These classes are for 2009 - new schedule for 2010 will be up as soon as it is ready.

Please check back!

Basket Making - Berry/Bun – Instructor: Roberta McClellan                                       Enrollment: 5

As an introduction to basket making you will choose to make either a simple “berry basket” or a “bun basket”. While getting comfortable with the materials and the process of weaving you may find making these baskets can be quite addicting.

This is a Beginner level class. 

Workshop fee: $45 - Includes all basket making supplies.

Saturday AM – Half day class

Extra kits will be available for purchase from the instructor.

Materials student must bring to class: Two willing hands, small hand towel

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Basket Making – Mail/Market – Instructor: Roberta McClellan                                    Enrollment: 5

If you have had some basket making experience and want to try a larger, more involved project you may want to learn to weave  a “market basket”. Learn about shaping, handles and finishing techniques as you create a basket you’ll be proud to display.

This is an Intermediate level class.

Workshop fee: $55 - Includes all basket making supplies.

Saturday  PM - Half day class

Extra kits will be available for purchase from the instructor.

Materials student must bring to class: Two willing hands, small hand towel

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Basket Making – Wool Basket – Instructor: Roberta McClellan                                    Enrollment: 5

If you have had some basket making experience and want to try a larger, more involved project you may want to learn to weave  a “wool basket”. Learn about shaping, handles and finishing techniques as you create a basket you’ll be proud to display.

This is an Intermediate level class.

Workshop fee: $65 - Includes all basket making supplies.

Sunday  - All day class

Extra kits will be available for purchase from the instructor.

Materials student must bring to class: Two willing hands, small hand towel

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Creative Stitchery – Instructor: Linda Whiting                                                                Enrollment: 8

You may be familiar with the historic embroidery known as ‘crewel work’ but did you know that you can take those same compact stitches and create a freewheeling yarn ‘painting’ by enlarging those stitches and combining them in different ways? In the first half of the class we’ll be making a sampler of those stitches and learning how to transform them. After lunch we will work together to translate your photos and ideas using those stitches and a variety of smooth and novelty yarns. You will learn to define shapes, create texture, detail, and more using the stitches and your imagination. You will have a head start if you already know some embroidery stitches but previous stitch experience is not necessary. This is a great way to use up yarns left after completing other projects or handspun samples.

Workshop fee: $75 – Includes frame, tacks, background fabric, tapestry needle, some yarns and handouts. 

Saturday – Full day class 

Materials students must bring to class: Bag of yarns - odds and ends in a variety of weights, types and colors to share, small sharp scissors, magazine pictures or photographs for stitchery ideas (landscape or still life, for example), and lots of imagination

Very, Very Beginner Crochet - Snowflake - Instructor: Laurie Sims                        Enrollment: 6

Friday AM - Half day class

Materials student must bring to class:  An open mind and relaxed hands. G or H is good if you plan to buy a crochet hook to bring or have one already.

Very, Very Beginner Crochet - Granny Squares - Instructor: Laurie Sims              Enrollment: 6

Workshop fee: $25.00 - Includes printed material including stitch diagrams and pattern.

Saturday AM - Half day class

Materials student must bring to class:  Students bring yarn scraps and any crochet hooks you may have. I'll have assorted sizes to try for tension, G or H is good if you plan to buy one.

Crochet Edgings for Knitters - Instructor: Laurie Sims                                            Enrollment: 10

Sunday AM - Half day class

Materials student must bring to class:   Students bring three or four 4"-6" plain knit sample squares of medium weight yarn, other yarn bits for crocheting the edgings and any crochet hooks you may have. I'll have assorted sizes to try for tension, G or H is good if you plan to buy one. Includes tips on reading and interpreting crochet patterns.

Crocheted Swirly Scarf - Instructor: Laurie Sims                                                         Enrollment: 10

Dyeing - Jar to Finish - Instructor: Linda Whiting                                                          Enrollment: 8

How do you mix dyes, make stock solutions, get colors you want beyond the color in the jar? Learn how to develop a personal palette, create different effects and really get to know your dyes and what you can do with them. We’ll be using different mixing methods, a variety of pots and pans, tools, and a mix of fibers to create wonderful color combinations for your knitting and spinning delight. Throw away your preconceived notions about color and come with an open mind ready to break the bonds of “the jar”. A little figurative magic ‘pixie dust’ and a day of playing with color will change your perspective and allow you to make your own rules. Then you can choose to follow those rules or keep playing.

Workshop fee: $75 – Includes dyes, dust masks, tools, tagging materials, sample fiber and dye booklet.

Friday - All day class

Materials student must bring to class: Pen or pencil for note-taking, a selection of clean fiber, yarn or roving to dye, an apron, gloves (optional), and plastic bags or containers in which to transport wet fiber home. Additional yarns, roving  and dyes will be available for purchase

Felt Inspirations - Instructor: Susan Mills                                                                        Enrollment: 8

Learn the fine art of seamless felting in a workshop that features a step-by-step process for creating a magically unique sculptural vessel, or a distinctive hand bag or even wearable art mittens.  Learn how to select wool, and with soap and water create an original felted piece all your own. Learn how to design and to make resist patterns to begin the shape. Work through the felting process using advanced methods. Incorporate dyed yarn and exotic fibers, sticks and stones, and feathers or beads to make your piece special. Beginners are welcome, but experienced felters will appreciate Susan's creative approach to the medium and find much to expand their knowledge, as well as a fun and meaningful workshop experience.

Workshop fee: $85 - Includes 5 ounces of wool for a small hand bag, pair of mittens or vessel, exotic fibers, yarns, wire.
 

Friday – All day class 

Sunday - All day class

Materials student must bring to class: Students are encouraged to bring any fiber they may have and cool things to add like feathers, stones, sticks, leaves, beads, yarns, threads, etc. Any or all of these items may be for inspiration or inclusion in their piece. Also bring a towel, scissors, paper and pencil for sketching, chocolate to share with the instructor and possibly others........your choice.

Felt and Mixed Media Wall Hanging - Instructor: Susan Mills                                      Enrollment: 8

Learn the fine art of felting in a day long workshop that features a step-by-step process where you select fibers, and with soap and water create a magically unique felt art piece. Learn how to design your piece incorporating dyed yarn and exotic fibers, mixed media findings as in sticks and stones, feathers, beads and wire all resulting in an artful wall hanging. Beginners are welcome, but experienced felters will appreciate Susan's creative approach to the mediums and find much to expand their knowledge, as well as a fun and meaningful workshop experience.
 

Workshop fee: $85 - Includes wool for felt wall hanging, exotic fibers, yarns, wire.

Saturday – All day class

Materials student must bring to class: Students are encouraged to bring any fiber they may have and cool things to add like feathers, stones, sticks, leaves, beads, yarns, threads, etc. Any or all of these items may be for inspiration or inclusion in their piece. Also bring a towel, scissors, paper and pencil for sketching, chocolate to share with the instructor and possibly others........your choice.

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Textured Nuno Felt Upholstery  – Instructor: Heather Kerner                                     Enrollment: 10

Workshop fee: $65

Materials fee: $40 Includes small hand-dyed silk pieces, pre-made felt texture, and rich merino roving for an 8 ounce thick felt. Bring your own chair seat in need of a covering if you wish! Bubble wrap and swimming noodles provided for use in class.

Saturday – All day class

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Watercolor Needle Felting – Instructor: Julie Yarbrough                                              Enrollment: 8 

If you are anxious to try needle felting but aren't really wanting to sculpt or make figures with fiber, this class is your answer. You will receive instruction on design choices, color application, needling techniques and practical tips to make your needle felting more enjoyable and effective.  Everything you need will be provided by the instructor. If you have tools you prefer to use feel free to bring those. All skill levels welcome.

Workshop fee: $75 – Everything you need will be provided by the instructor. If you have tools you prefer to use feel free to bring those. All skill levels welcome.

Friday - All day class 

Materials student must bring to class: A picture or two for inspiration. Seed or flower catalogs are good examples, Nature photos, or even art books with paintings. This is a good chance to stretch your creativity. 

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Wet Felted 'Nuno' Wool/Silk Scarf – Instructor: Michelle DeLucia                               Enrollment: 10

Learn the ancient technique of wet felting using sheep's wool with silk, cotton and mohair. Discover which wools felt fast and hard and which ones felt soft and drapey. Students will have the opportunity to see demonstrations of felting techniques and then apply them to their own sample of work. The softer Nuno felting technique makes lovely scarves and other accessories suitable for the warmer days of summer. This class is suitable for Beginner level and others who want to play.

Workshop fee: $65 – Includes a silk scarf and 2-4 oz. of felting material.

Sunday PM - Half day class

Materials students need to bring to class:  Apron, hand towel, and a large old towel.

Inkle Weaving – Instructor: Sue Black                                                                                Enrollment: 6

An Inkle loom is a small portable loom used for weaving narrow, warp faced bands which may be used for belts, trims, straps, etc. This type of loom has been traced back over 300 years to England and Scotland. Inkle weaving is not difficult and no experience is needed to take this workshop. Participants will learn how to read patterns, warp up the loom, and weave a narrow band. Looms will be provided for use until Sunday afternoon.  Various types of inkle looms will be on warped up for everyone to try.

Workshop fee: $50 - includes three day use of loom, instructional handout, and all necessary materials to make a narrow band.

Friday - All day class

Materials student must bring to class: Please bring scissors. Colored pencils (optional).

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Kumihimo Braiding – Instructor: Linda Whiting                                                               Enrollment: 8 

Kumihimo, which means “the gathering of threads,” is the ancient art of Japanese Braiding. Generally made of silk these braids are widely used as functional or decorative elements of the kimono, the traditional Japanese dress, and can be used in many other ways. Traditionally these braids are woven on a “Maru dai”, a stand for weaving kumihimo. The threads, wound on wooden bobbins, are lifted in pairs and set down in opposing positions to create a variety of interesting patterned braids. We will be using a handheld braiding disk with plastic bobbins, a portable and inexpensive substitute. There will also be an opportunity to use  a Maru dai. 

No experience necessary.

Workshop Fee: $40 - Includes braiding disk, bobbins, braiding threads, instruction sheets.

Sunday AM - Half day class

Materials student must bring to class: Scissors, pen or pencil for taking notes.

Lucet Braiding – Instructor: Sue Black                                                                              Enrollment: 8

The lucet is a simple fork-shaped tool used for making a cord with low stretch and good strength. The earliest lucets date back more than 1000 years to the Viking era. The technique is very easy to learn and no experience is needed to enjoy this workshop.

 Workshop fee: $35 - Includes a lucet, instructional handout, and all materials needed to make a square cord. Please bring a scissors and ruler

Sunday PM - Half day class

Materials student must bring to class: Scissors and a ruler

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Natural  Dyeing  – Instructor: Michelle DeLucia                                                           Enrollment: 10

Enjoy a day of natural color, fiber and fun as you stroll through Michelle's own farm and garden where you will identify native dye plants in the landscape and see newly-started dye plant seedlings. Learn how to plant your own dye garden and how to set up a safe dyeing environment at home using a safe mordant. Discover the magic of natural dyeing using native spring dye plants (ferns, dandelions, apple leaves, sumac, lamb's quarters) as well as, cultivated annual flowers.

This class is for Beginner level dyers and anyone who wants to add to their experience.

Workshop fee: $60: Includes fleece, plant dyes, and mordant.

Saturday – All day class at Michelle's studio

Materials student must bring to class: Pencil and a notebook.

Please bring a brown bag lunch since this is a full day workshop. There will be herbal treats and spring herbal teas throughout the day.  Students will be picked up in the morning at the Denmark Arts Center and returned at the end of class.

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Penny Rugs – Instructor: Janet Conner                                                                               Enrollment: 8

These are simple appliquéd shapes of felted wool fabrics layered to create simple folk art patterns and designs. Each shape is  embroidered in place using a blanket stitch around its borders.  Penny  Rugs are so named because one of the commonest designs is  small  circles layered onto one another. Seldom actually used as  rugs, these wool appliqués can be used as table mats or wall  hangings. Small projects could include a scissors case or an eyeglass case, pincushion or little bag.

Workshop fee: $25

Sunday AM - Half day class 

Materials Fee: $35  - Includes hand dyed wools,  embroidery thread, interfacing, and custom patterns (Makes 1 large or 3-4 small projects)

Materials student must bring to class:  A pair of good sharp fabric scissors

Punch Needle Miniature Hooked Rugs– Instructor: Janet Conner                              Enrollment: 10

This is an old craft, which mimics the appearance of hooked rugs--but in miniature doll house size! The design is punched from the back using a specialized punch needle tool, creating a series of tiny loops on the front surface. Using my hand dyed wool yarns makes all the difference in antique appearance and quality. In this half-day class, students will choose from among a variety of complete kits ($25) which include an original folk art design, all hand dyed and natural wool threads, and complete instructions. (These kit designs may be previewed on www.jconnerhookedrugs.com) Together we will learn the technique for completing and displaying this beautiful and portable fiber craft!

Workshop fee: $50 – Includes a kit ($25) with all the needed materials to make your miniature rug. (See below for tools.)

Sunday PM - Half day class

Materials student must bring to class:  Small sharp embroidery scissors. Also bring a Cameo Extra Small Punch needle (or purchase from instructor - $15) and 7" MORGAN brand locking embroidery hoop (or purchase from instructor - $9)

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A Separate Piece: Contemporary Crazy Piecing without a Foundation

Instructor: Kate Broughton                                                                                                    Enrollment: 10

If you love the look of crazy-pieced fabrics, but hate the time-consuming limitations of traditional foundation piecing, this workshop is for you. This new method of piecing random shapes and sizes of fabrics doesn’t depend on a muslin foundation. It is faster and more flexible: you don’t find yourself painted into a corner the way you do with regular foundation piecing, and you are able to easily incorporate itsy bitsy shards that add a shattered, prism-like effect to your work. Great technique for art-to-wear, wall hangings, quilts and more. Use up those scraps and make something eye-catching at the same time!

In this workshop, students will create a 8.5” x 11” pieced fabric, embellish it with decorative thread topstitching, and then cut and sew it into a small (approx. 6.5” x 5”) lined bag ideally sized for a cell phone, lipstick, and a bit of “mad money.” The bag and lining are made from a single pattern piece.

Skill Level: Basic machine and hand-sewing skills.

Workshop Fee: $45 - Includes muslin, batting, satin cord, and a grab-bag of fabric scraps to supplement what students bring.

Sunday AM - Half day workshop

Materials students need to bring to class: Portable sewing machine, embroidery or metallic thread needle; rotary scissors, ruler, cutting mat (if you have one).  Optional but helpful: Iron and padded ironing surface. (We’ll bring extra, but having your own will expedite production of your bag.)

Students should bring (a) one 8x14 piece of lining of their choice (cotton, satin, etc); (b) decorative thread for machine top-stitching/stippling; (c) one decorative shank button approx. 1/2” to 3/4”; (d) 10-12 different scraps of fabric (no smaller than 5x5” each) to incorporate into the bag. You may include quilter’s cotton, metallics, lace, or bits of fantasy fabric. Just try to keep the weights of the fabric in the same ballpark.

Feel free to contact the instructor if you have questions.  Email:  info@loomandessence.net .

Designing Your Own Heirloom Rug – Instructor: Rose Ann Hunter                           Enrollment: 10 

This is a techniques class that will cover knitting, crocheting,  and a little bit of sewing to start you on your own heirloom rug. Only basic stitches are used. You will learn how to make a coiled rug, a corded rug, and a washboard rug. The famous confetti rug which incorporates fabric strips in a knitted foundation will also be covered. You will learn how to combine knitting, crocheting and sewing for a one of a kind creation.

Workshop fee: $45 – Includes knitting needles and a selection of yarns and fabrics for swatching. 

Saturday AM  - Half day class

Materials student must bring to class: A pair of scissors, a size "G" crochet hook, a large yarn needle, and a selection of color coordinated remnant worsted weight yarns and skirt weight wool fabric. Recycled fabrics are fine but must be hot washed and dried to full them for use in the rug. Both wool and cotton fabrics can be used in the making of the confetti rug. Yarns - about 100 yards each, fabrics - about ¼ yard each.

Multi-Technique Heirloom Rug – Instructor: Rose Ann Hunter                                    Enrollment: 10 

In this class you will learn how to combine several historic rug making techniques from the early 1800’s to make a rug that is uniquely yours. We will draw a simple design on canvas and will combine French knots, yarn sewing, rug hooking, and shirring to make a small mat.

Workshop fee: $45 -  Includes canvas, two needles, and a selection of yarns and wool fabric, enough to get started.

Friday PM - Half day class

Materials students must bring to class: A pair of scissors. Also bring along some of your own worsted weight yarn and some wool fabric, assorted scraps or small pieces of unused or recycled clothing that has been washed in the machine on hot and dried in the dyer so it is easy to cut and won’t fray.

Standing Wool Rugs and Beyond  – Instructor: Rose Ann Hunter                                Enrollment: 10 

Recycling and reusing the smallest of wool scraps, this class is all about manipulating fabric strips. This is a sewn technique from the early 1800’s using a three inch shirring needle and heavy thread, gathering the wool in various ways to make a plush rug. Standing wool, center shirring, faux shirring and beaded wool techniques will be covered. Start a small matt. You will leave with enough skills to go on to a larger rug.

Workshop fee: $45 - Includes kit to begin your rug - a shirring needle, heavy thread and  woolen scraps to get started.

Saturday PM - Half day class

Materials students need to bring to class: A pair of sharp scissors, about ¼ yard of wool fabric in three colors of your choosing, plus small bits of wool fabric- a mixture of lightweight wool and a few of a heavier coat weight wools. Wool fabric has to be washed in the washing machine in hot water and then dried in the dyer. This ‘hot wash and dry’ step will “full” your wool making it easier to cut.

Silk Painting A Scarf – Instructor: Julie Yarbrough                                                         Enrollment: 6

This is a basic silk painting class with all the bells and whistles. You will have instruction on design choices, resist application, dye application and blending, setting the color and rising the silk. When you are finished you will have a beautiful scarf that you can enjoy or bestow on someone very special. If you can trace and hold a paint brush, you can do it! All skill levels welcome.

Workshop fee: $75– Includes a full kit (stretchers not included) so you can continue your silk painting adventures. The instructor will have line drawings for inspiration or just plain copying. You don't have to be an artist to be successful with silk painting.

Saturday– All day class

Materials student must bring to class: Drawings or designs for inspiration/copying. The design should not be too ornate or fussy simple is best. You can even bring seed or flower catalogs, coloring books, line drawings etc.

Beginning Spinning – Instructor: Rudy Amann                                                                 Enrollment: 6

This is a workshop for the beginning or very novice spinner. In the morning, learn how to draft and spin yarn on a high whorl hand spindle, and in the afternoon use those skills on a spinning wheel. Also learn about different weight spindles and different types of spinning wheels. Hand spindles will be provided, but students need a spinning wheel in good working order.

This is a Beginner level class.

Workshop fee: $80 – Includes spinning fiber and handouts.

Friday – All day class

Materials student must bring to class:  Please bring a spinning wheel if you have one. (Wheels may be rented for $20 – see registration form)

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Spinning on a Drop Spindle – Instructor: Rudy Amann                                                 Enrollment: 10

Try spinning on a simple, inexpensive high whorl hand spindle. While learning to spin wool singles and how to ply singles, get information about choosing fiber, its preparation for different types of yarn, finishing hand spun yarn, and storage of fiber and yarn. (No experience necessary)

Workshop fee: $40 -  Including handouts, fiber, and use of loaner spindles.

Sunday AM  - Half day class

Materials student must bring to class: Students may bring a high whorl spindle if they have one, but loaners will be available.

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Spinning – Beyond the Basics – Instructor: Rudy Amann                                             Enrollment: 10

Have you recently learned how to spin and are now ready to try new challenges to increase your skills? If so, this workshop is for you. It is also a great workshop if you have several years of experience and want new ideas to revitalize your spinning. Different techniques of spinning and drafting will be practiced.

For the spinner who can spin a continuous length of yarn and is familiar with the mechanics of their wheel.

Workshop fee: $80 – Includes spinning fiber and handouts.

Saturday – All day class

Materials student must bring to class:  Spinning wheel. (Wheels may be rented for $20 – see registration form)