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Friday Afternoon (1PM – 5PM)
Alpaca fiber and drop spinning by Cris and Hillary Godfrey (Guest teachers)
Teach the basics on the difference between a suri and huacaya alpaca fleeces, how to choose a quality alpaca fleece and the different colors available. We will also discuss how to clean and prepare a raw fleece for spinning and teach the basics on drop spinning alpaca. Drop spindles will be available to use. We will also discuss the best uses for the alpaca yarns
1 hour No limit $5.00 class fee
Indigo Dyeing by Bjo Trimble
We’ll learn how to “set a vat” with indigo crystals, how to dye yarn to T-shirts, and explore the many blues to be obtained from indigo blue.
2 hours No Limit $5.00, waived if student buys any dye kit
No more than ½ lb of any 100% natural fiber: yarn, quilt squares, T-shirts, etc. NO heavy fabrics, no sweaters, towels, jeans, etc.
Freeform Crochet Basics by Jennifer Tan (2pm)
Learn how to scrumble! We will make a variety of motifs and learn the basics of freeform crochet. This class will then lead into Dawn’s intermediate class for those who want to take freeform to the level of making projects. Must know how to chain, single crochet and double crochet.
1 hour Limited to 12 No class fee
MATERIALS THE STUDENTS SHOULD BRING: Bring one or more crochet hooks, sizes G-J (or borrow one from the instructor). Bring two or more single-color DK or worsted weight yarns.
Basic Card/Tablet Weaving by Roberta Brubaker (3pm)
Make that big jump from Inkle to Card/Tablet weaving. Students will learn to “speed warp” their looms, and how to turn, rotate and flip the cards to get hundreds of different designs. Advanced students can use this same warping to learn how to create patterns and write words with string.
2 hour No Limit No class fee
MATERIALS THE STUDENTS SHOULD BRING: Card Weaving Loom, at least 20 cards
Goose Neck Twills on Multi-Rigid Heddle by Barbara Klessig
This class will explore the numerous structures that can be made with the Goose Neck threading. Students will have the chance to create a sampler using Multi-Rigid Heddle looms and using different treadlings that produce a wide range of weave structures. Fee includes use of loom and equipment, handouts, and yarn for Sampler. Kids are invited with the supervision of parent.
2 hour Limited to 6 $8.00 class fee
MATERIALS THE STUDENTS SHOULD BRING: Scissors, notebook, writing implement
Warping your Loom by Therese Calhoun
So you’ve acquired a loom. Whether it is a ridged Heddle, a table loom or a floor loom, warping is done pretty much the same. Come and get a crash course on figuring out how much fiber you need, how to measure it, how to warp a loom and how to read a pattern.
4 hour Limited to 10 No class fee
MATERIALS THE STUDENTS SHOULD BRING: notebook and pens. If you have a small loom you can bring it and we will help you get it warpped.
Kamala: a Southeast Asian dye by John Trimble
Learn how to mix a somewhat tricky natural dye into a lovely golden yellow color for almost any 100% natural fiber. Enjoy working with this historic dye in overdye techniques to create more colors. Use your exhausted indigo-dyed fiber to create green during the Open Dyepot session (time to be announced).
2 hours Limited to 10 Class Fee: $5.00, which is waived if student buys a dye kit (any kind)
MATERIALS THE STUDENTS SHOULD BRING: No more than ½ lb of fiber: yarn to T-shirts. NO heavy materials, no towels, sweaters, jeans, etc.
Beginning Spindling by Cat Ellen
Learn the basics of spinning wool into yarn on spindles. Short, easy to follow steps will make you successful!!
Any time! Limited to 5 at a time Class Fee: $5.00 for fiber
MATERIALS THE STUDENTS SHOULD BRING: Self
Basic Embroidery Stitches and Techniques for Better Embroidery by Robin Berry (4pm)
This class will cover many of the key techniques that self taught stitches are unaware of, but are useful for improving their stitching and that new to embroidery stitchers will find it helpful to know. This class will cover running stitch, back stitch, chain stitch, outline/stem stitch, herringbone, blanket/buttonhole stitch, and Osenstitch. Emphasis will be on how to do these stitches cleanly and easily.
2 hours Limited to 10 Class Fee: $5.00
Spinning for the Yarn you Want (5pm)
Learn how to adjust your spinning wheel to spin thick and fluffy or thin and strong yarns. We will discuss the best ways to spin and ply a number of different fibers, based on if the resultant yarns will be used for Knitting, Weaving or other crafts. This class will “tune-up” your spinning skills, making you a more versatile spinner. Students will create samples of a range of yarn sizes to take. Students should be able to spin a continuous thread with their spinning wheel.
1hr No Limit $5 for fiber samples
BRING: Your spinning wheel, empty spindles
Knitting off your spindle by Theresa Wollenstein (5pm)
You’ve learned to spin, now what? Try knitting right off your drop spindle! This adds a unique ‘twist’ to your knitting. Basic knitting instruction available, experienced knitters welcome too.
1 hour No Limit No class fee
MATERIALS THE STUDENTS SHOULD BRING: Drop spindle or bobbin with yarn you’ve spun.
Friday Evening (7PM – 9PM)
Spinning from Locks for True Worsted Yarn by Cathy Salamon
Beg – Intermediate, for a true worsted, very smooth yarn, we can spin right from the locks, butt to tip, smoothing down the scale as we go, and boy how smooth it is! Come learn this technique and increase your yarns smoothness.
2 hour No Limit No class fee
MATERIALS THE STUDENTS SHOULD BRING: Wheel or spindle
Japanese Braiding … Kumihimo by Debbie Coyle
Learn how to do Kumihimo on a handheld card! It’s a fun fast way to braid elegant cords! The Kumihimo cord is useful for trim, ribbon, bracelets, shoe laces, and more.
This class is for Beginners or Intermediate … if you’ve done Kumihimo on the marudai, come learn how to do it on a handheld card. If you haven’t done Kumihimo, now’s your chance!
2 hour Limited to 10 Class fee: $5.00
MATERIALS THE STUDENTS SHOULD BRING: Self
Combing and Carding, the ABC’s of Fiber Prep by Roberta Brubaker
Having properly prepared fiber is critical for being able to spin for the yarn you want. Should you Comb? Should you Card. Students will learn how determine which fiber prep is best for the fiber they have, all in preparation for spinning into yarn. They will learn how to use Combs to prepare wool top, and Cards to brush up roving into rolags. We will also have a drum carder for students to try out. Bring your own Combs and Cards if you have them; we will have a limited supply of loaner equipment (let us know what you need to borrow). Wool will be provided. Students can also bring clean fiber they want to learn how to prep.
2 hour No Limit Class Fee: $5.00
MATERIALS THE STUDENTS SHOULD BRING: Combs, cards and any other fiber prep tools they have.
Lucet – Square Knot, Multicolor Herringbone, Laid in Gimp & Beads by Robin Berry
This class will start with how to do the square knotted form of the basic stitch. Then we will add in how to lay in gimp for decoration, various ways to add beads, and then how to add in a 2nd or third color.
2 hours Limited to 10 Class Fee: $3.00
MATERIALS THE STUDENTS SHOULD BRING: Lucet if you have one – some will be available for loan. Small scissors.
Saturday Morning – 9am – Noon
Traditional “True” Woolen Long Draw by Cathy Salamon
Intermediate Level – Fluffy, puffy airy yarn! We will learn to prepare rolags in class and then spin from those. When I learned this it was a hoot! It is like spinning from a drafted coiled spring. A real woolen experience, not to be missed.
3 hours Limited to 4 – 6 No Class Fee
MATERIALS THE STUDENTS SHOULD BRING: Hand carders and spinning wheels (NOTE: there will be some carders you can use)
Make a Basket by Therese Calhoun
Learn the art of basket making. Make a melon basket to carry your yarns and other accessories.
4+ hours Limited to 10 Class Fee: $20.00
MATERIALS THE STUDENTS SHOULD BRING: Rose clippers, towel, ruler or tape measure, yarns to use as decoration. (NOTE: you can get wet and you can finish this basket throughout the weekend).
Make a Needle Book by Debbie Coyle
Tired of losing your sewing needles? Looking for elegant way to store them? Looking for a great gift idea? We’ve got your covered! This is a hands-on class, you’ll be making your own needle book.
2 hours Limited to 10 Class Fee: $5.00
MATERIALS THE STUDENTS SHOULD BRING: self
Alpaca fiber and drop spinning by Cris and Hillary Godfrey (Guest teachers) (11a)
Teach the basics on the difference between a suri and huacaya alpaca fleeces, how to choose a quality alpaca fleece and the different colors available. We will also discuss how to clean and prepare a raw fleece for spinning and teach the basics on drop spinning alpaca. Drop spindles will be available to use. We will also discuss the best uses for the alpaca yarns
1 hour No limit $5.00 class fee
Cochineal… Reds, Fushias, Tricks, and Mad Science! by Ercil Howard-Wroth
Bring those pesky bugs under your control! Learn how to balance the water in different ways to control your results – or to “debug” your dyepots!
3hr, Max 14 students, $3 fee
BRING: Bring your own yarn to dye. (For those who pre-mordant please do an alum pre-mordant as a minimum) Mordant baths will be available. Natural fibers, Wool and silk work best.
Finger-Weaving a Friendship Bracelet
Finger-weaving is an off-loom technique noted in Native American sashes and belts, and can be done with just some yarn and a place to tie it up to. Students will learn basic Finger-Weaving techniques to create a woven bracelet. We will be learning from the book “Finger-Weaving Untangled” by Carol James. www.sashweaver.com
1hr Limited to 10 students
CLASS FEE: $5 for Yarn, tape, sticks
Saturday Afternoon – 1pm – 6pm
Open Dyepots by John & Bjo Trimble
This is not technically a class, as there will be no instruction. Anyone signed up for one of the structured dye classes may come to an Open Dyepot session and dye at will until the pot is exhausted (used up). The dyepots will not be renewed during an Open Dyepot, but will be reheated.
Until pots are exhusted No Limited No Class Fee
MATERIALS THE STUDENTS SHOULD BRING: Fibers to dye: yarns to T-shirts. NO heavy fabrics: sweaters, towels, jeans, etc. NOTE: There will be a monitor on hand during Open Dyepots but everyone is on their honor not to add more dyes or mordants or mix dye colors in the pots.
Beginning Spindling by Cat Ellen
Learn the basics of spinning wool into yarn on spindles. Short, easy to follow steps will make you successful!!
Any time! Limited to 5 at a time Class Fee: $5.00 for fiber
MATERIALS THE STUDENTS SHOULD BRING: Self
FreeForm Crochet Beyond the Scrumbles: Let’s Make Something!! by Dawn Jeffory-Nelson
This is an intermediate class for those who are fairly experienced crocheters –It is also very helpful if they’ve taken a beginning FreeForm class. There will actually be “homework”; Students will get the handbook in advance by email, and construct some various scrumbles (crocheted motifs) before Retreat. In class we will make either a small pouch, or begin the construction of a sweater, T-shirt or shawl
4 hours Limited to 10
MATERIALS THE STUDENTS SHOULD BRING: F, G or H crochet hooks, scissors, tapestry needle, note taking supplies, – yarns in the colors of their crochet motifs . . . .Any beads or charms that they may wish to incorporate into their project. If they’d like to make a T-shirt or Sweater, they should bring one of their favorite T’s or sweaters from home to use as a template.
Tunisian Crochet by Jennifer Tan
Come and learn the art of Tunisian crochet! No experience with crochet or knitting necessary. You will learn how to do basic stitches on an extra-long crochet hook. This technique is a bit like crochet and a bit like knitting, but quicker! Those who have taken the class before are welcome to join in for a refresher and start on a project.
1 hours Limited to 12 No Class Fee
MATERIALS THE STUDENTS SHOULD BRING: Bring one or more Tunisian crochet hooks, size L or M (or borrow/purchase one from the instructor). Bring a single-color worsted or chunky weight yarn.
Twist, Ties & Dyes — Tie Dye & Shibori Techniques by Ercil Howard Wroth
Learn various ways of twisting, tying, stitching, and mangling your fabrics before dyeing to create different results!
2h $4 per t-shirt (Baby onesies are 3/$4.00)
BRING: Bring your own T-shirts and bring 2 plastic grocery bags for each item dyed.
4pm Saturday
Triangle Loom … how to use it and how to make a hobo bag by Debbie Coyle
Triangle loom weaving is fun and easy! No lengthy setup or measuring, just start weaving!!!
We’ll have triangle looms (trilooms) available for students to work on, or bring your own and we’ll get you started on it. AND we’ll talk about how to use the woven triangles to make a hobo bag and other projects.
2 hours Limited to 10 No Class Fee
MATERIALS THE STUDENTS SHOULD BRING: Self
Entrelac Knitting by Theresa Wollenstein
Learn to create the unique interlaced look of entrelac! We’ll be making a headband (Quant from Knitty Winter 2007) using Noro Silk Garden. Knitters should be comfortable increasing and decreasing or willing to learn. Basic knitting will not be covered, but can be taught prior to class.
2 hours Limited to 5 Class Fee: $15.00
MATERIALS THE STUDENTS SHOULD BRING: Size 7-9 straight or circular needles.
Card Weaving 3/1 Twill by Roberta Brubaker
This is an advanced card/tablet weaving class to learn the 3/1 Broken Twill technique. Students will learn the ancient “Hallstatt” pattern, recreated from textiles recovered from a 2000 year old salt mine in Austria. Students should know basic Card Weaving. This is the next step after Basic Card Weaving, and YOU can learn how to do it!
2 hours No Limit Class Fee: $15.00
MATERIALS THE STUDENTS SHOULD BRING: Students will be speedwarping their looms in class, so bring an empty inkle/card loom, shuttle, and 13 cards. There are limited loaner looms, cord and cards available.
Saturday Evening (7pm-??)
What Archaeologists used to throw away – a slide presentation of textiles found in the Museums of Europe
By Seelie/Barb Klessig, Textile Archaeologist, Weaver and documenter of artifactual textiles.
In the past archaeologists thought that textiles were of no consequence to the archaeological record and would literarily throw them back into the trench while keeping the REAL artifacts (swords, knives, jewelry). We (weavers, spinners & dyers) know better. This slide presentation is a collection of textiles that Barb has had the pleasure and honor of viewing in the museums of Europe. Included are some that have never been seen outside of the storages facilities where they have been kept for over 6 decades.
My Intrepid Journey to bring Looms, Wheels, and Other Donations from Southern CA to Northern WA
In the Rebuild Judith’s Studio Effort on behalf of Judith MacKenzie after the destruction by fire of her Studio in November 2012. A presentation by Ercil Howard-Wroth
Viking Whipcord Braid by Roberta Brubaker
Braiding is a fun, ancient method of cord-making! Every early culture used twisting, braiding and knotting of fiber to make yarn, cording, rope and to trim fabric. The Vikings used a braid as straps for their embroidered aprons. Kumihimo is Japanese cord-braiding where the finished work is pulled down with a weight, and the strands are slowly twisted around each other in particular patterns. Viking Whipcord Braiding is similar, but hung from the ceiling and done much faster!
Teams of 3 people will learn how to swing weighted bobbins of yarn into braided cords…and it happens FAST! This is perfect to teach to a troop of scouts or a classroom full of kids, so learn this, and take it back to teach them. If we get a team of 5 people, we can do a more complicated and beautiful braid.
1/2 hours No Limit (min 2) No Class Fee
MATERIALS THE STUDENTS SHOULD BRING: self
Sunday Morning 9AM – Noon
Techniques for achieving more consistent yarn by Cathy Salamon
Beginner – Intermediate – Come and learn several ways to achieve more consistency throughout your bobbin or several bobbins of yearn. Yarn notebooks, sample cards, treadle counting, draw measuring, all of these things ensure consistency so when we use our yarn, the projects come out lovely.
2 hours No Limit No Class Fee
MATERIALS THE STUDENTS SHOULD BRING: wheel and roving or top of some kind to spin.
Make a Biscornu Pin Cushion by Debbie Coyle
A biscornu is an interesting little eight-sided pincushion. The word biscornu is derived from a French adjective, meaning skewed, quirky or irregular. And these are very quirky and fun!
This is a hands-on class, you’ll be making your own biscornu.
2 hours Limited to 10 Class Fee: $5.00
MATERIALS THE STUDENTS SHOULD BRING: self