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Black Sheep Gathering — 2009
Incredible Workshops
| Page also available in PDF format |
The Black Sheep Gathering offers an array of inspiring workshops taught by some of the best fiber artist and animal husbandry instructors from the Northwest and beyond! Almost all workshops are held at O’Hara Catholic School, 715 W 18th Ave, just a short walk from the fairgrounds. ** Classes will be held during all three days of the Gathering—June 19, 20, and 21. Outlined below are a few things to keep in mind as you register for classes:
REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 6, 2009. The registration process is a lottery. Registrations are collected, sorted and processed by postmark date and all registrations with the same postmark date are randomly entered into the computer. Registrations received before March 6 will be considered a March 6 postmark. Be aware that some classes fill up quickly. While a March 6 postmark gives you a better chance of getting into your first choice, it doesn’t guarantee it. Therefore, we recommend that you also include 2nd and 3rd class choices.
REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION: You will receive a notice confirming that we have received your registration and informing you of the classes that you have been registered for. Please include your email address and phone number on the registration form so that we can contact you if there are any problems. (We do not sell or share our list.) Please be patient! We get 60% of all registrations in the first 2 weeks after registration opens and it can take a month to process these early registrations.
REGISTRATION CLOSES June 3. Requests for class cancellations received after this date are not eligible for a refund.
For classes that still have space available we will take new registrations during the Black Sheep Gathering. We will be registering students at the workshop front desk at O’Hara School for classes that still have openings.
Waiting List: We maintain a waiting list of five students for each class. Those ending up on a waiting list will be given a choice of remaining on the list, switching to another class or receiving a refund. If an individual chooses to remain on the waiting list a refund will not be issued until after the Black Sheep Gathering. If a cancellation occurs the first person on the waiting list will be notified (and so on down the line).
Check-In: Morning and all day classes begin at 8:30am and afternoon classes begin at 1:30pm. Check-in times are: 7:45-8:30am and 12:45-1:30pm respectively. Students need to check-in at the O’Hara School front desk prior to class.
**Check-in for classes that are held at the Fairgrounds will be at the class—you do not need to come to O’Hara Elementary.
Breaks: All-day classes include a 2-hour break from 11:30am-1:30pm to allow ample time for lunch and shopping. It is a short 5-minute walk to the Fairground events and vendors.
Lost your list of supplies to bring to class? The supplies needed for each class are posted on the website: www.blacksheepgathering.org
Payment: We do NOT accept credit or debit cards and we do not do Internet or email registrations (although we are working on it). Sorry, you still have to do it old-fashioned way with a check or money order sent through the mail.
| Friday Workshops | Saturday Workshops | Sunday Workshops |
| Workshop Enrollment Form |
Workshop inquiries, contact Karen at murphyk@efn.org
Friday, June 19th, Morning Workshops
Nantucket
Rug Hooking—For
Spinners
Janis
Thompson
Friday, June 19, 8:30am-12:30pm
Cost: $55 plus $12
materials fee for rug hook and small pattern on linen
Experience
Level: For the confident, beginning spinner.
Max.
No. of Students: 20 (flexible)
Materials list: Spinning
wheel; Extra bobbins; Kate; Ball winder; A few balls of leftover
handspun yarn in any size
Learn
this easy and versatile craft to create large or small treasures from
handspun yarn. We will SPIN and start hooking a project for you to
take home. Students will learn how to “re-engineer” small amounts
of existing leftovers into yarn suitable for rug hooking ... a nice
portable project that fits in your lap!
A
whirlwind of artistic energy ... Janis is always learning and sharing
various media ... mostly fibers, spinning, dyeing, knitting, felting,
wire twisting, bead craft and RAKU. Janis is the owner of dyelots
fiber studio in Eugene, an instructor at the Eugene Textile Center
and the Educational Talks and Demonstrations chairperson for the BSG.
She teaches, demonstrates and vends at many shows around the
Northwest.
Popular
Wheel Mechanics
Judith
MacKenzie-McCuin
Friday, June 19, 8:30-11:30am class is full
Cost: $40
Experience:
Students should be able to spin a continuous thread.
Max.
No. of Students: 18
Materials
list: Bring
your wheel and all its parts, especially the ones you have
never used
In
this
workshop, students will learn how to adapt their wheel to spin the
diameter they want, not the diameter the wheel allows. Participants
will also learn 1) how to adjust the wheel to get the twist per inch
we need by adjusting the wheel and not the spinner; 2) look at how
wheels are designed and how to get them to work to their maximum; 3)
about drive bands, lead cords, different whorls and when to use
scotch tension or double drive and 4) how to reward our wheels for
good behavior with proper oil and good maintenance.
Judith
MacKenzie McCuin has worked as a textile artist for many years. As a
spinner, dyer and weaver she has traveled and worked throughout North
America and abroad. Her articles have appeared regularly in Spin•Off
and she has also written for Handwoven,
Interweave Knits
and PieceWork.
She is the author of two books, Teach
Yourself Visually Handspinning and
The Intentional Spinner
and a video, “Exotic Fibers and Novelty Yarns.” She has worked as
an instructor and judge at both the Black Sheep Gathering and the
Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival.
Felted
Flowers
Lori
Flood
Friday, June 19,
8:30-11:30am class is full
Cost: $40 plus $10
materials fee
Max.
No. of Students: 10
Materials list: 3 - 4 old hand towels;
Scissors; One small bucket or container about ½ to 1 gallon
size; Liquid dish soap; Students should wear comfortable clothing and
shoes.
Students
are welcome to bring a camera and photograph the process so they can
easily repeat the project at home with the understanding that the
images are to be for personal use only and not to be distributed in
any manner.
Students
will transform colorful wool fibers into elegant flowers using
traditional wet felting techniques. These 3-dimensional flowers
require no sewing—just soap, water and gentle rubbing. They can be
used as decorative pins on wearables and accessories or brighten an
office or home.
Lori
Flood is an award-winning felt artist from Walla Walla, Washington
who works full time creating felt and teaching others felt making.
She has been exploring fiber arts for over 14 years and has worked
almost exclusively in felt making for the last eight. She has
exhibited nationally and sells her felt artwork in galleries across
the country as well as on her website at www.spinsterstreadle.com. As
an instructor, her philosophy is to teach the techniques but allow
the work of the student to reflect their own sense of style and
design.
Spinning
Silks
Friday, June 19,
8:30am-4:30pm
Cost: $75 plus $20
materials fee for all fibers that are covered in class
Experience: Participants
should be able to spin a continuous yarn on their wheel.
Max. No. of
Students: 20
Materials list:
Participants must bring a spinning
wheel in good working order; Hand cards and a slippery lap
Note: Spindles present a problem with such a broad range of fiber types
as we will be
covering.
Silk
can
be found in many different forms, from raw cocoons to caps to the
most refined combed tops. We’ll explore a variety of silk types and
learn to prepare and spin the fiber and finish silk yarns. For
dessert, we’ll spoil ourselves with some delectable silk blends.
Paula
Shull has exhibited her work in many venues with numerous awards and
recognition. She has judged camelid fibers at an alpaca specialty
show in Salem, Oregon, and Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival in Canby,
Oregon, and was also chosen to judge of the AlpacaPalooza Spinner’s
Choice. She has had work published on and between the covers of
Spin•Off
magazine, as well as in Shuttle,
Spindle and Dyepot. She has served
twice as examiner for the Handweavers’ Guild of America’s
Certificate of Excellence in Spinning. She has researched and written
an as-yet-unpublished study on the evolution of a handspun project,
which includes a yield study using merino fleece. Currently, she is
doing an on-going study of the use and behavior of variegated yarns
in knitted and woven structures.
Lanaset
Color Wheel
Workshop
Nancy Finn
Friday,
June 19, 8:30am-4:30pm
Cost: $75 plus $15 materials fee includes
silk fabric and dyes
Experience: none
Max. No. of Students: 20
Materials list: Wear old clothes or bring an apron; A set of measuring
spoons; RUBBER GLOVES; Pen and paper; Small, shallow, recycled
containers (some will be provided), preferably with lids.
Each
student will create a complete color wheel by soaking pieces of silk
fabric in gradations of color. The gradations are accomplished by
mixing proportions of each of the primary colors, red, yellow and
blue with each other. Samples for toned and shaded colors will also
be mixed. Each student will have approximately 70 color samples at
the completion of the workshop. This is an excellent way to make a
set of samples for matching colors and further develop one’s color
palette.
Nancy
Finn: “I’ve had my own dye business, Chasing Rainbows Dyeworks,
for about 18 years. We dye spinning fiber and yarn. I’ve been
involved with textiles since I learned to knit at age 7. Working with
yarns, fabrics, threads etc., has always had me involved with color
always. I have a B.A. in Textiles and Clothing; over the years, I’ve
knitted, sewn, woven and spun. It seemed like a natural progression
to learn about dyes. This meant that I could have any color at my
fingertips. Color is food for the soul. This is what I’ll be
sharing in the workshop.”
Color
Happens
Judie Overbeek
Friday, June 19, 8:30am-4:30pm
Cost: $75 plus $15
materials fee for all fibers and a handy organizer
Experience: You should be able to spin a continuous strand and ply two
strands together.
Max. No. of Students: 20
Materials list: Spinning wheel that you like;
Wheel accessories; Hand cards; Dog combs; English combs; Hackles;
Drum carder – bring what you have, don’t go out and buy anything!
We’ll share. Knitting needles in size 6 or 7 if
you are a knitter.
Color inspirations such as a favorite picture, yarn or piece of
cloth.
There
are so many ways spinners can develop color in their yarns and so
many pre-colored fibers to choose from. But how to create the colors
you want, and control blending levels are issues that need to be
understood for successful projects. It’s tons of fun and this class
does not require expert spinning skills.
You’ll
start by building your own fiber color wheel. You can create every
color there is by blending just three primary colors and perhaps some
black!
Study
blending techniques such as:
• Pat
Bullen’s hand blending
• Blending
with hand cards
• Blending
with a drum carder
• Blending
with English combs
Then,
design your own unique color and spin it many ways. Finally, knit or
weave a swatch of your special color to see how it behaves in your
favorite project.
Judie
has taken refuge in spinning, weaving and dyeing for over 25 years,
incorporating the three disciplines into a single project whenever
possible. A love of process and a deep desire to share her skills
keeps her involved in these inexhaustible crafts both as student and
teacher. Judie lives in NW Montana where she is an elementary reading
specialist. She teaches spinning, weaving and dyeing throughout the
Northwest in her “spare” time.
Design
Your Own Socks
JC
Briar
Friday, June 19, 8:30am-4:30pm
Cost: $75 plus $2
materials fee
Experience: Participants must be comfortable working in the round,
using double-pointed needles, two circulars, or the Magic Loop
technique.
Max. No. of Students: 25
Materials list: Smooth, light colored, worsted-weight yarn; A
set of dpns, two circulars, or a long circular,
US size 3 (3.25mm).
Create
socks that fit your feet and match your wardrobe! Learn to choose
yarn and needles, figure out sizing issues, and create heels and
toes. Keep it simple, or get creative with fancy stitch patterns.
Experience
Level: Participants must be comfortable working in the round, using
double-pointed needles, two circulars, or the Magic Loop technique.
A
self-confessed “technique freak” and “skill junkie,” JC
dabbles in all kinds of knitting, but has a special fondness for
textured knitting and novel construction techniques. If it involves
lace, cables, or seamless construction, it’s sure to catch her eye.
She shares her enthusiasm by teaching at events such as Stitches,
online through www.NeedlecraftUniversity.com
and on the high seas through CraftCruises.com.
Regardless of the topic, she aims to build confidence by expressing
concepts clearly and concisely, and by presenting skills and ideas in
a digestible progression. When not teaching, JC brings clarity to
knitting patterns as a freelance technical editor.
Faroese
Lace Shawls
Joan
Schrouder
Friday, June 19, 8:30am-4:30pm
Cost: $75
Experience: This class is designed for intermediate knitters
Max. No. of Students: 25
Materials list: Yarn: 1 oz/25 g. sport weight wool in a light color and
smooth texture
Needles: 7 Am./4.5 mm (can be circular, in
shorter
length, or straights) 4 markers that open.
From
the
Faroe Islands in the cold North Atlantic Ocean come these wonderful
shawls, specially shaped to cling to the shoulders. Traditionally
knit from the bottom up, these shawls can just as easily be worked
from the top down.
Knit
2
mini Faroese shawls, learning to work the unique shoulder shaping
into the body of the shawl, one sample with a darted shoulder, the
other with a gathered shoulder. Experiment with incorporating various
lace stitches into the distinctive center panel. Then miter a corner
and attach the border to the body stitches as you knit it. A final
miter and the Russian graft, and your shawl is ready for blocking!
By
the
end of the class students will have learned the knitting basics, as
well as information on suitable yarns and blocking information so
that they can then design and knit their own full-size shawl. Further
reference works will be given to pursue more advanced designs.
Joan
loves teaching knitters to reason out solutions. Intriguing
construction details, seamless knitting and ethnic styles fascinate
her. She teaches classes at national knitting conventions such as
Stitches and TKGA, plus travels the country teaching for guilds and
yarn shops. She also answers technique questions on various Internet
knitting lists. In the past, she has designed for knitting magazines
and yarn companies
Felt Vest/Tunic
Ayala Talpai
Friday, June 19, 8:30am-4:30pm
Cost: $75 plus $25 materials fee includes 1 pound felting batt, a
decent
sewing needle,2 felting needles and
other oddments.
Max. No. of Students: 15
Materials list: A couple of old dog-quality bath towels; Yarn and wool
scraps in colors you like; 12x12x3" piece of upholstery foam for work
surface; Large plastic leaf-size bag; GOOD SCISSORS!! Must
have.
A package of nice long pins with big heads, like for quilting; A
bucket
(5-gal would be excessive but quite acceptable) and small pitcher
First …we’ll make
a big piece of near-felt.
Then …we’ll fit
it to our own particular torso, maybe embellish it via needlefelting
and other methods, finish up felting and wear it home!
Ayala is full
of little tricks that she’ll lavishly share for this project and for
others that may occur to you later …
Ayala has
spent her entire life making stuff, making do, and doing well.This
happy obsession with creativity has led to the first innovation in
fiber
arts since the Stone Age—NOW! Felting needles turn wool into a
sculptural material! Having taught all ages and all abilities all over
the place, Ayala has also written two authoritative needlefelting
workbooks and is at work on the third. She is also immersedin
traditional felting and any skills pertaining to YARN.
Friday, June 19th, Afternoon Workshops
Felted Jewelry
Pendant
Lori Flood
Friday, June 19, 1:30-4:30pm
Cost: $40 plus $15 materials fee Includes all materials that become
part of the finished product including wool and surface
embellishments
such as yarns, wool locks, silk fibers and prefelts. Wire and
jewelry clasps and handouts are also provided.
Experience: All levels welcome.
Max. No. of Students: 10
Materials list: 3 - 4 old hand towels; Scissors; One small bucket or
container about ½ to 1 gallon size; Liquid dish soap; Students should
wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Students are welcome to bring a camera and photograph the process so
they can easily repeat the project at home with the understanding that
the images are to be for personal use only and not to be distributed in
any manner.
Create a felt
bead pendant of intricate design using traditional wet and contemporary
needle felting techniques. During the process the pendant ball will be
incorporated and students will create a coordinating felt neck coil on
which they can hang their wearable artcreation!
See FELTED
FLOWERS in the Friday morning listings for a biography.
Forage
Management-Parasite Control: Friend or Foe?
Woody Lane and Dr. Joe Snyder
Friday, June 19, 1:30-5:30pm
Cost: $55 plus $10 materials fee
Experience: None
Max. No. of Students: 25
Materials list: Registrants should bring outlines of their grazing
management system and also their parasite control program.
How can you manage your pastures well and also cope with the parasites
that grow in them? This workshop will teach you how to integrate good
pasture management with good parasite control. Veterinarian Joe Snyder
and Nutritionist-Grazing Specialist Woody Lane combine to provide
practical guidance on how to do both. This is a unique opportunity!
We'll start by describing how to manage your pastures in the most
effective and economic way. Then we'll describe how and why parasites
live in these pastures and how to develop nutritional and grazing
strategies to deal with them. Parasite resistance is a growing problem,
and we'll discuss ways of reducing or eliminating the use of chemical
anthelmintics (dewormers) and making the most effective use of them
when necessary. We'll cover many new techniques, such as FAMACHA,
copper boluses, high-tannin forages, multiple-species grazing,
intensive grazing, forage selection, parasite resistance, and animal
genetics. And we'll describe which parasites can be controlled with
these procedures and which can't. This will be a very practical and
interactive workshop.
Woody Lane is a nationally known livestock nutritionist from Roseburg,
Oregon. He owns and operates an independent consulting firm "Lane
Livestock Services," teaches courses in forages and livestock nutrition
to ranchers in the area, facilitates three forage study groups for
farmers, and writes a popular monthly column "From the Feed Trough ..."
for The Shepherd magazine. Woody is a popular speaker across the United
States and Canada, and over the past few years, has helped develop the
well-known SID Sheep Production Handbook. Woody earned his Ph.D. from
Cornell University.
Dr. Joe Snyder has been a veterinarian for over 20 years at the Myrtle
Veterinary Hospital in Myrtle Point, Oregon. He and his family own a
small farm where they keep a flock of sheep with their guard llamas and
graze young cattle during the spring and summer grazing season. Dr.
Snyder is nationally known for his expertise in parasite control and is
very interested in grazing management and strategies for both parasite
control and pasture stewardship. Currently, Joe is the president of the
American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners and also the
president of Oregon Tilth, a nonprofit organization that provides
organic certification services to organic farmers. He has been active
in the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association in the past.
Spinning for Weaving
Judith MacKenzie-McCuin
Friday, June 19, 1:30-4:30pm class is full
Cost: $40 plus $10 materials fee
Experience: Beginning spinner, no weaving experience necessary
Max. No. of Students: 18
Materials list: Bring your spinning wheel and all its parts. Bring any
handspun you have done that you'd like to weave with. Pen and paper.
This class is for spinners of all levels who would like to learn to use
their handspun to make beautiful cloth. We'll look at how to spin a
perfect warp yarn and we'll learn tricks to make a yarn that isn't
perfect still weave wonderfully. We'll look at yarns that do
tricks-differential shrinkage and opposing twists, for instance. We'll
look at spinning techniques that make a weft yarn exactly what you need
for the cloth of your dreams. Bring your handspun and we can design a
weaving project for it. There will be hands-on spinning in this class;
the weaving will be a demo on several different types of looms,
including a simple rigid heddle loom.
See POPULAR WHEEL MECHANICS in the Friday morning listings for a
biography.
| Saturday Morning Workshops | Saturday All Day Workshops | Saturday Afternoon Workshops |
Lace
Knitting: Beginnings and Endings
Cynthia Heeren
Saturday, June 20, 8:30-11:30am class is full
Cost: $40 plus $10 materials fee Fee includes yarn
and notions for class projects, and project book.
Experience: Basic Knitting Skills: must be able to knit, purl,
increase, decrease, cast-on and bind off
Max. No. of Students: 20
Materials list: Participant should bring size 4 and size 8 knitting
needles (circular or straight) to class
Take the terror out of knitting lace. This course will cover the basics
of knitting lace: the materials needed, basic stitch techniques,
pattern reading, tips and tricks to help you along the way, finishing
techniques and the mysteries of blocking. Gain the knowledge to knit
the heirloom masterpiece you've always dreamed of!
Cynthia Heeren is an accomplished fiber artist. She has won numerous
awards for her fiber arts, including the Black Sheep Cup for a
handspun, knitted lace shawl and two Champion awards for her spinning
at the Black Sheep Gathering, the Diamond Award and several Grand
Champions at the Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival, and Champion Spinner
and Champion for Article made from Handspun at the Oregon State Fair.
In addition to spinning, she also knits and crochets, designing for the
commercial market. Her designs have been featured in Handspun Treasures
from Rare Wools: the Save the Sheep Project, and in Knit N' Style
magazine. A popular instructor and judge, Cynthia teaches and judges
fiber arts throughout the northwest and relishes sharing the joy of her
art with others. Cynthia lives on a farm in Bend, Oregon with her
husband, Karl. She is also a goat and fiber judge and has judged at
major venues throughout the country.
Just
Dyeing for Socks
Judith MacKenzie-McCuin
Saturday, June 20, 8:30-11:30am class is full
Cost: $40 plus $15 materials fee:
includes pattern, sock needles, yarn, dyes
Experience: No experience as a dyer needed. Should have a basic
understanding of knitting.
Max. No. of Students: 18
Materials list: None
In this workshop we'll dye knitted blanks to create colorfully
patterned yarn that will defiantly keep you fancy footed. We'll dye
enough for a pair of beautiful wool socks for which a pattern is
supplied.
See POPULAR WHEEL MECHANICS in the Friday morning listings for a
biography.
From Hoof to Loom (For
ages 8-15 years old)
Lyn Gates
Saturday, June 20, 8:30am-12:30pm class is canceled
Cost: $55 plus $20 materials fee (for a
drop spindle and handouts)
Experience: None
Max. No. of Students: 12
Materials list: Students can bring with them any oddments of
thick/chunky yarns (do not go out and buy this) for weaving purposes.
A
sense of adventure and lots of patience!
This class will start with a brief overview of the processing of wool
as an introduction to spinning after which, with perfect quantities of
fun and patience, we will embark on mastering the art of the drop
spindle. You will then be encouraged to use your first spun yarn,
together with a choice of other colorful yarns, to fashion a piece of
work on a small weaving loom. Lots of fun!
Growing up in rural England included time spent sitting atop an old
wooden school desk, swinging my legs, giggling and sharing stories, as
my classmates and I knitted our first woolen dolls, a home in which I
watched my mother endlessly knit clothes for her children; and a
community where a visit to the wool shop on a trip to town, was a
given, cultivated in me a lasting love for the fiber arts. Memories
like this still nurture and excite me and it is with this feeling that
I am inspired to offer these classes to children today.
Techniques, Tips and Tidbits
Joan Schrouder
Saturday, June 20, 8:30-11:30am
Cost: $40
Experience: Intermediate knitting experience necessary.
Max. No. of Students: 25
Materials list: Yarn - ! or 2 oz. worsted wt. in smooth texture, light
to med. color; Knitting needles (straight or circ. in suitable size
for
yarn); 2 DP ndls same size or smaller; Blunt yarn sewing needle with
large eye
Years of knitting experience have provided me with ample opportunities
to learn ways of doing it better, easier, with more interesting
techniques or just plain differently. I am only too happy to share with
you the fruits of my labors. No need for you to stumble along and make
the same mistakes I have-this way you're free to discover whole new
sets of problems I haven't even thought of yet! <grin>
We will cover:
See
FAROESE LACE SHAWLS in the Friday all day listings for a biography.
FAMACHA
Dr. Susan Kerr
Saturday, June 20, 8:30am-11:30am
Cost: $40 Optional materials fee: $12 for FAMACHA cards
Experience: None
Max. No. of Students: 20 Minimum: 10
Materials list: Fresh fecal samples from sheep or goats. Bring manure
from your herd, especially if not dewormed within the past month
Note: If students have sheep or goats that they would like to volunteer for class use/discussion, please note this on your registration form and/or contact Susan at susankhirata@yahoo.com.
This
workshop will introduce sheep and goat producers to new concepts
regarding parasite treatment and control in small ruminants. It will
include a general overview of parasitism, parasite life cycles, and
intelligent use of dewormers to minimize the development of parasite
resistance to dewormers. Participants will learn how to conduct fecal
egg counts on fecal samples and use the results to make parasite
control decisions for their flock or herd. They will also learn how to
use the FAMACHA system as part of an effective parasite control
program. FAMACHA cards will be available for purchase.
Dr. Kerr received degrees in animal science and veterinary medicine
from Cornell University and a doctorate in Education from Kansas State
University. She has been the director of WSU Extension in Klickitat
County since 1995. Dr. Kerr is a member of the American Registry of
Professional Animal Scientists, the American Association of Small
Ruminant Practitioners and other professional organizations.
Saturday, June 20th, All Day Classes
Saturday, June 20th, All Day Workshops
Spinning Boucles
Judie Overbeek
Saturday, June 20, 8:30am-4:30pm
Cost: $75 plus $5 materials fee for handouts
Experience: Intermediate to Advanced: a good plying technique is
essential for success with boucles.
Max. No. of Students: 15
Materials list: Spinning wheel and 3 bobbins; Tensioned Lazy Kate;
Wheel maintenance kit; 4-5 spools of sewing thread in various colors;
Fine yarns in various fibers and colors; Metallic threads if you have
them; Fine handspun singles (optional); Several different colored
balls
of worsted weight yarn (small quantities are fine);
Knitting needles
appropriate to your worsted yarn.
Making boucles is wonderful fun and results in an endless variety of
bumpy, textured yarns to use in knitting or weaving projects. We can
make these boucles from thread and commercial yarns as well as from our
own handspun.
My focus for this class is on fine boucles for use as carry-alongs in
knitting or as accent yarns in weaving. These yarns don't necessarily
stand on their own, but become textural and color enhancements wherever
they are used along with a background yarn. We'll make four or five
different yarns and then do some knitted samples. The same spinning
techniques can also be used to make bulkier boucles suitable for fiber
jewelry or funky knitting. As time permits, we will play with these as
well.
See COLOR HAPPENS in the Friday all day listings for a biography.
Beginning Spinning: I Really Want
to Spin Straw into Gold
Laurie Weinsoft
Saturday, June 20, 8:30am-4:30pm class is full
Cost: $75 plus $8 materials fee
Experience: None
Max. No. of Students: 12
Materials list: Spinning wheel with at least 3 bobbins in good working
order. I will provide all materials.
Note: If a spinning wheel is needed for use in this class,
please notify the Black Sheep organizers, Susan Hirata or Karen
Murphy. An extra wheel will not be available in the classroom
Do you want to learn how to spin? Laurie brings her popular class for
beginning spinners to the Black Sheep Gathering. The class will expose
the new spinner to the spinning wheel, how it works and how to keep it
spinning. We will explore and use a broad spectrum of spinning fibers
starting with a variety of wools. We will learn how to pick out a hand
spinning fleece as well as how to wash and prepare the wool for
spinning. We will move forward as the class and your skills improve to
spinning silks, mohair and blends of these fibers. The drum carder and
hand cards will be available to try as time allows.
Laurie Weinsoft has been a spinner for the last seventeen years. After
a lifetime of knitting, sewing, and weaving, it was sitting behind the
spinning wheel that gave Laurie the greatest joy. Laurie started
teaching spinning within months of learning herself. She has taught a
continuing class for beginning and returning students at Northwest
Wools in Portland, Oregon for the past five years. Laurie is one of the
original members of the Twisted Sisters spinning group and was a
contributor to the Twisted
Sister's Sock Workbook and the Twisted Sisters Knit Sweaters: A
Knit-to-Fit Workshop. Laurie's work can also been seen in
the Winter
2006 Spin•Off.
"My main goal in teaching spinning is to share my
enthusiasm for beautiful spinning wheels, incredible fibers and the
sheer joy of creating amazing yarns."
Lace Weaving on a Rigid
Heddle Loom
Diane McKinnon
Saturday, June 20, 8:30am-4:30pm
Cost: $75 plus $10 materials fee
Max. No. of Students: 10
Materials list: Scissors; Pen/pencil; A warped loom
Note: Students should plan to arrive at the class with their loom
warped according to instructor's directions and with approved warp
yarn. IMPORTANT: Please contact instructor at: dianemckinnon@verizon.net
prior to class.
Take your rigid heddle loom or knitter's loom to a whole new level by
learning how to weave lace patterns with it. In this class, you will
create a striking window or wall hanging while you learn how to weave
six different lace patterns on your rigid heddle loom. You will also
learn how to incorporate natural materials such as raffia and reed to
add dimension and texture.
Diane McKinnon is an avid weaver and spinner who especially enjoys
seeing her students discover their own potential as they have fun with
fibers. Her first loom was a rigid heddle loom that she bought while
she was still in high school. Diane went on to study weaving during
college. She did additional color, textile, and weaving studies at the
Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Attending conference
classes, working for two years in a weaving shop, and doing production
weaving have increased her skills and knowledge over the years. She
teaches at The Black Sheep Gathering, NwRSA's Annual Conference, Oregon
Flock and Fiber Festival, and holds regular fiber classes in the
Thistle Patch Fiber Studio at her home. Diane is an enthusiastic
spinner as well and she uses her collection of looms to weave her
special yarns into unique hand-woven items. She especially enjoys
sharing the wonders of weaving with beginning weavers.
A Window into Your Soul
Loyce Ericson
Saturday, June 20, 8:30am-4:30pm
Cost: $75 plus $20 materials fee for all wools, background fabric,
felting needles/pad, second hand frame and paints.
Experience: None
Max. No. of Students: 12
Materials list: None
We will make a small needle felted picture. I will bring a pre-felt
base, many colors of wool, a small second hand frame and some acrylic
paints. You will bring a simple picture of something that moves your
soul. Together we will transform these elements into a piece of art to
hang on your wall. We will sponge paint the frames in colors that will
highlight the picture you wish to create. Using a square hole cut in
paper we will "find" the essence of the picture you brought. Then we
will recreate your vision using felting needles. No prior experience
needed.
After twenty plus years working in high tech as a mechanical designer,
Loyce Ericson took a personal and professional turn to follow her
passion. She has been making felt since 1999 and began teaching in
2001. She travels and teaches nationally as well as in her private
studio and classroom in Forest Grove, Oregon.
Loyce's pieces have taken many awards at Oregon's Black Sheep Gathering
and placed Best in Show 2000, Best in Class 2001 and 2003 at the Oregon
Flock and Fiber Festival. She teaches nationally and owns the Chocolate
Sheep in Forest Grove, Oregon.
Pygora-Processing,
Blending and Spinning
Susan Forsyth
Saturday, June 20, 8:30am-4:30pm class is full
Cost: $75 plus $25 materials fee cover tools and fiber used in class
along with printed material
Experience: All levels.
Max. No. of Students: 15
Materials list: Participants are encouraged to bring to class any type
of fiber or tools they have questions on.
Spinning wheel or spindles, combs, carders, flickers, Jennie plyers
or
kates. Also any tools you might have questions on, don't know how or
are unsure how to use. There will be extra tools for use in the
classroom so no extra tools have to be purchased before class-just
bring what you have.
Special Instructions: Susan will be having a drop-in session on getting
machines ready for class. Contact her at susanf@rocketmail.com
or phone 604 288 9811 to find out where and when.
There are many beautiful natural colors of Pygora. In this class we
will enhance their beauty by adding dyed fibers of silk, merino and
many others in wonderful colors of the rainbow. Pygora is indeed a
super fiber to play with to create a wonderful yarn-but where does one
start?
We will comb, card and fluff the fibers together and experiment with
different spinning techniques to make our yarn-thick, fine, lofty,
tight, slubby or smooth. Participants will go home with an array of
ideas to build upon. So bring along a note pad and pencil with your
spinning wheels and tools.
Susan has a collection of working antique sock making machines. She
teaches sock knitting at her home in Mission, British Columbia, Canada.
Susan has been spinning for many years and teaching many different
fiber related classes for 18 years. She also teaches spinning, felting,
dyeing, knitting, embroidery and bobbin lace making. Susan has judged
spinning at fiber competitions and has a particular interest in fiber
preparation. She and her husband, Andrew, manufacture and sell tools
for spinners through their web-based business at www.woolcombs.com.
Knitting Machine for
Absolute Beginners
Celeste Percy
Saturday, June 20, 8:30am-4:30pm
Cost: $75 Materials fee: *$5.00* Only if a replacement sponge bar is
needed.
Experience: None
Max. No. of Students: 12
Materials list: You must know the gauge of your machine—contact Celeste
if you are not sure! E-mail address: fyberella@yahoo.com;
Knitting machine in good working order. Any and all accessories that
you have for the machine (but no ribbers). Any and all hand tools you
have for the machine. Your machine manual if you have one. Scrap
yarn—anything you don't mind throwing out, scrap yarn is used as
"waste" cast on & holding yarn. The gauge of the scrap should
match your machine's gauge. A variety of yarns to practice with. The
yarn weight should match the
gauge of your machine.
For
the Farmers Market Bag project: approx. 500 or so yards of yarn
that will work on your machine. Bring anything hard spun or
superwash—this
is a net grocery bag. Yes, you can use up leftover bits! Just in Case:
We may or may not have time for socks but bring something
you would like for this—nothing too fancy since this is a practice
pair. The yardage will depend on your machine's gauge. Celeste will let
you know when you check in with her.
How many of you own knitting machines and haven't been able to make the
most of this wonderful tool? Well, here is your opportunity to get that
thing out of the closet! This all day class will demystify all the
basic techniques of machine knitting. Of course, the emphasis will be
on using handspun yarns: how to use up your stash, spinning
specifically for your gauge of machine and even machine knitting for
felting (fulling). The first part of the class will be getting
everyone's machines tuned up and oiled; then onto basic machine moves
and even some fancy ones. After lunch we'll make a fun drop stitch
Farmers Market bag with I-cord handles ... and, if there's time, some
socks with short row toes and heels.
Notes:
•
Any kind of knitting machine-manual, punchcard
or electronic models. All machine knitting techniques will
apply to all
machine types.
• Almost any brand of knitting machine is ok,
but, please no Bond or electronic double bed Passap machines as
they
operate radically different from all the other brands and I do not have
as much experience with these machines.
• Please do not bring "Ribbers" we will not be
covering this secondary machine. Everything in this class only
uses the
primary flat bed machine.
Celeste
has been an instructor in the Eugene area for the past 15 years
teaching a host of fiber related classes. She has also published
nationally in Threads magazine and other Taunton publications. Celeste
is an avid spinner, hand and machine knitter, felter, quilter,
sewer...she has a passion for all things fiber. Her teaching goal is to
share fiber techniques that are fun and easy for anyone to
accomplish-to bring joy and success into the process of learning!
Ready, Set, Sweater!
Elements of Sweater Design
Karen Alfke
Saturday, June 20, 8:30am-4:30pm
Cost: $75
Experience: No prior sweater experience necessary.
Max. No. of Students: 20
Materials list: Pattern and (one skein of) yarn for a project to start
after class; A range of needle sizes appropriatefor chosen
yarn and the usual knitting tools (especially a tape measure); Wear a
layer of tighter clothing (ready to measure bust and hip sizes)
Students receive a folder with handouts free of charge from instructor.
Experienced knitters know that the keys to successful projects are all
present before you start: the right pattern, the right skill level, the
right size, the right fiber, and, of course, the right gauge! In this
workshop, we'll take it step by step so that you can make informed
choices that will ensure a gorgeous garment that fits you well.
Karen learned to knit in Germany in the 1980s, where the knitters
around her didn't need patterns to make sweaters! Upon returning to the
States (and after careers in graphic design and university teaching),
she decided to bring this independence of spirit to American knitters.
As a result, she has published a line of "Unpatterns,"
www.unpatterns.com, which allows knitters to choose their own yarn to
design a garment in their perfect size. For the last decade, she has
been helping knitters become more independent by teaching her
techniques at yarn shops and retreats around the Pacific Northwest, as
well as sold-out workshops at the national "Stitches" conferences. When
she's not teaching, she's writing knitting patterns for her "2nd Nature
Design" label, www.2ndesign.com, walking her dog, and looking for more
time to just sit and knit in Port Townsend, Washington.
Saturday, June 20th, Afternoon Workshops
Spinning
Cashmere
Cynthia Heeren
Saturday, June 20, 1:30-4:30pm
Cost: $40 plus $17.50 materials fee for cashmere to spin and handouts
Experience: Basic spinning and plying abilities required.
Max. No. of Students: 20
Materials list: Spinning Wheel; Fast Flyer or Whorls - if you have
them; Three empty bobbins; Lazy kate (optional);
Spinning oil
Learn to spin the heavenly fiber-cashmere. This workshop will explore
the properties of the fiber, what to look for when purchasing it, how
to tune your wheel for the best results, techniques to prepare and how
to spin the fiber.
Experience Level: Basic spinning and plying abilities required.
See LACE KNITTING: BEGINNINGS AND ENDINGS in the Saturday morning
listings for a biography.
Basic Knitting (For ages
8-15 years old)
Lyn Gates
Saturday, June 20, 1:30-4:30pm class is canceled
Cost: $40 plus $15 materials fee covers pattern, handouts, extra yarn
Experience: None
Max. No. of Students: 12
Materials list: Class requires that students bring with them a pair of
knitting needles size 7 or 8 and a light colored yarn of their choice
(preferably worsted weight, no. 3 or higher). Have a simple
project in mind and lots of questions.
This class is an introduction to knitting skill: including cast on and
bind off techniques, knit and purl stitches, and knitting vocabulary.
There will be an overview of the many types of yarn, needles, and
stitches. Students will be encouraged to begin a simple project to be
completed at home.
See FROM HOOF TO LOOM in the Saturday morning listings for a biography.
All Thumbs
JC Briar
Saturday, June 20, 1:30-4:30pm
Cost: $40 plus $2 materials fee for comprehensive handouts.
Experience: Participants must be comfortable working in the round,
using double-pointed needles, two circulars, or the Magic Loop
technique.
Max. No. of Students: 25
Materials list: Smooth, light colored, worsted-weight yarn, preferably
wool; A set of dpns, two circulars, or one long circular, sized
appropriately for your yarn and your style of knitting; A short length
of scrap yarn in a contrasting color; Stitch markers.
Mittens are great portable projects. Since they don't require much
yarn, they're also great stash-busters. The only tricky part is the
thumb. Learn a handful of thumb options in this class, from the simple
to the anatomically correct.
See DESIGN YOUR OWN SOCKS in the Friday all day listings for a
biography.
Certifications That Can
Enhance the Value of Your Product
Roberta Anderson and Callyn Kircher
Saturday, June 20, 1:30pm-4:30pm class is canceled
Cost: $40
Experience: None
Max. No. of Students: 25
Materials list: None
Have you ever thought of using an organic or sustainably-grown
marketing claim to enhance the value of your product? This interactive
workshop will provide an in-depth introduction to the requirements of
third party certification programs offered by Oregon Tilth and Food
Alliance for your livestock, wool or other fibers. This workshop will
focus on the certification requirements of the National Organic
Program, Food Alliance, and the Global Organic Textile Standard. If you
are committed to producing your meat or fiber with strong environmental
and animal stewardship, and wish to market your products with an
associated third-party certification, don't miss this opportunity to
learn from local experts on the requirements for these claims.
Callyn Kircher graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in
Agriculture Business/Animal Science. She began her career with Oregon
Tilth as an inspector, specializing in organic livestock production.
This provided her with knowledge in many diverse livestock production
systems. Now, her primary role as Farm Program Manager Assistant is to
help clients achieve and maintain their certification. Her knowledge of
organic production encompasses both the requirements and on-farm
practices that create a successful organic farm.
Roberta Anderson joined Food Alliance in 2004 and is currently Business
Development Manager. She works with farmers, ranchers, food processors
and distributors who wish to use Food Alliance certification to support
their marketing claims about environmental stewardship, humane
treatment of animals, and safe and fair working conditions.
Additionally, she works to build opportunities and relationships
between certified farmers and processors and the many food businesses
that seek value-added products. She educates food buyers on sustainable
agriculture, food labeling and certification, and has presented on
multiple speaker panels, including recent participation at the
Community Food Security Coalition 2007 national conference, the
National Association of College and University Food Services 2007 and
2008 conferences, and the American Society of Healthcare Food Service
Administrators 2008 conference.
Rainbow Dyeing with
Lanaset Dyes
Nancy Finn
Saturday, June 20, 1:30-4:30pm AND Sunday, June 20, 8:30-11:30am
Cost: $75 plus $20 materials fee includes fiber and yarn for dyeing and
dyes
Note: This workshop meets for two half-day
sessions. Participants must plan to attend both days.
Experience: Pre-requisite: Lanaset Color Wheel Workshop
Max. No. of Students: 15
Materials list: Wear old clothes or bring an apron; A set of measuring
spoons; 2 or 3 pyrex measuring cups, RUBBER GLOVES; pen and
paper; Small, shallow recycled containers, including some the
size of yogurt or cottage cheese containers. Bring several color
inspirations.
This workshop will build upon our Lanaset Color Wheel exploration as we
design and create color palettes. Rainbow dyeing is a technique by
which we can produce stunning and harmonious colorways. Dyes will be
mixed and applied individually to produce clear and distinct color.
Complimentary, triad, and split complimentary color schemes will also
be explored. Each student will receive 2 units of fiber-one silk, one a
silk blend-to explore this technique. Bring fiber or yarn from your
stash, as well as several color inspirations. (Note: this workshop
continues on Sunday morning.)
See LANASET DYEING under the Friday all day listings for a biography.
| Sunday Morning Workshops | Sunday All Day Workshops | Sunday Afternoon Workshops |
Sunday, June
21st,Morning Classes
CAGBA
Registry Inspection Workshop
Sandi Young
Sunday, June 21, 8:30am-11:30am
Cost: $40 plus $15 materials fee (for the CAGBA Registry Standards
guidebook)
Experience: none
Max. No. of Students: 25
Materials list: A copy of the CAGBA Registry Standard will be sent to
all participants prior to the class for full examination.
Please contact Sandi Young (instructor) at: howdi2@goldrush.com.
Learn to recognize the eligibility criteria for natural colored Angora
goat registry. Using the approved registry guidelines we'll examine
fleeces and goats, both good and bad.
This class is required for certification as a CAGBA inspector, and will
include review of the Registry Standard (to be provided upon
registration in the class), and a hands-on inspection for registry.
Sandi Young has been raising prize-winning Angora goats (and fleeces)
for 16 years, and has been a fiber artist her whole life. She has been
a member of CAGBA since its inception, and a past officer. She has been
judging Angora goats for several years as well.
Mohair Spinning-Greased
Lightning!
Janis Thompson
Sunday, June 21, 8:30am-12:30pm
Cost: $55 plus $15 materials fee
Experience: Intermediate to Advanced spinning skills
Max. No. of Students: 20
Materials list: Students must bring a spinning wheel in GOOD working
order with ALL of its whorls and accessories ... extra bobbins.
tensioned KATE, ball winder &/or Niddy Noddy
EMBRACE the most luscious fiber on earth!
Spinning soft lustrous locks, plucking a HALO, making a LOOPY boucle ...
Many textured yarn structures will be explored in this jam-packed
4-hour class.
Experience Level: Spinning level: intermediate to advanced;
participants must have the skill to spin a COHESIVE yarn and be willing
to take RISKS!
See NANTUCKET RUG HOOKING-FOR SPINNERS in the Friday morning listings
for a biography.
Chart Your Course: Creating
Visual Pattern Instructions
Karen Alfke
Sunday, June 21, 8:30-11:30a.m. class is canceled
Cost: $40, no materials fee
Experience: Beginning to intermediate knitters. No prior
chart reading experience necessary, but prior increasing, decreasing,
and cabling experience helpful.
Max. No. of Students: 20
Materials list: Students may bring a pattern for a charted design which
they are interested in knitting.
No other advance preparation required.
Ever gotten lost in a sweater pattern? Frustrated by pattern instructions that just say “complete to match other side, reversing all shaping”? Or do you yearn to knit those beautiful Fair Isle and Aran sweaters, but can’t make heads or tails of the charts? Surprise—the skills you learn from knitting charts can help you make sense of garment shaping, too. In this workshop, we will demystify chart reading, introduce some great tools (paper and computer) for creating your own charts, and learn a technique for laying out and tracking separate sets of simultaneous instructions (such as cabling while decreasing for an armhole.)
Beginning
to intermediate knitters. No prior chart reading experience necessary,
but prior increasing, decreasing, and cabling experience helpful.
See READY, SET, SWEATER in the Saturday all day listings for a
biography.
Knitting with Curly Locks
Ayala Talpai
Sunday, June 21, 8:30-12:30pm
Cost: $55 plus $5 materials fee for Curly locks, dye, knitting needle
Experience: Please figure out how to knit before coming to
class. Better yet, learn European-style, where the yarn is carried on the left index finger. (Some instruction possible during
workshop).
Max. No. of Students: 20-25
Materials list: Worsted-weight yarn in a favorite color, a few ounces;
Good scissors; Pencil sharpener or jackknife;
An old dog-type bath towel
Crazy knitting! We'll learn exuberant if not bizarre effects using the
extra-long locks of certain sheep breeds: first-off, Kool-Aid dyeing
them with multiple colors, then knitting-yes, please figure out how to
knit before this workshop-we'll create a headband (nicknamed "Halo" or
"Spaniel") and leave class all radically stylish! Then you'll be on
your own as to what other projects these locks could be knitted into
for maximum effect.
Experience Level: Please figure out how to knit before coming to class.
Better yet, learn European-style-where the yarn is carried on the right
index finger. (Some instruction possible during workshop).
See A FELT VEST/TUNIC in the Friday all day listings for a biography.
Shearing On Your Own
Susie Wilson
Sunday, June 21, 8:30-12:30pm
Cost: $55 plus $3 materials fee for handouts
Experience: None
Max. No. of Students: 35
Materials list: None
This is one of the most popular classes for the would-be shearer. Susie
guides you through the intricacies and fun of shearing your own
animals. Learn how someone without previous experience can quickly
learn to shear a sheep or goat. You'll learn technique and shearing
patterns using hand and/or electric clippers. Susie advises taking this
class before you buy any clippers.
Susie Wilson is a shepherd, shearer, knitter, spinner and an
enthusiastic lamb and wool producer from Canby, Oregon. She and her
husband, Dan, operate SuDan Farm and raise Border Leicester and
Coopworth sheep. A great many of her past students are now successfully
shearing their own sheep-and you can, too!
Rainbow Dyeing-Continued
Nancy Finn
Sunday, June 21, 8:30-11:30am
Rainbow Dyeing class continues. See Saturday afternoon
listings for
class description.
Weave
a Wagon Wheel Rag Rug
Diane McKinnon
Sunday, June 21, 8:30am-4:30p.m
Cost: $75 plus $25 materials fee includes: Loom making
materials, Fabric for rugs, Sewing thread for tacking and finishing,
Needles, T-Pins
Experience: All levels welcome
Max. No. of Students: 12
Materials list: Scissors; Pen/pencil; A piece of fabric in their
favorite color, 1 yard long by 36" to 45"wide
if they'd like
Woven round rag rugs or Wagon Wheel Rugs were originally woven on the
iron rims from wagon wheels. They also have a Scandinavian history. In
this fun class you will use readily available materials to construct a
simple round loom. Next, you will learn how to prepare the rag
materials and then you will weave a small, round rag rug as you learn
the interesting design and color possibilities inherent in this craft.
See LACE WEAVING ON A RIGID HEDDLE LOOM in the Saturday all day
listings for a biography.
Fleece in Your Hands
Judith MacKenzie McCuin
Sunday, June 21, 8:30am-4:30pm class is full
Cost: $75 plus $10 materials fee
Experience: Participants should have a working relationship with their
wheel and be able to make a continuous thread.
Max. No. of Students: 18
Materials list: Please bring your spinning wheel with all its parts,
even the ones you
have never used. Bring handcards, combs, flickers if you have them.
Bring a niddy- noddy. Pen and paper. 10 – 15 Gallon Ziploc bags.
No advance preparation needed.
In this workshop we will work with five different types of fleece:
luster long wools, medium wools, fine wools, down breeds and primitive
fleeces such as Shetland and Icelandic. We'll look at how each fleece
type is unique; we'll learn different methods of preparation and
spinning that will help develop each fleece's character. We'll also
explore the range of textiles each of these fleece types can be used
for.
Experience Level: Participants should have a working relationship with
their wheel and be able to make a continuous thread.
See POPULAR WHEEL MECHANICS in the Friday all day listing for a
biography.
Orenburg Handspinning:
Complete Fiber Preparation Process
Galina Khmeleva
Sunday, June 21, 8:30am-4:30pm
Cost: $75 plus $10 materials fee includes handout charts, use of
Russian spindles and bowls and several luxury fibers for spinning.
Experience: All levels welcome.
Max. No. of Students: 15
Materials list: None
Learn how those talented knitters and spinners from Orenburg perform
feats of textile magic by turning the raw down from native goats into
luxuriously soft, exquisitely fine yarn via supported spindle that
ultimately results in the most elegant lace shawls and scarves in the
textile universe. In this class, Galina will introduce you both to the
handspinning of, as well as the more economical use of today's "luxury"
fibers, i.e., cashmere, qiviut, pygora, etc. Authentic hand-turned
Russian supported spindles available for class use.
Galina A. Khmeleva, owner of Skaska Designs and author of Gossamer
Webs: The History and Techniques of Orenburg Lace Shawls and Gossamer
Webs: The Design Collection, has earned a reputation as one of the most
respected and knowledgeable lace knitting instructors in the country.
As a former clothing and costume designer who worked with the
"aristocracy" of St. Petersburg, Russia's music and theater society,
Galina was a pioneer in breaking down barriers in the "new" Russia that
allowed Russian women the opportunity to achieve ownership status in
private companies.
As the principal student to Orenburg's lace knitting elite, Galina
brings the classic style and revered traditional knitting techniques of
Russian lace to her classes. Her unique, inspiring and fun-loving
teaching style has made her the guru of lace enthusiasts across the US.
And as an extra bonus, Galina's classes are an awesome, unforgettable
cultural experience.
Natural Dyes Are Not Dull!
Laura Cunningham
Sunday, June 21, 8:30am-4:30pm
Cost: $75 plus $20 materials fee includes: All mordants and dye stuffs
and accessory chemicals: Cochineal, Osage orange, Indigo
and
others used for class. Yarn in skeins for dyeing. Basic instructions
for dyeing, recipes, fun things to try
Experience: None
Max. No. of Students: 20
Materials list: Apron, rubber gloves, dust mask; Tags for marking yarn;
Notebook
In this six hour class, students will create a color wheel of saturated
colors using three different natural dyes and alum mordant. A selection
of other colors will be available, as well. Students will learn basic
dyeing safety, collection techniques, how to blend colors, weighing for
depth of shade and general dyeing methods. Come get excited about color!
Laura has been spinning since 1973, and is a third generation weaver.
In 1997, she won the Handweavers Guild of America's Small Expressions
award with her handspun/hand-dyed entry and has exhibited her work in
several galleries in California. She has taught spinning and dyeing for
many years, and currently raises Romeldale/CVM sheep. This severely
curtails her spinning activities, but gives her lots of fiber to play
with!
Felted Knitting Bag
Carin Engen
Sunday, June 21, 8:30am-4:30pm class is full
Cost: $75 plus $48.50 materials fee includes enough hand-dyed fiber for
a bag, template and written instructions
Experience: This class is suitable for beginners as well as advanced
felters.
Max. No. of Students: 15
Materials list: 2 old bath towels; Plastic dishwashing pan;
Scissors; A bar of soap (motel soap works great)
This workshop will introduce you to the ancient process of wet felting.
The basic seamless technique taught in the class can be used to make
everything from purses to vests. We will make a bag usable for holding
your knitting projects or it can be used as a purse. Surface design
will also be covered.
Carin Engen is an award-winning fiber artist and workshop instructor
who has been using her experimental, playful nature to seriously
explore felting and color since 1992. She maintains a studio in
Garberville, California where she produces a line of hand dyed wool
fabric and fiber as well as her felt art. She is an enthusiastic
teacher who encourages innovation in her students work. A gallery of
her work is available at thetinthimble.com.
The Fun of Antique Sock
Machines
Susan Forsyth
Sunday, June 21, 8:30am-4:30pm class is full
Cost: $75 plus $15 materials fee
Experience: None
Max. No. of Students: 12
Materials list: Students should bring their Sock machine and all tools
used with machine: i.e. weights, hooks, crescents, picks a clip on
light if needed, machine needles, any yarns for study or use.
Note: The instructor will be having a drop in session on getting
machines ready for class. Contact susanf@woolcombs.com
or phone 604 288 9811 to find out time and place.
Sock machines are available to rent. Students wishing to rent
a machine must notify the instructor in advance at: susanf@woolcombs.com
as machines are
limited. Rental cost: $15/day.
Antique Sock Knitting-back by popular demand!
Fascinating sock knitting machines speed up the process of creating
hand-knit socks, but they can be intimidating. Bring your machine along
with your questions and Susan will demystify the process of setting up
and using one of these useful tools.
Don't have a machine yet? Join this class and learn what to
look for in a sock knitter. You may rent a sock machine, for a small
fee, if you want to experiment before buying. If so, please note this
on your registration form as there are a limited number available.
For those of you who have mastered the hem top sock, why not join us
and learn more on how to use that ribber attachment. Some of the things
to be covered in this busy class include learning how to get your
machine to knit or make heels without holes, how to determine what
yarns to use, as well as learning how to make a bigger or smaller sock.
See PYGORA-PROCESSING, BLENDING AND SPINNING under the Saturday all day
listings for a biography.
Sunday, June 21st, Afternoon Workshops
Spinning
Exotics
Laurie Weinsoft
Sunday, June 21, 1:30pm-4:30pm class is full
Cost: $40 plus $10 materials fee includes all exotic fibers of the
highest quality
Experience: This class not recommended for the very beginner.
Participants should be able to spin a continuous thread.
Max. No. of Students: 12
Materials list: Bring a spinning wheel with at least 3 bobbins in good
working
order. Instructor will provide all materials.
It is time to take a spin on the wild side. This class is designed for
the spinner who is ready to try anything. Play with the many fibers
that are available to spinners today, especially the more exotic fibers
such as yak, cashmere, silk, angora, camel, and superfine merino. We
will also get to spin some of the new high tech fibers available
recently like bamboo, soy silk, hemp and Tencel. We will learn several
different spinning techniques while we spin as many of these fibers as
time will allow. This will be your chance to handle the very finest of
fibers.
See BEGINNING SPINNING: I REALLY WANT TO SPIN STRAW INTO GOLD under the
Saturday all day listings for a biography.
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