2024 Friday Workshops
Registration opens June 1, 2024.
Please email oregonflockandfibereducation@gmail.com if you have any questions regarding classes.
Spinning 101 - Get to Know Your Wheel
Tammy Jordan
Have you ever wanted to learn how to spin your own yarn? It's fun, it's relaxing, and I can show you how! In this beginning class, you'll learn about wheels, spinning methods, best fiber for beginning spinners, and basic wheel maintenance. In the morning, we'll start with getting to know your wheel and how it works. After lunch, we'll move on to spinning singles and then plying. By the time you leave, you will have a basic understanding of your wheel and the skills to start spinning on your own. There is no experience needed and I'll provide the fiber, tools, and a resource guide to get you on your way - you just bring yourself and your wheel.
Level
Beginner
Full Day
Fri All Day
$135.00
Homework
Test your wheel!
Please bring
Students will need to bring their own spinning wheel with at least three empty bobbins and a lazy kate. Students should have a basic understanding of how their wheel works and all wheels must be in good working order and ready to use.
Provided
Materials include 2-3 ounces of prepared fiber for spinning in class, a WPI tool, and a resource guide with handouts, tips, and tricks.
WS401
Spinning 201 - Intermediate Spinning, with Wheel Mechanics and Maintenance
Shelia January
Are you getting comfortable with your spinning, but want to take it to the next level? Do you think that you should be able to spin faster, or thinner, or thicker, or be more in charge of your wheel? Are you thinking that you just need a bit of a refresher course on how to spin woolen or worsted? We'll look at all of these things, learn some tricks, and will also look at a number of different types of wheels and how to get the most from them. Several different fibers will be supplied to work with, as well as some wheels to try that you may not have used before and find out if you agree with folks who think double drive wheels or spindles are better.
Level
Able to spin a consistent singles yarn and are comfortable spinning several types of fibers
Full Day
Fri All Day
$145.00
Homework
None
Please bring
A spinning wheel in good working order If you have a Woolee Winder, please bring a standard flyer as well; at least 3-4 empty bobbins; lazy kate; a lap cloth if you have one; your standard spinning tool kit
Provided
Handouts and Worksheets, all fiber to be used in class
WS402
Advanced Rigid Heddle
Diane McKinnon
Take your Rigid Heddle Loom to the next step! Now that you know how to warp your rigid heddle loom and weave a simple project such as a purse or a scarf, you are ready to move forward and advance your weaving skills using this fun loom.
This class is designed to teach how to do more advanced weaving techniques on a Rigid Heddle Loom. We will explore advanced weave structures while you weave a sampler that can be used as a purse or decorative throw pillow.
You will leave the class with a completed sampler and the ability to use your Rigid Heddle Loom on your own to weave a variety of advanced weave structures such as twill, basket weave, Turkish or Rya knots, pick and pick, soumak, tapestry, and lace.
Level
Intermediate to Advanced Rigid Heddle weaver
Full Day
Fri All Day
$145.00
Homework
Student loom must be assembled prior to class so class time is focused on weaving and learning new techniques.
Please bring
An assembled Rigid Heddle loom with all of its accessories such as all rigid heddles you may have, shuttles, pick up stick, warping peg, etc. The loom will be warped in class. Shuttles (2 min) Pick up stick Scissors Tape measure Pen/Pencil
Provided
Warp Yarns Weft Yarns Use of extra weaving equipment and tools during class Detailed Handout
WS403
Hand Felted Slippers
LeBrie Rich
In this wet feltng class we'll start by making a pattern with a foam resist. You'll learn how to calculate for shrinkage to make a pair of slippers that really fits. Then you'll learn how to lay out the fiber in strategic layers and felt it into fabric using hot water and soap. Finally we'll full (shrink) the slippers down to size and block them for a professional finish.
Students will come away with one completed pair of slippers and the know-how to make more for any sized foot. This technique does not require a shoe last so you really can do it at home without extra equipment. At the end of the class students will be given access to LeBrie's step-by-step video on how to make felted slippers so you can populate the world with slippers.
Level
This class is best for those with some feltng experience or scrappy beginners. Felting is physical and requires some stamina and upper arm strength. We will be standing some of the day and working hard!
Full Day
Fri All Day
$150.00
Homework
None
Please bring
2 old towels, sharp scissors, a sharpie. Waterproof apron if you want it, and wear comfortable shoes!
Provided
4 oz. best quality merino wool roving Silk + other fun fibers for embellishment. Plastic resist material for your custom pattern. Instructional video (link emailed to you after the class).
WS404
Botanical Printing: Natural Leaf Prints on Silk and Wool
Casey Newman
In this introductory workshop you will learn how to permanently print the images of leaves onto fabric, using only the natural pigments found within each leaf. This is done by tightly bundling fabric and leaves, then heating it.The resulting prints show the unique details of the plant and tell a story of season and place.
This workshop is designed to teach you the techniques you need to produce clear and detailed prints from leaves on fabric. In the morning you will work on small samples of silk and wool fabric, trying a variety of leaves and learning different bundling and folding techniques.
In the afternoon we will study our beautiful samples from the morning, then, choosing your favorite leaves and techniques, you will print a silk scarf to take home.
Level
Beginner
Full Day
Fri All Day
$160.00
Homework
None
Please bring
Plastic bag to bring damp fabric home, Optional: Leaves from your home or garden to use/share. A list of suitable leaves and how to select them will be shared prior to class. Optional: small pieces of silk or wool fabric to print, as time allows. Plenty of fabric will be provided so don�t feel the need to buy anything just for this.
Provided
All fabric, supplies, and equipment. Handout outlining process and sources for materials so students can continue their botanical printing journey at home.
WS405
Beginner Crochet
Vivien Wise
This workshop will cover the basic crochet stitches and prepare you to take on any pattern. Become familiar with basic crochet stitches including single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, triple crochet and the slip stitch. Learn about gauge, yarn weights, corresponding hooks, crochet tools, how to read crochet directions and yarn labels to prepare for any project! Appropriate for beginners or anyone who needs a little refresher.
Level
Beginner
1/2 Day
Fri AM
$70.00
Homework
None
Please bring
Nothing
Provided
Crochet hook and yarn
WS411
Opening a Fiber Mill?
Donalee Rodger
This course answers many of the fundamental questions for anyone looking to start a fiber mill to process from their own flock, to provide a small scale (300lb/month) processing service, or to launch a larger scale regional mill. Topics covered include business models, equipment options, space requirements, realistic labor projections, common supplies and materials sources, useful customer policies, and the current demand for processing in Oregon.
Extensive question and answer periods are anticipated.
Level
None
1/2 Day
Fri AM
$65.00
Homework
None
Please bring
None
Provided
Informational handouts
WS412
Beginner Punch Needle
Una Walker
Learn the basics of Punch Needle Rug hooking while completing two projects. First you will make a mug rug on Monk's cloth to learn the basic stitch lengths, don't worry there are only two! You will then go on to complete a project on a pre-stretched linen frame that will be ready to hang when you are done!
Level
Beginner
1/2 Day
Fri AM
$90.00
Homework
None
Please bring
Scissors
Provided
Instructor will supply all of the materials needed to finish two projects in class. A Punch Needle and Hoop are provided to use during class.
WS413
Knitting Variegated Yarn
Kitty Bryan
Have you ever purchased a beautiful skein of hand dyed yarn that looks like mud when knit? Have you ever wondered why the pattern picture looks wonderful and your work does not?
Three essential steps are necessary for maintaining the beauty of a hand painted yarn,
understanding the skeins color patterns;
choosing stitches that highlight the color pattern; and
selecting a pattern that creates a visual effect that is more than the sum of the stitches, fiber, and color.
Visually appealing fabrics are often Gestalt fabrics. This workshop introduces Gestalt theory for application in yarn purchase, knitting design, and pattern selection. Taught in a workbook format, students will analyze a range of variegated skeins, successful projects, and failed projects to identify stitches and patterns most suited to the unique characteristics of the yarn.
Level
Should know how to Cast On, Knit and Purl
1/2 Day
Fri PM
$70.00
Homework
None
Please bring
Two skeins variegated yarn. No cakes.
Provided
Knitting Variegated Yarn Workbook
WS421
Wooly Witch
Heidi Leugers
This Wooly Witch works up quickly with the creative use of core wool, and a few simple, signature methods Heidi teaches to create convincing details like wrinkled facial features, piercing eyes, a slumped hat with a narrow brim, and curled shoes. Each student will complete at least one Wooly Witch in class using hat, shoe, skin and other colors of their choice. Learn to make these now and create even more to share for Halloween!
Level
Advanced Beginner/Intermediate
1/2 Day
Fri PM
$85.00
Homework
None
Please bring
Needle felting pad or mason's sponge (available at home improvement stores for about $3.00), Optional: favorite felting tools if you have them and love to use it. (A multi-tool will be provided for in-class use.)
Provided
Each kit includes enough core wool, colored wool fibers, felting needles, and armatures to create two Wooly Witches approximately 6.5 inches high.
WS422
Needle-felted Lighted Christmas Tree and Gifts
Sarah Starr
No room in your apartment for a 6-foot Douglas fir at Christmas? How about a 6-INCH tree? This workshop is your chance to make a charming mantelpiece tree decoration, including a few gifts to go beneath it. You'll be needle-felting your tree, a star to top the tree, and gifts to go under it. We'll weave in multi-colored battery-powered fairy lights, and you can add tiny alloy pine cones or beads as further decoration.
Level
All Levels
1/2 Day
Fri PM
$70.00
Homework
None
Please bring
Bring a comfortable seat cushion if you'd like. If you have a single-needle holder, bring it with you.
Provided
Wool batting, a wooden tree trunk, battery-powered fairy lights, wool in a variety of colors to make gifts from, ribbons, and beads. Supplies: a felting pad, a multi-needle tool, and needles.
WS423