February Classes

Simple Needlefelt Embellishments

Using a special needle to poke loose wool into place, it's easy to spruce up your knitted or felted projects! Learn some basic shapes and flowers to get you started. *Note* This class involves a lot of repetitive hand movements holding a needle smaller than a pencil. Some persons with severe arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome should not take this class, please ask for more information if you are concerned.
Materials: You will need to bring two knitted & blocked swatches (4x4 or 6x6 inches) in either wool or acrylic yarn (you can serge and cut these from an old sweater before blocking.) Squares of felt can be purchased at class time. If you have your own tools or mats, please bring them. (The materials fee covers a needle and wool used in class.)
Date & Time: February, Feb 3^rd, 6-8pm
Cost: $13, + $5 materials fee
Instructor: Libby Sutton
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Cat Bordhi Moebius Sling Bags

Have you been looking at those wonderful Cat Bordhi moebius patterns, but are nervous about starting one on your own? This is your opportunity to learn all the techniques needed to make one of her stylish sling bags. In the first class we will cover Cat's Moebius technique for easily achieving the seamless infinity twist, along with inserting a waste yarn. Students will return the next week to learn how to pick up those waste yearn stitches to seamlessly "drop" the bag right out of the middle of the strip! Students interested in more practice with magic loop can get extra support in the second class while working on their bag. There are several bag styles to choose from, although we recommend the summer felted or child's felted bag. For Intermediate Knitters.
Materials: A Second Treasury of Knitting, Needles & yarn according to chosen pattern
Date & Time: Wednesdays, Feb 4^th & Wednesday, Feb 11^th, 6-8pm
Cost: $28, + materials
Instructor: Judy Gilbert

Spinning Basics (Wheel)

This three week class is intended too give you a good introduction to spinning yarn with a wheel. We'll learn basic wheel mechanics, drafting, spinning singles, and plying. In the last class a few variations on plying will be explored. We'll use handcarded rolags, roving, and combed top. The materials fee includes 4-6 oz of wool as well as in-class use of our equipment and tools. We have four wheels available for use in class (you're encouraged to try different ones even if you bring your own) however it is recommended that you also have access to a wheel at home between classes to work on homework. We have two wheels available for rent, ask at the shop for more information. Students are encouraged to bring their own wheel if they have one.
Materials: Comfortable clothing for sitting and using your feet. Bring a wheel if you have one.
Date & Time: Thursdays, Feb 5^th & 12^th, 6-8pm. A third session will be scheduled once class begins.
Cost: $40, + $20 materials fee
Instructor: Libby Sutton
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Crafty Family ~ Silk Flower Hankies

Come join us to make a fun silk-painted flower hankie! Perfect for giving to that special lady on valentines day, the pattern is already printed on the hankie and kids magically fill in their own colors by touching the dye to the fabric. The final product is functional and washable. Due to curing times, the hankies will need to be picked up at the shop on the following Tuesday between Noon and 6pm. Crafty Family Classes are designed especially for parents with young children. They provide a fun time for parent-child interaction in a low-pressure environment. This class is targetted for children 4-9 years old.
Materials: It is recommended that you bring a painting smock or t-shirt that can get stained.
Date & Time: Saturday, Feb 7^th, 1-2pm (If this class gets full, we may run a second from 3-4pm)
Sign-Up Deadline: Wed Feb 4th 6pm
Cost: $12 per child
Instructor: Libby & Beth Ann Sutton
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A Crash Course in Finishing

Do you love to knit or crochet but the idea of sewing it together at the end terrifies you? Are you simply suffering from unsewn-sleeve syndrome and need a kick start? This class has nothing to do with knitting, and everything to do with finishing! Learn seaming techniques as well as a few other tips and tricks. (How to weave in ends and keep fabric stretchy! Picking up beautiful stitches!) The class will also block a project together and discuss why we do this with woolens.Please have the homework swatches listed below done before arriving from class.
Materials: Yarn or chenille needle, crochet hook (size H or I), the needles used for swatches. Contrasting yarn in same weight as swatches. You will need to bring eight, 3"x3" knitted swatches in worsted weight yarn. Two should be done in garter stitch, and the other four in stockinette stitch with NO border (do not slip or knit the first st every row.) You may want to block them ahead of time to make finding row ends easier.
Date & Time: February, Feb 10^th, 5:30-8pm
Cost: $16, + materials
Instructor: Libby Sutton
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Needlefelting a Scene

Learn both 2-D and 3-D techniques to create a picture or landscape using nothing but wool, mohair, and silk! Well... and some special, barbed needles. Needlefelting is an amazing way to interlock fibers to create both pictures and 3-D objects. Starting with wool-felt as a background, learn to incorporate both into a single image. The materials fee includes a needle, felt, and wool used in class.
Materials: If you have a mat or tools, bring them.
Date & Time: Tuesday, Feb 17^th & Thursday, Feb 19^th, 6-8pm
Cost: $26, + $10 materials fee
Instructor: Libby Sutton

Crochet Basics & Intermediate Crochet

Beginnners learn how to crochet in this two-week course. All of the basics are covered, and students are welcome to choose a project to continue on once the initial washcloth is completed. Already know the basics, but you're looking to expand your crochet horizons? Want to learn doilies, sweaters, irish or tunisian crochet techniques? Speak with the instructor prior to class to agree upon a suitable project.
Materials: I or J hook. 1 ball of Lily Sugar & Cream yarn.
Date & Time: Wednesdays, Feb 18^th & 25^th, 6-8pm
Cost: $25, + materials
Instructor: Libby Sutton

Silk Painting

Explore the delicacy of painting with dyes on 100% pure silk! Because this class is running in the winter, we'll be using a water-based resist (less ventillation needed.) Basic color blending, resist methods, and salt techniques will be covered. In the first session we will design and apply our resist pattern, and in the second session we will apply the dyes. Due to curing times, paintings will usually need to be picked up from our shop the following Friday or Saturday. Materials fee includes a piece of silk yardage and the use of our brushes, frames, dyes, and chemicals during class.
Materials: Wear your "Art" clothes. These dyes do not always wash out.
Date & Time: Tuesday, Feb 24^th & Thursday, Feb 26^th, 6-8pm
Cost: $26, + $15 materials fee
Instructor: Libby Sutton

Woven Felt

Of interest to both new and experienced wet felters, this class combines simple weaving and felting techniques. Make your felt appear much more complicated than it really is! A sample is located at our front counter (as well as the woven felt shawl on display in the shop.) Each student will complete a placemat and coasters to take home. Additional applications of this technique will be discussed. The materials fee includes use of our boards and tools, as well as the wool for the project. *Note* This class involves a lot of standing and rubbing on a washboard. Persons who are not able to stand for longer periods of time and those with certain types of arthritis or sensitive skin may not want to take this class. If you have concerns, please ask before signing up.
Materials: It is recommended that you bring a change of clothes incase you get wet. You will need to wear sneakers or boat shoes during class.
Date & Time: Saturday, Feb 28^th, 1-3:30pm
Cost: $25, + $12 materials fee
Instructor: Libby Sutton
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