COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Wednesday August 15, 2012
All Day: 9AM ~ 4PM
#101 The Wonders of Blending Patsy Zawistoski
Wonderful spinning options begin with the blending
process. In class, various factors that affect blending are
understood by sampling with hand cards. Then drum
carders will be used to understand the different
dynamics that comes with large batches of fiber. Each
student works with a partner to thoroughly blend a large
batch of fibers; these are then divided and shared with
all. There will be an emphasis on how to record the
processing for future reference. Wheels or spindles will
be used if time allows.
Class Level: All levels
Class Limit: 12
Material fees for class: $20.00
Fee covers the following: Booklets, worksheets and all
fibers for blending
Participants should bring with them: Hand cards
Clean drumcarder and clamps if possible, 3X5 file cards,
about a dozen. A hole-punch for attaching sample fibers
and blends to the worksheet. About 2 dozen sandwich
baggies fibers will be provided . A good working wheel or
spindle will be used if time allows
Special instructions for participants:
Drum carders should be cleaned and belts checked
before bringing. We need at least one drumcarder for
each pair of students.
#102 Beginning Spinning at the Wheel Amy Tyler
In this workshop, participants will be introduced to the
marvelous craft of spinning yarn on a spinning wheel.
We will cover the parts and workings of the spinning
wheel, and we will spin “singles” yarn from wool rovings.
We will then ply those singles into a 2-ply yarn. We will
cover the basics of fiber selection, fiber preparation, and
yarn finishing. Participants will leave with a completed
skein of their own handspun yarn.
Class level: no experience to beginning
Class Limit: 10
Material fees for class: $20 Fee covers the following:
samples for examination, fibers for spinning, notebook
with handouts, sundry supplies.
Participants should bring with them: a spinning wheel
that works with at least one bobbin, a ballwinder
(optional)
#103 Breed Study Beth Smith
This class takes a spinner on a comprehensive journey
from choosing types of wool, through preparation,
spinning, and finishing of yarn, resulting in the exact yarn
the spinner dreamed of knitting or weaving with.
In this class we will start with an overview of wool breeds
and their classifications. We will learn how to wash wool
to maintain the lock structure, wash lock by lock as well
as washing in small batches. In addition, we will have
an opportunity to try a variety of processing tools. Each
tool will be used to its best ability and on the appropriate
fiber. Students can then take their new knowledge to
experiment and find out their favorite processing methods.
We will combine each processing method with
different spinning techniques which will result in yarns for
specific uses. We will discuss yarns desired for different
knitting techniques such as stockinette, cables and lace
as well as how to design a yarn for weaving.
Several breeds from each class will be sampled
including Fine Wools, Long Wools and Crossbred,
Down and Down Types as well as the category fondly
called Other in which certain breeds which are difficult to
classify are kept. When studying Fine wools we will
wash lock by lock as well as using tulle to keep the lock
structure. Wool will be made ready for spinning using a
flick carder and spinning it from the lock or from the fold.
Long wools will be combed using hand combs and
English combs. Use of a diz will be shown and wool top
will be spun. We will also pull fiber from the comb
without a diz as well as spin directly from the comb.
Down breeds will be processed using several hand
carding methods and drum carders will be used for batt
making. Traditional doffing methods will be used as well
as using a diz to make roving. In the other category we
will be processing using no tools. Icelandic fits in this
category and students will separate coats by hand and
spin them just as they are after separation. Jacob will
also be processed by hand by pulling the locks apart
until the wool is in a cloud style prep and then students
will spin just from that cloud. This class takes the
mystery out of the question “what wool when?”.
Class Level: all levels
Class Limit: 20
Material Fees: $45.00
Participants should bring with them: A Spinning Wheel or
Spindle, and if they have them, hand cards, combs, and
a flick. Some hand tools will be available to borrow
during class. Also useful are hang tags, a pen and a
sample size niddy noddy
#104 Indigo Dyeing made Easy Susan Saunders
Indigo has fascinated people for thousands of years.
“Freeze Dried” Indigo is a product that takes the time
and smell out of Indigo dyeing. It is so easy to use that
we will be spending most of our time using the many
methods of resist dyeing such as Tie-Dye, Shibori, and
Ikat. We will even be able to paint on yarn or fabric with
the dye. Fabrics or yarn require no mordant or prior
preparation except washing. We will use both cellulose
and protein fibers. I will discuss some of the history of
Indigo, Shibori, Ikat and the difficulties in getting Indigo
pots to work.
Class Level: all levels
Class Limit: 12
Material Fees: $15.00 fee covers: Indigo, foam brushes,
4 silk scarves, and 3 skeins of wool, cotton and nylon
yarns. Scarves will be available to purchase.
Participants should bring with them: Rubber, vinyl or
latex gloves; apron, plastic or cloth; dust mask; and a
plastic bucket. Wear old clothes! Students should bring
additional yarn in protein (wool, llama, alpaca, silk, etc.)
and cellulose (cotton, bamboo, rayon, etc.)
for dyeing as time allows. Roving may also be dyed, but
it should be quite dense.
#105 Spinning for a Purpose Nancy Shroyer
Are you stuck in a rut, spinning the same yarn over and
over again? Do you spin first, then worry about what you
will make or if you have enough yarn? This workshop will
push you out of your comfort zone. We will decide first
what the finished project will be, determine the type of
fiber best suited to it, spin an appropriate yarn, then, knit
a proper swatch. You will also learn how to figure out
how much yarn/fiber you will need to spin before you
begin.
Class Level: Ability to spin and ply a balanced yarn.
Also, able to knit and purl.
Class Limit: 10
Material Fees: $15.00 for fibers
Participants should bring with them: Spinning wheel, at
least 3 bobbins, lazy Kate, Niddy Noddy, Knitting
needles a variety of sizes of
#3 - #9, if they have them. I will have a bunch.
#106 Just in Case Basket Ruthanne Morningstar
Just in case you might need a place to put your glasses,
Driver’s License, credit cards, money, etc. This lined
basket is just the ticket. It includes a necklace cording ,
lining, beads and embellishments. Students can choose
from Flat Oval or Fine Cane for weaving. The perfect
thing for shopping at Michigan Fiber Festival . It holds
everything needed, leaving your hands free to look,
touch and shop!
Class Level: Weaving experience suitable for beginners.
Class Limit: 12
Material Fees: $15.00 All weaving materials, lining and
embellishments required for completing.
Participants should bring with them: Everything will be
supplied
#107 Plysplit Garlic Basket Brian Doggett
Describe and review two of the basic ply splitting
techniques with demonstration and hands on practice,
then make a garlic basket from paper cord using those
techniques (single course oblique twining and plain
oblique twining). A wide variety of both flat and three
dimensional forms can be fashioned with cords and
plysplit braiding. A brief historical review and
demonstration of cord making will be included.
Class Level: all levels
Class Limit: 15
Material Fees: $25.00 fee covers, Gripfid, cords and
written instructions
Participants should bring with them: All materials and a
gipfid will be included in the class fee, but if you have a 5
or 5.5 mm, gripfid,
the fee will be reduced.
#108 Tapestry Sampler Barb Gallagher
Learn how to warp a tapestry loom and weave a small
sampler including some or all of the following:
slit tapestry, hatching, shading, diagonals, weft interlock,
and outlining shapes.
Class Level: beginner and immediate artists.
Class Limit: 12
Material Fees: $30.00 covers board loom, warp,
assorted wool yarns, small beater
Participants should bring with them: tape measure,
scissors, pencil, & note taking materials, (optional) bring
pictures, books, magazines, or anything you have for
future inspiration.
#109 Nuno on the Silk Side Suzanne HiggsIn this class we will make wonderful nuno fabric with Habotia
silk. We will dye the silk then nuno the uniquely dyed fabric.
Class Level: all levels
Class Limit: 10
Material Fees: $35.00 fee covers, silks, dyes, mordants,
wool, silk fabrics.
Participants should bring with them: 2 or 3 towels, bucket for
water, lg. sponge, pool noodle, large. glass bowl for dyes.
Wednesday A.M. 9AM ~ 12 noon
#120 Spinning in the Grease Jill Turner
This workshop will offer you the opportunity to explore
various techniques for flicking and combing raw fleece and
spinning in the grease. We will spin the fibers using
combing, carding and flicking techniques.
Class Level: beginner or Intermediate
Class Limit: 12
Material Fee: $10.00 for 1/2 lb. of raw fleece
Participants should bring: combs, carders and flickers if
available and a spinning wheel in good working order
#121 Soap Making Basics Joy Castonguay
Grandma’s Lye Soap...improved! “Lye soap” is NOT
synonymous with hard and harsh. Watch chemistry in action
as we see how simple it is to turn nasty lye and unappealing
oils into a pound of your own fragrant, gentle soap...a joy to
behold...and to use!! Cold process technique will be used,
other techniques discussed. You will scurry away with your
own pound of lovely custom-made soap.
Class Level: Beginner
Class Limit: 15 (ages 16 years and up)
Materials Fee: $13.00
Participants should bring: 1- or 2-cup Pyrex measuring cup,
Stainless steel mixing bowl or pan (4-6 cup size), Stainless
steel whisk, Stainless steel measuring tablespoon, Rubber or
silicon spatula, Rubber or latex gloves, Safety goggles,
Molds (yogurt or margarine containers, silicon cupcake
pans; total of (5) 4oz. Containers. ***NO iron or aluminum)
Paper towels, Box or tray to transport soaps, ***Optional:
(bowls can’t be used for food after)
Hand-held blender (helpful but not necessary; use will shorten
class duration)
#122 Writing Patterns for Publication Kathleen Taylor
Learn tricks and tips for writing up your original pattern for
publication, from 30-year pattern-writing veteran, blogger
Kathleen Taylor, author of five knitting books, over 500
magazine articles, and many other original sewing and knitting
patterns. Whether you plan to submit your design to a
magazine, or will publish and sell it yourself, you need to
know about pattern format, photography, pattern testing,
copyright information, and contacting editors and publishers.
Q&A time provided at the end of the class. Handouts will be
provided.
Class Level: Beginner
Class Limit: 25
Material Fees: None
Participants should bring with them: Pen and paper for taking
notes.
#123 Fancy Fascinators (wet felting) Kelly Brandt
Add soap and water to loose wool fibers to make a wet felted
base. Add millinery netting, feathers, and additional
decorations to create a hat of mystery and sass suitable for
formal occasions and nights on the town. We will explore
techniques for adding three dimensional decorations that are
felted right into the base fabric. Some experience wet felting
with loose fibers very helpful.
Class Level: Beginner with some experience felting helpful.
Class Limit: 20
Material Fees: : $15.00 Fee covers: Felting mat, Fibers,
decorative fibers, netting, and feathers, use of felting tools,
monograph
Participants should bring with them: An old towel for soaking
up soapy water, a large cellulose sponge, dishwashing gloves
if you do not like having your hands in soapy water, any fibers
of your own that you might want to incorporate in your
project.
#124 Wire Wrapped Gemstone Bracelet Heidi Bukoski
Using gorgeous flat oval gemstones you will learn the basics
of wire wrapping. You will then take these links and form a
stunning bracelet. You will be able to choose from a variety
of stones to wrap in copper wire. (Silver wire will be available
for an additional cost.) You will finish this lovely bracelet
with your own hand made clasp.
Class Level: Beginner
Class Limit: 12
Material Fee: $15.00
Participants should bring: Students need to bring needle nose
pliers and flat nosed pliers. Also bring any other jewelry
pliers you have.
Wednesday P.M. 1PM ~ 4 PM
#130 Beauty in a Dish Joy Castonguay
You’ve made soap. Move past the basics as you learn
how to manipulate this basic substance into an artistic
medium that allows you to create visual beauty as well as
care for your skin. Learn how to incorporate milk, silk, colors,
stripes, swirls and chunks...as well as exploring super fatting
techniques. Raise your sense appeal as you place your
colorful, fragrant creations into your soap dish...and be
prepared for exclamations of admiration! Cold process
technique will be used.
Class Level: Intermediate
Class Limit:15 (ages 16 years and up)
Material Fees: $14.00
Participants should bring with them: 1- or 2-cup Pyrex
measuring cup, Stainless steel mixing bowl or pan (at least
4cup), Stainless steel whisk, Stainless steel measuring
tablespoon, Rubber or silicon spatula, Rubber or latex gloves
Safety goggles, Molds (yogurt or margarine containers, silicon
cupcake pans...(5) 4 oz. Containers.
NO aluminum or iron containers...raw soap can’t be in contact
with these materials), Paper towel, Box or tray to carry soaps
home**Optional: Hand-held blender (helpful but not
necessary; use will shorten class duration)
#131 Dyeing and Spinning Silk Cap Jill Turner
Working with silk made easy. Students will each dye two silk
caps using the quick and easy technique of Microwave dyeing.
After dyeing techniques have been covered each student will
receive one additional pre dyed silk cap and we will explore
spinning options.
Class Level: Intermediate
Class Limit: 12
Material Fee: $ 15.00 includes 3 silk caps, dyes needed for
project and handouts
Students Bring: a wheel in good working order, rubber gloves
& optional apron
#132 The Mystery of Marketing Heidi Bukoski
Are you a serious crafter interested in marketing your wares or
an artist who would like to improve what you are now doing?
Class discussion will include choosing the proper venue, sales
booths, pricing, and gallery sales.
Class Level: Beginner
Class Limit: 20
Material Fees: $3.00 Fee covers: Handouts
Participants should bring with them: Students should bring at
least one handmade piece to price. Also bring a picture of
their booth if they have one.
#133 Little Tips and Knitting Tricks Kathleen Taylor
Spend two/three hours with author and designer Kathleen
Taylor, learning fun techniques that will make your knitting
easier: a Substitute for the SSK that is faster and simpler,
Knitting Back Backwards (for heels and bobbles), adding
beads as you knit, using wire, fixing cable and Fair Isle
mistakes, and other time-saving tips. I will provide handouts,
and other small supplies (beads, wire)
Class Level: Beginner ~ Students should be familiar with the
knit and purl stitches
Class Limit: 15
Material Fees: None
Participants should bring with them: Worsted and fingering
weight yarns (leftover balls are fine), appropriate straight
needles for both yarn weights, scissors. Cast on 10 stitches and
work a few rows of stockinette stitch in both yarn weights
(this can be done during class).
.# 134 Make a Mask (wet felting) Kelly Brandt
Use wet felting techniques to create a mask that can express a
hidden side of you! Masks have been used throughout the
millennia to represent mythical creatures, events, and inner
emotions. Learn the pre-felt technique to make lightly felted
pieces. We will cut shapes from the prefelts to decorate the
mask, and add locks or flaps to give your creation a three
dimensional effect.
Class Level: Intermediate
Class Limit: 18
Material Fees: $15.00 Fee covers ~Felting Mat, Fibers for the
mask, decorative fibers, use of felting tools, monograph
Participants should bring with them:: An old towel for
soaking up soapy water, a large cellulose sponge. Optional:
dishwashing gloves if you do not like having your hands in
soapy water; any fibers or yarns of your own that you might
want to incorporate in your project. Water to drink.
Special instructions for participants /Homework (i.e.
wheels in good working order etc.): Jot down a few ideas for
your mask: representing an animal (~lion? ~lamb?),
representing an emotion such as joy or grief, or representing a
mythical character such as Medusa or Kokopelli or a fantasy
creature. Contact Kelly directly with any questions at 616-
374-7176 or kbrandt 96@sbcglobal.net or
www.teameffortartisans.com
