochet hook. Students may make up their own pattern if they are experienced crocheters or use the patern provided.
Afternoon Class Choices
Indigo Dying with Virginia Parent [Sorry, this class is full]
Dyeing with indigo is like experiencing magic. The participants in this class will help mix up an indigo vat, dip wool fiber, and oxidize the wool fiber. Part of the experience will involve refreshing the vat for continued dyeing. Each participant will bring up to 4 ounces of wool divided into two separate 2-ounce skeins or items. Limit :10 students
Drop Spindle Spinning with Judy Payne
Drop Spindles are a convenient, portable, and inexpensive way to spin. It is a technique which goes back thousands of years and was used by royalty as well as the common citizen. Students will learn how to prepare fibers for spindle spinning as well as learn to use the spindle. If you have never used a spindle, have tried and not liked it, or just want to practice consider this class. Instructions for students and some CD spindles will be available as well as some fibers. If you have your own drop spindle bring it along and learn on what you will be using in the future.
Weaving for Spinners with Maryann Olme The instructions for this project have appeared in Spin Off, Winter, 1997 and Handwoven, Jan/Feb, 2008.
No matter what your current weaving level may be you can weave a tapestry bag on a box. This is a good beginning project for non weavers and a portable project for the floor loom crowd. A small box is recommended for your first project, but choose one that you really like so you will complete your project. You will need a sturdy cardboard box with flaps (4x4x4, 8x6x6, 9x7x7 are some common sizes you find) and two, 4 – 6 inch sacking needles. Straight yarn needles can be used, but the curved tip of the sacking needle helps while weaving. The warp is 4-ply worsted yarn (about 60 yards for small boxes) and the weft is 2-ply wool in colors of your choice (whatever you have that is not fine gauge).
Late Afternoon Class Choices
What to do with a “Free Fleece” with Judy Payne
Have you ever been “blest” with a “free fleece”? Well, Judy has and she has developed some techniques for dealing with a “free fleece”. Judy says that a “free fleece” is never free. Having said that join Judy for a discussion of “free fleeces”. She will have good and bad fleeces to show you and discuss which fleeces are worthy of keeping. Bring old clothes to wear and rubber or vinyl gloves for some hands-on work.
Old Looms Discussion with Janet Meany
We have all been owners of antique or old looms. Some of us have repaired and kept them. Others of us have not known how to or where to get necessary repairs. Janet will bring slides of old barn frame looms and of factory built looms such as Union, Newcomb, Reed, and Deen. Participants are encouraged to bring slides or photos or your loom to share with the group or if you have questions. Copies of the Loom Manual Library Listings will be available. Everyone is welcome.
For additional Information contact Maryann Olme
612-824-2484 or maryann.olme@gmail.com
