Spend another day with natural dyes, and learn a new avenue into color possibilities from ancient traditions. This class will cover some of the long history of natural dyes, the color possibilities they offer, mordanting techniques, the dyeing process, and some color theory. We will use readily available dyes like indigo, cochineal, osage, logwood, fustic and madder, and combine them for an extension to our color palate. We will get a variety of greens, olives, melons and reds. We will also talk about the process for extracting dyes from common "weeds" like Queen Anne's Lace and Goldenrod. Students will take home dyeing instructions, many samples and information on each of the dyes used and source lists of where to get them. This class is for everyone interested in natural dyes, even those with no exxperience with them.

Students need to bring: apron, rubber gloves, 2 old towels, plastic wrap,calculator, pen and paper.

Stefania Desina Isaacson has been a life-long knitter, and started spinning and dyeing to supply herself with "the best yarns in the world!" She earned her Certificate of Excellence in Handspinning from the Handweaver's Guild of America in 1997. Since then she has opened her own business called Handspun by Stefania and has taught numerous workshops dealing in natural dyes, spinning and basket making. She has spoken about the fiber arts to numerous groups, and has appeared on Home & Garden TV as a guest on the Carol Duvall Show. She sells handspun, natural hand dyed yarns, original knitting kits using her own yarns and patterns, hand dyed roving dyed with natural dyes, and handmade baskets. She was previously a high school English teacher, and now enjoys teaching spinning, dyeing, and knitting to fiber enthusiasts.

Spend a few hours learning to spin a variety of novelty yarns. It is fun and creative. These yarns open up a world of new possibilities to the the fiber artist. Learn to do a marled yarn, beaded yarn, knotted yarn and more as time allows. Material fee covers all materials used in the class. Student should bring a spinning wheel in good working order, 3 bobbins, niddy noddy, lazy kate, and zip lock bags to store your samples.

Carol Wagner and her husband Paul have 100 Coopworth ewes. They are the owners of Hidden Valley Woolen Mill where they process fibers into quilt batts, spinning batts, and roving.

Everyone will enjoy weaving this roomy market basket, packed with visual interests. Rows of natural and butternut-brown wood are accented with a section of textured seagrass and round wicker. Choose to rim it with traditional natural reed or braided seagrass. Everyone will leave with a finished basket.

Generously sized at 14" x 8" x 7" plus the hardwood handle.

Ellie Lida has a passion for weaving baskets and has been teaching since 1995. She teaches classes through various community programs, home studio and special events. "It is very rewarding teaching others to do what you love. Group teaching lends opportunities for camaraderie. Friendships are forged as people enter and share their stories while weaving."

Felted Wool & Sterling Silver Jewelry - a Gorgeous Blend! A class on felted jewelry, with a new twist! Hand felt a one-of-a-kind lovely bracelet with a blend of hand-dyed and natural colored Merino and sterling silver! Come with your imagination, ready to explore yet another great way to use wool!

STUDENTS BRING: A pair of pliers and a pair of JEWELRY round nose pliers (Wal-Mart $4.00-$5.00) Material fee covers wool, core wire, sterling silver wire, felting supplies and written instructions.

Margie Meehan, co-owner with husband Pat, established Tipperary Farm and Fiber Studio 17 years ago. Located in the hills of NE Iowa, Margie is a Romney breeder of 17 years and a breeder of Coopworth for 7 years, with emphasis of breeding not only for confirmation, but also for fleece qualities. Tipperary fleeces are marketed at several of the Midwest Fiber Festivals. Margie is a handspinner and weaver, as well as an instructor of 17 years in fiber art at several Fiber Festivals across the Midwest. Margie studied at the Ambroz Center for Arts. With her knowledge of fiber arts and strong beliefs in the promotion of sheep and willingness to help educate other in Iowa and the Midwest, Margie was given an opportunity to become actively involved with the Iowa sheep Industry Association . Margie is Co-Chairman of the fiber events, vendors and fiber classes, at the Iowa Summer Sheep & Wool Festival, held each June in Adel, Iowa.

No more scarves! Make a real garment! If you can knit a scarf, you can make a garment. Many of you have learned to knit scarves, and now are ready for the next knitting adventure. Come and learn how to construct a few different garments. Homework for class - please bring to class 8 or more scarves that you have knit or crocheted. They must be at least 4 or 5 inches wide and 28 inches long each. Bring a yarn that matches your scarves and we will create a garment together. Three different garments to choose from. Teacher will provide written instructions booklet, and materials needed to construct garment.

Tracey Schuh of Wool'n Weave Fiber Arts Studio in Abrams WI. A fiber artist with a love of color, and texture. She started out as a weaver and now has expanded her horizons to include all mediums of art. She love to create things out of things she finds. New ideas for classes always rolling in, so stop by and say hi, if you have a class you've always wanted to take, she has probably got it on her list too. She loves to learn and loves to teach! Come and create a new idea with her.

Scandinavian knitwear is famous for its distinctive pattern designs, but most people aren’t aware of the intricate relation between Scandinavian wool breeds, yarn production, and knitting techniques. For each wool type, we’ll start with information about the sheep and then examine the fleece qualities. We’ll explore a range of preparation and spinning techniques for each fiber, and then focus on techniques for yarn production for traditional Scandinavian knitting.

We’ll spin double-coated Icelandic wool woolen and worsted into medium and low twist, smooth yarns that still have some loft for warm garments and distinctive color patterns. Swedish Gotland or Pälsull wools have a variety of uses because the wool is lustrous but relatively short, with fibers ranging from fine to medium coarse. With the Gotland fleece, we can produce an S-spun, Z-ply yarn suitable for two-end knitting or crochet. Finn wool has been used for many types of knitting in Scandinavia. We will blend it with angora for a fine yarn suitable for Bohus knitting and produce an almost unspun, but well-plied, yarn that can be knitted into Lovikka mittens.

Materials: Students should bring a spinning wheel in good working order, extra bobbins or ball winder, handcards for wool, notepaper and pen, and, if possible, a flick carder and/or mini-combs.

Material fee includes: handouts; Icelandic, Gotland, and Finn wools; angora rabbit fiber.

Carol H. Rhoades, who recently moved to Madison, Wisconsin from Austin, Texas, has taught spinning and knitting in the US and abroad for many years. Her particular interest is in Scandinavian primitive sheep and how their wools have been used in particular knitting traditions. She is the Technical Editor of and a frequent contributor to Spin-Off magazine and has also published articles in PieceWork, Interweave Knits, and Gavstrik (a Danish knitting magazine). Carol has translated a number of Scandinavian knitting books into English.

Students will learn the basics of spinning along with utilizing other pieces of equipment for the production of finished yarn.

Spinning characteristics of natural fibers will be discussed. By the end of class you should have a small skein of usable yarn to knit with. No experience is needed to take this class. You will need to bring a spinning wheel in good working order. Spinning wool will be provided.

Melanie Galligher, knitter, spinner, dyer and weaver. She is a knitter from a young age and became interested in spinning 7 years ago, and has not been the same since. She became a member of the Grand Rapids (MI) Spinner and Weavers Guild and then spent a year as a committee member of the Michigan Fiber Festival. She enjoys the process of spinning, experimenting with fibers and dyeing. This has led her to start her own company called Fiburzzz, producer of Suri alpaca roving and yarn, pewter jewelry and Majacraft Spinning wheels. She has taught Beginning Spinning through the Caledonia, Michigan Adult Education program and at the North Country Fiber Fair in South Dakota. She continues to encourage new spinners for the mental and emotional rewards as well as maybe a new pair of socks or a sweater.

Slip stitch patterns are an easy way to add color and texture. Because you work only one color per row they ollk fabulous without being technically difficult, and are a great way to show case that special hand-dyed of glitzy yarn. We'll talk about slip stitch patterns, how and when to use them, and then focus on a simple 2-stitch/6 row repeat and all its permutations. You will start knitting either a stitch sampler or a headband.

Materials to bring: Two contrasting colors of worsted weight yarn (such as Lamb's Pride from Brown Sheep), and size 7 or 8 needles (I suggest a 16"-24" circular, but straight needles will also work.)

KAY CROWTHERS has been knitting for more years than she has not, and is astounded at how much she has left to learn. Norwegian color patterns, especially mittens, remain her favorite knitting. She works at Voyageurs National Park along the Minnesota-Canadian border, where fashion accessories must be warm
as well as pretty.

Hear the history of punch rug hooking and see where it is today as the lost art of FRAMELESS Punch Needle Rug Hooking. A two-day workshop will afford you the opportunity to work on your own between classes and punch through your Try It Kit so you can get the full benefit of how to make these gorgeous rugs. A completed rug is a plush thick pile that is timeless in durability and quality. We have found that many rug hookers convert to this technique because it is so portable and easy to do. Students should bring a good 5" knife edge scissors.

Materials fee includes the Try it Kit. The kit comes complete with an ORD #9 Punch Needle, 3 skeins of wool yarn, small designed backing, knit needle, ORD instructions, color guide, and tapestry needle that all fits into a carrying bag for your convenience.

Bonnie Carlson is a local distributor for the Oriental Rug Designs company and she has been making these rugs for 18 years. Her designs have done well at the State Fair! Accompanying her is Julie Charette from Hudson, Ohio, who owns Oriental Rug Designs. She comes with 25+ years of experience making these rugs, and designing the latest rugs to the collection. She is passionate about seeing this lost art regain popularity!

While working this hexagon medallion, learn lace in an easy pattern stitch. Without having to count every stitch, you can knit lace without a headache!! Fair warning – after this class you will be addicted!! This class is designed for knitters who are comfortable on double pointed needles. It is easier if you work on 5” dps, size 8 or 9, and 50 gms of sport weight yarn.

You can appliqué or needlefelt this hexagon piece onto a sachet, pillow, purse or make more and sew together in a scarf or shawl.

Karen Weiberg learned to sew at 7, knit at 10, and crochet at 12 which lead to a degree in Home Economics in Business. Karen has been involved with the textile industry for the past 30 years, most recently as the owner of Three Kittens Yarn Shoppe. During those 24 years, she has taught countless people to knit, encouraged new skills, expanded their love and knowledge of the art. You don’t know if you will like it or can do it until you try is her mantra. Knitting is never as hard as people make it out to be.

A hands-on class of various techniques, such as "Invisible Seaming" and other master touches. Learn to apply the ultimate finishing touch of correct blocking to give your handwork a professional or heirloom appearance. Bring a garment, swatch or other item such as an afghan if you wish to do hands-on blocking. Pros and cons of different methods and blocking products (such as blocking wires) are explained. Learn how to block raised designs such as cables or embellishments without ruining the effect. Special emphasis will be given to natural fibers, but methods can be applied to knits of any fiber content. Experience the “TLF” (tender-loving-feel) of your knit fabric! Carole uses Jiffy Steamers and EZ-Fold Blocking Boards for this class. Materials Fee includes handouts.

Carole C. Wurst is a fiber artist, knitwear designer and instructor. She has traveled to many states to teach knitting, most recently to Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and Colorado, and enjoys showing people the wonderful world of fiber. After knitting by hand for many years, she started a business selling knitting machines and yarns from her farm. In 1991 she moved to a large storefront shop and warehouse at Rocking Horse Farm, an historic farmstead. Carole’s store features several complete lines of yarns, knitting needles and knitting machines, books and software, spinning wheels, needle felting supplies and more. Each year her shop hosts a “Knitting Camp,” a “Sewing & Embroidery Camp,” and the internationally recognized September Seminar for Fiber Arts. Carole promotes knitting and fashion knowledge by judging textile shows in the Upper Midwest, including conference judging with 4-H members where she evaluates both constructed and purchased garments and needlework. Carole has written for several knitting publications and is the author of several knitting pattern, garment construction, and fiber instruction books.

Carole describes how she knits wool fabric, felts it, and uses templates to cut shapes for a variety of projects. She also teaches the method of Needle Felting (sometimes called Dry Felting) to add a monogram, fringe or other embellishments to a garment. It can even be used to help control floats on Fairisle knits. You can get into the act too, by using the kit Carole has available. Materials Fee includes handouts & supplies to take home and reuse.

Carole C. Wurst is a fiber artist, knitwear designer and instructor. She has traveled to many states to teach knitting, most recently to Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and Colorado, and enjoys showing people the wonderful world of fiber. After knitting by hand for many years, she started a business selling knitting machines and yarns from her farm. In 1991 she moved to a large storefront shop and warehouse at Rocking Horse Farm, an historic farmstead. Carole’s store features several complete lines of yarns, knitting needles and knitting machines, books and software, spinning wheels, needle felting supplies and more. Each year her shop hosts a “Knitting Camp,” a “Sewing & Embroidery Camp,” and the internationally recognized September Seminar for Fiber Arts. Carole promotes knitting and fashion knowledge by judging textile shows in the Upper Midwest, including conference judging with 4-H members where she evaluates both constructed and purchased garments and needlework. Carole has written for several knitting publications and is the author of several knitting pattern, garment construction, and fiber instruction books.

Primitive rug hooking with wool strips is an art form used by pioneer women to make functional items from materials at hand. Students will make a sturdy trivet approximately 10" by 10" in a design in keeping with Mother's Day!

Materials fee includes kit with pattern, hook, backing material, and wool strips dyed by the instructor. Instructor will provide frames to
hold the work. If you have a piece of vintage or treasured wool fabric, you are welcome to bring it to work into the design or use as backing.

Victoria Jacobson is the owner of AngelGirl, a rug hooking studio located in downtown Stillwater and named for her mother.

Starting with a sturdy wooden base with attached handle, this round basket is divided into two sections. Perfect to use by the phone, for kitchen utensils, a office desk organizer, etc. This is an enjoyable basket for new or seasoned weavers and your basket will be completed. The black and white make a striking contrasting. Size is 10" across by 6" high plus handle.

Ellie Lida has a passion for weaving baskets and has been teaching since 1995. She teaches classes through various community programs, home studio and special events. "It is very rewarding teaching others to do what you love. Group teaching lends opportunities for camaraderie. Friendships are forged as people enter and share their stories while weaving."

SAORI-"Weaving the beauty with lack of intention"

SAORI is very different from the traditional weaving, placing more importance on free expression and creativity than on technical skills or regularity of the woven cloth. Students in this class will relax, enjoy, explore, and have positive thinking throughweaving. This is a therapeutic/healing weaving.

Even though there are only two harnesses, students can still enjoy weaving with many colors, textures and exploration! Students will be amazed how much they can do with two harnesses.

Students will take home whatever the length they wove. The warp will be set for students so they can start weaving right away. The finished project might be a scarf, table runner or wall hanging.

We always try to do what only human beings can do, without imitating machine-made products. No two weavers are alike, so it is very natural that every single cloth, freely woven by people with different personalities, is beautiful in a different way. Irregular selvages and accidental skips of thread add to the un-programmed beauty of SAORI cloths; we admire this irregularity as the beauty with lack of intention resulting from our natural creativity

Chiaki O'Brien is a SAORI Leaders Committee Certificate recipient. She worked as an instructor for the SAORI head office in Japan. She has taught at schools for artists in residencies, in several Community Education programs for people with and without disabilities, at the Minnesota Children's Museum, North Country Fiber Fair (SD) and art shows. She and her partner Dan have a studio in their home in Chaska, MN.

DEFINITIONS:
Color: any color other than black, white, and gray; is distinguished by the qualities of hue (as red, brown, yellow, etc) and lightness or brightness and saturation (the degree of intensity of a hue).
Ray: a disclosure of mental or spiritual enlightenment [a ray of intelligence].

A workshop designed to stimulate and encourage experimentation with color through spinning. Through the presentation of ideas, sampling, processes, and hands-on projects, participants will be encouraged to move outside the boundaries of “safe” color usage into creating truly vibrant yarns.

Participants will work with multi-color dyed top using several techniques including – blending on the drumcarder, specialty layouts (including making your own Noro Kureyon style yarn), and plying techniques. Plying techniques include singles, two-ply and Navaho.

A short discussion regarding dyeing and color usage is included.

Participant Supplies: Spinning wheel in good working order, bobbins (minimum 2) and lazy kate. Optional: handcards and ballwinder.

Materials fee includes Workbook and dyed fibers.

As a child, Carol Larsen spent summers on the shores of Lake Michigan in Wisconsin with her grandparents and older sisters. Being the curious sort, she always had to do what her older sisters were, so she started embroidery and knitting when she was three.

Textiles played a huge role in her life since then, learning how to sew shortly thereafter, designing costumes for high school plays while in junior high, and going on to major in Clothing Textiles Science at Western Michigan University. Having worked in literally every aspect of textiles since graduation, her dream was always to design textiles. She came full circle in realizing that dream when she spent a week living among the Amish in rural Pennsylvania learning how to weave and spin with one of the most excellent instructors she has ever experienced.

After that experience, like so many others, she started her quest for the perfect looms, wheels and associated equipment.

River’s Edge Weaving Studio is the culmination of all of her life experiences to date. Along with the hand-dyed fibers, yarns and finished textiles, she also shares her love and passion through the Studio’s programs and classes to help others achieve their textile dreams.

You have a spinning wheel, how do you keep it in great shape? Learn about how to care for and maintain your spinning wheel. Instructor runs his own business repairing sspinning wheels.

David Potter is a local spinner, weaver and cabinet maker.

Scottish sheep provide wools for every purpose from baby clothes to carpets, sometimes from the same fleece. In this workshop, you will learn how to select, prepare, and spin the three most common Scottish wools: Shetland, Cheviot, and Scottish Blackface. We will spin wool for a diverse range of qualities and purposes, and discover how to get the most out of a fleece. You’ll also learn about the characteristics of each breed and how the wools have traditionally been used.

Seamen’s scarves used to refer to a utilitarian neck-hugging scarf knit for mariners at sea. Now the term refers to a style of scarf with flat tails/ends and a ribbed center section to hug the neck and keep the scarf from slipping. This style is adaptable to almost any type yarn and pattern, and looks equally gorgeous in a light-weight lace or a chunky bouclé. During this class you will learn the basic scarf architecture and then use the Seafarer’s Scarf pattern from the Seamen’s Church Institute as your blueprint to plan your own scarf.

Materials: Yarn and appropriate sized needles. This scarf will work with any weight yarn, although for new knitters I recommend worsted weight yarn, (such as Lamb’s Pride from Brown Sheep), with needles size 7 or 8 (I suggest a 16-24” circular, but straight needles will also work.)

This is NOT the knitting you're used to! Learn to knit using the Combination Method, easy to learn and quick to execute. Beginner thru Advanced, special techniques will be taught as skills improve.
Christened “Combination Knitting” by Priscilla Gibson-Roberts (Fall 2000 Interweave Knits magazine) this method is a combination of the Western or German/American/English style of knitting and Eastern/Islamic knitting. Easier and quicker than traditional Western knitting, this method, creates a very even tension with less "rowing out" less wrist strain. If this method is different than how you've been taught, give it a try and you may discover a new love of knitting blooming! If you're a first time knitter - enioy! You can mistress this right away!

Students should bring a worsted weight light colored smooth yarn and needles to work well with the yarn.

Annie Modesitt, author of Romantic Knits, Confessions of a Knitting Heretic, Knitting Millinery and editor of the 2006 Accord Crochet Pattern A Day Calendar and the collection of fiber essays, Cheaper Than Therapy, has contributed to many knitting books including Stich N' Bitch, Scarf Style, Wrap Style, the Vogue Knitting Book, and Weekend Knitting and Holiday Handknits. Twist & Loop (Potter Craft, 2006) and Men Who Knit And The Dogs Who Love Them (Lark, Jan 2007) Annie's the inventor of the astoundingly clever Flip Knit, a low tech, portable alternative to knitting videos.

Annie has a flair for the theatrical and her knitting designs have appeared in Interweave Knits, Vogue Knitting, Knitters Magazine, Cast On, Family Circle Easy Knitting, McCalls Needlework and several family oriented magazines.

Annie knits using the Combination Method and believes that there truly is no wrong way to knit. She lives in St Paul, MN with her husband, kids and assorted pets.

Learn the basic theory behind knitting lace, and perfect your lace chart reading skills. Written instructions can have typos, but with a chart what you see is what you get, which is why it's the best option for knitters who want to "see" what their lace will look like before they take up their needles. In this class we will knit a few simple lace panels, and move onto a more challenging lace pattern for those who feel ready for a challenge. This class could change your entire knitting outlook!

Students should bring a worsted weight light colored smooth yarn and needles to work well with the yarn.

Annie Modesitt, author of Romantic Knits, Confessions of a Knitting Heretic, Knitting Millinery and editor of the 2006 Accord Crochet Pattern A Day Calendar and the collection of fiber essays, Cheaper Than Therapy, has contributed to many knitting books including Stich N' Bitch