Fiber Frolic Workshops 2009

We have quite a selection of workshops this year!  Please read through the list. 

Workshops may be cancelled on the day of the event if minimum enrollments are not met.

    2009 contact:  Michelle DeLucia  207-935-4075 

• Registration form (pdf); registration form (msword)   
• Meet the instructors

Pre-registration forms must be mailed before June 1, 2009.  There is a $10 fee for late registrations.

9:30 am - 12:00 pm: Needlefelted Fruits and Pastries with Marianne DuBois

They look yummy, but no calories!  An introductory needlefelting classCome learn the craft of needlefelting.  In this class we’ll focus on making needlefelted sculptures that look like cookies, tarts, petit fours, and other appetizing desserts.  You will learn the basics of needlefelting and wool blending and come away with some pretty treats that won’t add to your waistline! All materials provided, but if students can bring a piece of open cell foam (like a pillow form or a car sponge) 2” thick and about 5”X5”, that would be helpful.

Class information: minimum 2 students, maximum 8; age 12 years and older
Workshop Fee: $50.00 for the 2 ½ hour class Materials Fee: $6.00 

10:00 am - 12:00 pm:  Fair Isle Knitting with Chris Savoie

Learn to do multi-colored stranded knitting with a small project.

Yarn and pattern provided, please bring size 2 & 3 and a 16" circular needle.

Class information: class size minimum of 4 and maximum of 12.
Workshop Fee: $35.00

10:30 am - 12:30 pm: Spinning on a wheel 101 with Deb Bergman

If you've always wanted to spin your own yarn but were afraid to try, this is the class for you. You'll learn to pre-draft roving and spin your very own sheep wool yarn. Wheels and roving will be provided. Since spinners generally spin in their stocking feet, cute socks are mandatory!

Class information: class size limited to 4 students. Saturday 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Workshop Fee: $60.00

12:30 pm - 3:30 pm: Going to the Dogs with Marianne Dubois       

In this class we’ll focus on making dog sculptures.  We’ll explore making fanciful dogs and realistic ones.  You can even bring a picture of your favorite dog as inspiration.  You’ll learn the basic techniques of needlefelting and come away with one completed pet and ideas for your second one! All materials provided, but if students can bring a piece of open cell foam (like a pillow form) 2” thick and about 10”X10”, that would be helpful.

Class information:  length- 3 hours. Minimum two students, maximum six, age twelve and older. 
Workshop Fee: $60.00 Materials Fee: $8.00

1:00 - 3:00 pm: Navajo Triple Plying with Kelly Mckenzie

Learn to make a three ply yarn from of ball of yarn. Bring your spinning wheel and an unplied ball of yarn.

Class information: class size minimum of 4 and maximum of 15.
Workshop Fee: $35.00

1:30 - 3:30 pm: Carding Basics and Tricks with Deb Bergman

Have you always felt handcarding was too much trouble? Carding can be a fullfilling part of the spinning experience. Come and explore the gentle art of handcarding, color blending, multicolor rolags, and punis. Learn the difference between woolen and worsted.

Class information: class size limited to 20  students. Level: All Levels.
Workshop Fee: $40.00
Students MUST bring their own handcards or Ashford handcards will be available for purchase from the instructor for $50/pair.

2:00 - 4:00 pm: Summer Handbag "Wet Felted" with Michelle DeLucia

Create a small or medium sized handbag with wool, silk and cotton using  traditional wet felting techniques. Strong and full of color, a fun bag for all your belongings. Techniques learned are also appropriate for hats, mittens, booties and felted vessels.  This is a fun class where your painterly instincts can really shine through with the use of silk on wool!This class is suitable for beginners or advanced felters. Class size: minimum of 4 and maximum of 12.
Workshop Fee: $65.00 (includes  6 oz. of materials)
Students must bring the following to class: apron , hand towel, and a large towel.

10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Rug Hooked Flower Pin with Betty Stover

Want to try your hand at hooking? Join a rug "Hooking Sister" and have fun making this quick delightful creation. All supplies included: fine rug hook, yarn (Angora, Babydoll, Mohair)), wool backing, embrodiery frame, pin, needle, thread, glass beads and small wool bag to carry all your neat stuff!

Class size: maximum of 10.
Workshop Fee: $10.00 which will be donated to Fiber Frolic;
Materials Fee: $24.00

10:00 am - 12:30 pm: Wet Felted 'Nuno' Wool~ Silk Scarf  with Michelle DeLucia

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.

Class information: minimum of 4 and maximum of 12.
Workshop Fee: $65.00 – Includes 4 oz. of material.
Students must bring the following to class:  apron, hand towel, and a large old towel.

10:00 am - 1:00 pm: Kumihimo with Linda Whiting

Kumihimo, a “gathering (kumi) of threads (himo)" is the ancient art of Japanese braiding. These durable yet decorative braids were used for ties and belts for clothing and closures on Samurai armor as well as for many household uses. They are traditionally woven on a wooden stand called a “marudai” by exchanging pairs of threads in sequence, but many variations can be made using a simple disk and plastic bobbins. In this class you will learn how to make round, flat and square braids and how using these simple patterns you can create an amazing diversity of braids by changing the color and placement of the weaving strands. You will see examples of braids woven using silk, cotton, wool and novelty yarns to create necklaces, bracelets, a dog leash, a lead line, and other items. The disk is portable and easy to use. Take it along anywhere you might have some free time to braid.

Class information: No experience necessary, suitable for all ages.
Workshop Fee: $35.00
Materials Fee: $13.00 – Includes braiding disk, bobbins, braiding threads, instruction sheets.
Materials to bring to class: Scissors, pen or pencil for notes.

10:00 am - 1:00 pm: Pictorial Felt -- Using color and texture in felting with Marianne Dubois

A wonderful way to start Sunday morning. In this class we will use needlefelting and wet felting techniques, different wool colors and preparations to make pictures in felt.  Bring your imagination you’ll have lots of fun with these techniques!

 All materials provided, but if students can bring a piece of open cell foam (like a pillow form) 2” thick and about 10”X10” or slightly larger, that would be helpful.

Class information: length - 3 hours. Minimum two students, maximum six, age twelve and older. 
Workshop Fee: $65.00 Materials Fee: $10.00

10:30 am - 12:30 pm: Drop Spindling with Deb Bergman

One of the earliest tools used for making yarn was the drop spindle.   It is still one of the most portable and inexpensive ways to create  your own wonderful yarn. Learn how to spin wool, make a 2 ply yarn,  and skein your finished yarn.

Class information: class size is limited to 10 students. Level: All Levels.
Workshop Fee: $60.00
Top whorl hardwood drop spindles will be  available for purchase from the instructor for $20.

1:30 - 3:30 pm: Dyeing for Socks with Deb Bergman

Make your own personal statement with your socks. Each student will hand paint one pair of superwash wool/nylon blend
fingering weight sock yarn. 

Class information: class size limited to 10 students. Workshop Fee: $60 (includes all materials necessary for the class). Additional yarns may be purchased from the instructor.

Felt detail by Elizabeth Stover