Friday, 5/19/23
9:30 – Noon
Intro to Weaving Part 1
Leader: Dave Sledesky
Learn how to weave in this two-part class that introduces you to weaving on a rigid heddle loom using color and weave effect to create a scarf that looks really complex but is actually really easy to weave. The first session will include warping the loom using the direct warp method. It will also include instructions on how to weave your scarf (two different patterns are available for you to choose – a log cabin variation and a pinwheel variation). In the second session, we will remove your woven scarf from the loom and finish the ends. Your “homework” in between the two classes will be to actually weave the scarf. Looms will be available for rent for the class if you do not have a rigid heddle loom.
This is a combined two-part workshop that requires signing up for both parts.
Skill: Weaving
Level: Basic
Cost: $20 if you need to rent a rigid heddle loom
Location: Main Room
Max Participants: 4
Sock Knitting 101
Leader: Tom Belunis
Learn how to knit a top-down sock with a heel flap and gusset. We’ll cover a stretchy cast-on, turning the heel, picking up stitches for the gusset, gusset decreases and the Kitchener stitch toe. Instructions will be provided for working with 4 or 5 double-pointed needles, 2 circular needles or magic loop.
Skill: Knitting
Level: Requires Some Knowledge
Cost: None
Location: Temple
Max Participants: 8
Beginner Spindle Spinning
Leader: Aaron Bush
This workshop introduces new spinners to the craft using one of the earliest and most basic, yet amazingly versatile tools: the drop spindle. We will learn about fiber preparation, staple length, drafting and some of the different ways to do it, the different types of drop spindles and their construction, and how all of those things come together to make yarn.
Workshop participants are encouraged to bring a drop spindle, preferably a top whorl spindle weighing between 1 and 1.5 ounces. If you need help choosing one I can give recommendations for well made and affordable spindles suitable for beginners. I will also bring a few extras of my own if someone needs one.
Fiber will be provided for this workshop. If you have some fiber you’ve already purchased please bring it. You will still start with the fiber provided for class and when you feel ready you can start with yours.
Skill: Spinning
Level: Basic
Cost: None
Location: Sun Porch
Max Participants: 4
Friday, 5/19/23
1:15 – 5:00
Road Trip – Hickory Hill Fiber
Gather in Main Room to organize ride-shares to Hickory Hill
Saturday, 5/20/23
9:30 – Noon
Crochet Harness Design
Leader: Dan Strizak
Learn to crochet a basic harness and design your own, custom fit harness to fit your fun needs.
Skill: Crochet
Level: Basic
Cost: $10 or less
Location: Main Room
Max Participants: 10
Mini-Jumpers
Leader: Greg Sabetta
Perfect knitted decoration for the knitter’s home. These little holiday sweaters make a great ornament, garland or package decoration. Explore fun and interesting motifs in a miniaturized way.
Skill: Knitting
Level: Requires Some Knowledge
Cost: None
Location: Back Deck
Max Participants: 10
One and Three-Color Brioche
Leader: Tom Belunis
We’re going to explore brioche rib in one color and three colors. This technique will allow you to create reversible (both sides look good, but different), warm scarves.
Skill: Knitting
Level: Basic
Cost: 0
Location: Sun Porch
Max Participants: 12
Saturday, 5/20/23
2:30 – 5:00
Intro to Weaving - Part 2
Leader: Dave Sledesky
Continuation of Part 1 from Friday afternoon – Finishing off your woven masterpiece!
This is a combined two-part workshop that requires signing up for both parts.
Skill: Weaving
Level: Basic
Cost: $20 if you need to rent a rigid heddle loom
Location: Main Room
Max Participants: 4
Two-Handed Stranded Colorwork
Leader: Joe Wilcox
Learn knitting with two-colors using one color in each hand. This useful technique both increases the speed of knitting using the Fair Isle or stranded knitting technique and eliminates the constant tangling of yarns. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn how to lock floats without dropping and/or twisting yarns.
Skill: Knitting
Level: Requires Some Knowledge
Cost: 0
Location: Back Deck
Max Participants: 10
Intro to Portuguese Knitting
Leader: James Wescott Small
Here’s your chance to learn a different style of knitting – it’s not English/throwing or Continental/picking, but its own thing! Maybe it’ll become your primary knitting style, maybe you’ll incorporate it into some projects, or maybe you’ll try it and really dislike it – only one way to find out! I intend to teach yarn tensioning, the purl stitch, knit stitch, and making yarnovers. If time allows, I’ll also teach the Portuguese cast-on and bind-off.
This knitting style is quite old, possibly the oldest, and is actually much more common in the Middle East and around the Mediterranean than it is in Portugal. It decouples yarn tensioning from stitch formation, and uses the larger muscles in your thumb to form the stitches.
Please come with an in-progress swatch of at least 20 stitches that you’ve knit in stockinette or garter for a couple rows. Ideally using a light-colored worsted-weight wool (not super wash), and short wood needles that are a different color than your yarn. We can make do with whatever needles and yarn you’re able to bring, but I think the ideal I described will make it easiest.
Skill: Knitting
Level: Basic
Cost: 0
Location: Sun Porch
Max Participants: 6