Color Outside the Box!

In this all day workshop you will enter into the world of color in a fun and different way to create the color that’s all around you. You will learn a combination of color theory and basic color mixing by using fabric. This is not a painting class. It’s a fiber and fabric interpretation. You’ll create the color wheel, analogous colors, a grey scale, a monochromatic scale, warm and cool neutrals and arrange them in color collages and unique ideas. You will also design and make a fabric folder to take all your samples home in…your very own color record. Definitely come and color outside the box!

This class will be hosted off-site at the home of the instructor. Directions to the home will be provided after registration.

Skill Level: Beginner

Instructor: Camille Daunno (Read Camille's bio)

Members: $100

Non-members: $120

Materials Fee: $15 cash or venmo (collected at time of workshop)

Materials Provided by instructor: Fabric swatches, glue, scissors, ribbon, wool and fibers, card board, cloths, water containers, pads to work on.

Student should bring: Fabric swatches of your choice (solids, prints, florals, colors) these will be used to create the color combinations.

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

Eco-printing is a contact printing technique. Leaves are placed over mordanted fiber and rolled tightly in a bundle. Next boiling or steaming the bundle transfers the tannins from within the leaves to the fiber.

Beginner level.  First day: Instruction on pre treatment ,scouring and mordanting cellulose fiber. We will mordant rayon scarves to be used on the second day of class. Discussion on leaves regarding tannin and storage. Technique for testing how much tannin is in a particular botanical prior to use in eco-print bundle.  End the first day with eco-printing a test sample of leaves flowers that you are considering to use on cotton strip.

Second day. First bundle demonstrates the technique of folding larger pieces in half that produce minimal center lines. Color dye carrier blankets will be used to transfer color over our leaf and fabric bundle. The second print will be on a rayon scarf 14”x 72. The dye we will be using is Procion fiber reactive dye. The carrier dye blankets are cotton fabric that has been washed several times. You can use old cotton sheets. I find that the dye blankets themselves are very beautiful and I end up saving them for other uses.  Example: Quilts, linings and art works. I like to use white off white or natural Kona cotton. There will be instruction on how to read your print results and adjust length of time in steamer. 

Level: Beginners 

Instructor: Denise Arcuri  (Read Denise's bio)

Non-member: $240

Member: $200

Materials fee: $45 (to be collected day of class)

Materials provided by instructor: Mordants, dyes, cellulose fabric, written instruction

Materials to bring to class:  Gloves (thin medical exam gloves), Apron, Plastic spray bottle with 50% vinegar and 50% water, 2 wooden dowels 1 1/4 to 1 1/2“ diameter by 15” length. (Lowe’s/ home depo will cut to size) White/  off white or natural cotton fabric 21/2 yds or old cotton sheets. Wash cotton several times.  Micron pen can be bought Walmart, Joanns, Staples ( needs to be water resistant) Two old small kitchen towel sized rags, Rubber bands, Empty plastic gallon jug from water or vinegar (we will fill them with water to aid in making tighter fabric bundles ) Some Leaves will be provided ,however bring some of your own to experiment and share.

LEAVES THAT PRINT WELL: Maple, oak, any hard wood tree leaves Fruit tree leaves Rose Marigold petals Oak leaf hydrangeas Smoke bush Coreopsis, Pretty leaves that act more as a resist when using color dye blankets that leave interesting shapes Tulip tree leaves Kudzu Ginkgo Sassafras.

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

Eco-printing is a contact printing technique. Leaves are placed over mordanted fiber and rolled tight in a bundle. Next boiling or steaming the bundle transfers the tannins from within the leaves to the fiber. This is a one day class experimenting with iron, copper sulfate and titanium oxalate on protein fiber. Fabric provided will be soured and mordanted with Potassium aluminum sulfate prior to class. Two eco-printed bundles will be printed by each student. The first will be a test example of botanicals dipped in iron , copper, and titanium oxalate. The second print is guided by using the first bundles results on a 14”x72” silk crepe scarf.

Level: Beginners 

Instructor: Denise Arcuri (Read Denise's bio)

Non-member: $120

Member: $100

Materials fee: $35 (to be collected day of class)

Materials provided by instructor: Mordants, two mordanted silk scarfs, written instruction

Materials to bring to class: Gloves (thin medical exam gloves) Apron, Plastic spray bottle with 50% vinegar and 50% water, 2 wooden dowels 1 1/4 to 1 1/2“ diameter by 15” length. (Lowe’s/ home depo will cut to size), Micron pen can be bought Walmart, Joanns, Staples ( needs to be water resistant) 3 old small kitchen towel sized rags Empty plastic gallon jug from water or vinegar (we will fill them with water to aid in making tight fabric bundles ) Some Leaves will be provided ,however bring some of your own to experiment and share.

LEAVES THAT PRINT WELL: Maple ,oak ,any hard wood tree leaves Fruit tree leaves Rose Marigold petals Smoke bush Coreopsis

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

Learn how to weave a washcloth on a 12 inch loom. Squares can be used for other items and will be discussed in class. What is continuous strand weaving on a square loom? Continuous strand weaving on the square frame loom follows the same principles as with the Triangle frame looms, in that the weaver is just weaving loops which become both a warp and two wefts woven at one. The main differences between weaving on the square versus the triangle are: the weaver only weaves in the top right corner, rather than alternating between the right and left corners and the weaver lays in two warps for every row woven, rather than just one

Level: Beginner

Instructor: Marilyn Haas-Haseman (Read Marilyn's bio)

Members: $100

Non members: $120

Materials fee:  $0

Materials Provided: Looms

Materials students should bring: 

• Yarn: Recommended : Cotton, thick, a good beginner’s brand is Sugar and Cream and not expensive. Variegated color is good and not as easy to see mistakes (that is if you make any ) and single color is easier to see weave. Your choice or get some yarn out of the closet. Need at least 60 yards.
• •Crochet or weaving hook- should be large enough to catch your yarn, preferably 5.25 mm/6-inch size or larger and one long hook
• Scissors
• Hair Pick
• Blunt needle (like used in darning)

Optional

• Large empty coffee can or pot to put your rolled-up yarn in (this helps not to have your yarn roll around) or if comes in cone and will not get tangled you can use that but be careful of tangling
• Bring a lunch, drink, and snack.

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

This is a two day class which will take your book making to the next level. On day one we will make materials for our covers: book cloth and surface design on paper. You can use some small, treasured pieces of fabric from your stash and convert it into book cloth. We will also learn a traditional form of marbling called Suminagashi which uses sumi ink. These papers can be also used for end sheets, cover paper, cards, collaging, etc. On day two we will learn a soft cover journal that has removable signatures. Your pages can be multiple types and sizes of paper or fabric. It is a great book to take along on a trip or keep in your purse for when your creativity strikes. The second book will be a traditional hard cover Japanese Stab binding with a decorative, intricate stitch called asa-no-ha-toji . As a bonus we will do some cyanotype printing IF the weather behaves, we need the sun for this

Level: Intermediate

Instructor: Joyce Tromba (Read Joyce's bio)

Price of this workshop reflects the 20% off Summer Series Discount!

Members: $160

Non Members: $192

Materials fee: $15-20 (paid the day of workshop)

Materials provided by instructor: Materials for Suminagashi, book board, text paper, bookmaking tools, chemistry for cyanotpes linen thread

Students should bring: A small piece of fabric, and a selection of papers or fabric for the journal, your bookmaking tools if you have them

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

As part of our summer series this class will take you on a deep dive into all things indigo. We will learn to set up and maintain two indigo vats: the thiox vat also known as the workshorse vat and an organic vat made with fructose. We will also dye directly with fresh indigo leaves. You will learn the essential components of each method, along with the chemistry behind it. We will dye on cellulose, wool and silk fabrics and learn the traditional resist techniques of shibori. including simple folding and clamping, stitched, arashi. We will learn the essential techniques and chemistry behind each of these methods as well as trouble shooting. At the end of the series you will have an excellent grounding in the art of indigo dyeing.

Level: Beginner

Instructors: Joyce Tromba and Denise Arcuri (Read Joyce & Denise's bio)

Prices reflect the 20% Summer Series discount!

Members: $240 

Non members: $288

Materials fee: $45 (collected at time of workshop)

Materials supplied by teacher: all dyes, assists, fabrics, yarn and equipment

Materials students should bring: apron, additional fabric or small garments may be dyed. We will talk about this on the first day of class.

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

Learn the art of standing wool! Standing wool was popular before the Industrial Revolution as a thrifty way to use up extra scraps and create rugs for the home. However, this technique fell out of use during the advent of machine-made products because the slow, handmade process is impossible to recreate using automation or machinery. Standing wool rugs are also called quilled wool rugs or quillies. This technique can be used to create rugs, trivets, coasters, and of course, wall art!

You will learn:

• How to create a basic coil using a whip stitch
• How to create a basic coil with hidden stitches
• How to bind multiple coils together
• How to add strips to a base coil

Level: Beginner

Members: $50

Non members: $60

Instructor: Amy Reader (Read Amy's bio)

Materials fee: $25

Materials supplied by teacher: All supplies provided: strips of felt, embroidery floss, and needle to keep. Scissors to share.

Materials students could bring: N/a

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

Level: Intermediate (Students should know how to spin yarn on a spinning wheel. Beginners are welcome, but some skill is needed.)

Members: $50

Non members: $60

Instructor: Silver Davin (Read Silver's bio)

Materials fee: $40 cash, credit card, venmo, or paypal (to be paid on day of workshop)

Materials supplied by teacher: 3+ oz crazy art batt and a spool of core yarn. There will be many different colorways to choose from.

Materials students could bring: You'll need to bring your spinning wheel. Please bring a jumbo flier if you have one; the bigger your wheel's orifice, the better!

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

Create a one-of-a-kind doll infused with intention, beauty, and a touch of mischief. In this full-day workshop, you’ll craft your own Spirit Doll—a soulful, whimsical companion made with fabric, thread, and your imagination. This is slow crafting at its best: sewing, stuffing, painting her face, giving her wild yarn hair, and adorning her with beads, appliqué, and meaningful bits and bobs.

These dolls are cute, but even more so, they’re magical! Each one holds a secret wish, intention, or prayer nestled inside. As you stitch, you’ll also be weaving in a little piece of your story, your hopes, or the energy you want more of in your life.

Whether you're a knitter, sewer, weaver, or just someone craving a creative day of play, this workshop will delight your inner maker.

Come stitch something meaningful—just for you.

Level: Beginner (no doll-making experience needed) 

Instructor: Stacy Vajta (Read Stacy's bio)

Members: $100

Non Members: $120

Materials fee: $35 (paid via cash, card, or venmo day of workshop)

Materials provided by instructor: Stuffing & weighted pellets, Doll-making needles, Clay faces & paint, Beads, crystals, embroidery thread, Assorted fabrics and trims for embellishing, Glue and basic supplies, extra fabircs and yarn, sewing machine

Students should bring: Fabric for your doll (½ yard is plenty) • Yarn for hair • Two small matching buttons (½” size for arms) • Basic sewing thread and scissors • Any personal adornments you'd like to include (special fabric scraps, charms, etc.)

Spend some time with me and learn how to make a Fabulous 3-Dimensional Vessel using a Flat Resist! We will be using beautiful merino wool fibers, wool prefelts, silks and an assortment of fibers to create texture and interest!

You will learn~

• How to layout wool over a resist
• How to wet felt over a resist
• Create texture & pattern on the surface
• How to make “craters’ with hidden fibers underneath
• Develop your wet felting, rolling, and fulling skills

Level: Beginner

Instructor: Betty Ann Winters (Read Betty Ann's bio)

Members: $50

Non-Members: $60

Materials fee: $20 cash (collected at time of workshop)

Materials provided by instructor: wool, silks, embellishments and a resist that you can use again and again at home.

Students should bring: 1 large towel, 1 small towel. We will be stuffing our vessels to block them, please bring at least 15 plastic supermarket bags or small towels/ rags. Note: Wet felting requires the physical ability to work with your hands in a repetitive motion. Please bring lunch or a snack for a mid-class short break.

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

This introductory class provides an overview of Sashiko, the Japanese stitching and mending practice, and guides beginners in gaining basic skills and knowledge to apply this practice to both functional and decorative goods. This class is a prerequisite to the other classes in the series. Participants will learn to stitch a basic Sashiko geometric pattern, making a coaster or patch by class end.

Members: $50

Non members: $60

Instructor: Gail Clement (Read Gail's bio)

Materials fee: $35

Materials supplied by teacher: Supply kit containing Sashiko needle 2-pack, Palm thimble, Finger Cots , Coron naturally-dyed thick Sashiko thread on bobbin (24 m approx) , Yokota medium Sashiko thread (40 m), Daruma 20/4 thin Sashiko thread(40 m), 3 Fabric samples (Sarashi cotton; Kaufman Essex cotton/linen blend; thrifted linen 1 Lined water soluble transfer, Preprinted Washout Fabric

Materials students should bring: Embroidery snips and straight edge

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

Building on basic skills gained in “Introduction to Sashiko, a Japanese Stitching Practice”, we will explore the Hitomezashi Sashiko style based on single stitches placed on gridded patterns. This workshop introduces the history and development of Hitomezashi, surveys traditional patterns using this style, and applies this stitching practices on pre-printed fabric. Participants will also have the opportunity to design their own Hitomezashi pattern and at least start stitching a coaster or patch. Participants with equivalent Sashiko skills covered in “Introduction to Sashiko, a Japanese Stitching Practice” must purchase the materials kit accompanying that introductory workshop. Participants who have completed in “Introduction to Sashiko, a Japanese Stitching Practice“ need to purchase the add-on supplies specific to Hitomezashi ($15).

Members: $50

Non members: $60

Instructor: Gail Clement (Read Gail's bio)

Materials fee: $15 (to be collected day of event)

Materials supplied by teacher: Hitomezashi add-on fabrics and instructions

Materials students could bring: Embroidery supplies and ruler

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

If you have been interested in natural dyeing but are overwhelmed by all the terminology, preparation and techniques this class is for you. Learn all about natural dyes, mordants, pH, how to prepare your fiber for dyeing as well as how the indigo vat works. You will also learn about some easy natural dye plants to grow in your garden and what equipment and supplies you need to get started on your natural dye journey. This is a lecture only class, you will not be dyeing, but after this class you will be prepared to join one of the study groups or take a hands on natural dye class.

Level: Beginner

Instructor: Joyce Tromba (Read Joyce's bio)

Members: $35

Non members: $45

Materials fee: $0

Materials provided by instructor: Handout

Materials students should bring: Notebook

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

 Take a deep dive into Natural Dyeing on cellulose and protein fibers.   Learn to successfully use natural dyes to produce clear, long lasting colors on a variety of fibers. You will learn the important steps of fiber preparation: scouring and mordanting that is so important in achieving good results with natural dyes. We will the extract our dyes from the raw plant materials, dye the fibers and finally explore post dye modification and over dyeing which extends the range of hues from our primary colors. We will make 12 different dye baths to get a rainbow of colors.

This series requires some knowledge of the chemistry of natural dyeing. If you are a beginner please take the Introduction to Natural Dyeing offered the week before this class.

We will provide all the materials, dyes, adjuncts and equipment as well as a detailed handout.

 Level: Informed Beginners (see above)

Instructors: Joyce Tromba & Denise Arcuri (Read Joyce & Denise's bios)

Members: $300

Non members: $360

Materials fee: $50-60 dollars, we will calculate the exact amount at the end of the series.

Materials provided by instructor: Cotton and silk fabric, wool yarn, plants, extracts, equipment, mordants, modifiers, detailed instructions

Materials students should bring: Dye plants (optional). Please contact instructors if you have questions about what to bring.

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

Delve deeper into the art of standing wool! Standing wool was popular before the Industrial Revolution as a thrifty way to use up extra scraps and create rugs for the home. However, this technique fell out of use during the advent of machine-made products because the slow, handmade process is impossible to recreate using automation or machinery. Standing wool rugs are also called quilled wool rugs or quillies. This technique can be used to create rugs, trivets, coasters, and of course, wall art!

You will learn:

• How to sew embellishments onto base coils
• How to create alternative shapes beyond coils (teardrops, zig zags)
• How to create surface patterns with stitching
• How to back your finished work

You should already know:

• How to create a basic coil using a whip stitch
• How to create a basic coil with hidden stitches
• How to bind multiple coils together
• How to add strips to a base coil

You can review the basic techniques here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6xfvckuZ7tay6E1oArJ0f6MhEUaQRkXV&si=f7oOiwM2myn5mjww

Level: Intermediate

Members: $50

Non members: $60

Instructor: Amy Reader (Read Amy's bio)

Materials fee: $25

Materials supplied by teacher: All supplies provided: strips of felt, embroidery floss, and needle to keep. Scissors to share.

Materials students could bring: N/a

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies