Fiber Festival Workshops

Begin to Spin!

Description: Learn to make your own, unique handspun yarn on a spinning wheel! We’ll play with several types of prepared wool while we discuss wheel maintenance, drafting, treadling, plying, and finishing techniques to make a balanced yarn. No previous experience required. Warning: Spinning can be addictive!

Cost: $80
Material Fee: $10 (paid to instructor at the class)
Includes: all fibers and handout, as well as in-class use of ball winder, niddy-noddy, and lazy kate. For an additional $10, students may borrow a spinning wheel and bobbins for use in class.

Materials for Students to Bring: Student can bring any treadle-driven wheel in good working condition.

Max Participants: 7
Minimum number of participants to hold the class: 2

When:
Saturday, November 4th: 9:30am-12:00pm
Sunday, November 5th: 9:30am-12:00pm and 12:30pm-3:00pm
Workshop Room 1

Instructor: Marcia Weinert of Undeniably Loopy - undeniablyloopy@gmail.com

Beginners Oxford Punch Needles

Description: Student will learn the basic skills for the Oxford Punch Needle for making rugs and other projects. A learner's project of a framed simple design will be started. Students will learn equipment and material required, needle use, simple stitch techniques. Methods to finish project will be demonstrated. Many uses for a variety of projects will be reviewed including rugs, pillow, chair pads, and more.

Ages: 16 & Up

Cost: $75
Material Fee: $20 (paid to instructor at the class)
Includes: framed design on backing and yarn for project
Punch needle and scissors will be available for use during class.
Punch needles ($39), hoops, frames, and yarn can be purchased at vendor booth after class.

Max Participants: 16
Minimum number of participants to hold the class: 5

When:
Saturday, November 4th: 9:30am-12:00pm
Workshop Room 4

Instructor: Marcy Young of My Sisters Fabric and Fiber - mysistersfandf@mail.com

Corded Wool Stool

Description: Weave a stool with corded wool for a soft, luxurious place to put your feet up.

Ages: 12 & Up

Cost: $60
Material Fee: $70 (paid to instructor at the class)
Includes: stool, wool, tape

Materials for Students to Bring: scissors

Max Participants: 12
Minimum number of participants to hold the class: 5

When:
Saturday, November 4th: 9:30am-12:30pm
Workshop Room 3

Instructor: Sue Muldoon of Redux For You - suemuldoon@suemuldoonimages.com

Crocheted Groovy Granny Squares

Description: Granny squares never go out of style. You will learn to crochet the classic granny square in different colors and sizes. Plus get tips on joining your squares and what you can make with your finished squares. Some crochet experience is required.

Ages: 18 & Up

Cost: $65
Material Fee: $2 (paid to instructor at the class)
Includes: printed handouts

Materials for Students to Bring: A variety of worsted weight yarns, Crochet hooks in any size that will work with your chosen yarn, (4) Locking Stitch Markers, Pen/Paper, Scissors, Darning Needle
**All Yarn Must Be Pre-Wound Prior To The Start of The Workshop**

Max Participants: 10
Minimum number of participants to hold the class: 2

When:
Saturday, November 4th: 12:00pm-2:00pm
Workshop Room 5

Instructor: Susan Rogers of Cosmic Kitten Crochet - Jskitty922@yahoo.com

Felted Mittens

Description: Create the world warmest, easiest mittens in one day. Using 100% Vermont grown wool spun at Green Mountain Spinnery knit a Icelandic style mitten that will not only keep your hands warm all winter long but wear well and be washable.

Ages: All ages

Cost: $45
Material Fee: $40 (paid to instructor at the class)
Includes: 100% Vermont grown wool spun at Green Mountain Spinnery, enough to create one pair of mittens and pattern.

Materials for Students to Bring: size 10 or 10 1/2 double pointed needles

Max Participants: 10
Minimum number of participants to hold the class: 3

When:
Sunday, November 5th: 12:00pm-1:30pm
Workshop Room 2

Instructor: Holly Partridge of Peartree - peartreesheep@gmail.com

Felted Soap

Description: Felted soaps make wonderful gifts. This workshop will cover wool selection, blending techniques and wet felting methods. Students will create one felted soap and will have enough materials to make another soap after class.

Ages: 12 & Up

Cost: $45
Material Fee: $25 (paid to instructor at the class)
Includes: Two Soaps, Merino Roving, Bubble Wrap, Bucket, Organza Bag, Felting Needle, Paper Towels

Materials for Students to Bring: Towel

Max Participants: 20
Minimum number of participants to hold the class: 15

When:
Saturday, November 4th: 3:30pm-4:30pm
Workshop Room 3

Instructor: Nancy Butler of Lyric Hill Farm - lyrichillfarm@yahoo.com

Folk Art Hooked Rugs

Description: Like all old-fashioned crafts, rug hooking is low-tech, simple and lots of fun! You can easily incorporate rovings, hand spun and commercial yarns, felting techniques and embellishments, once you have mastered the basics. Learn the sequence and procedure of rug hooking, from start to finish. Every step will be demonstrated. We will discuss the history and tradition of primitive rug hooking, learn about finding and preparing materials, and research sources for design inspiration. You will choose from a variety of simple folk art designed rug hooking KITS, for a small mat or chair pad, purchased directly from the instructor. Your rug hooking kit will include everything needed: hook, instructions, design suggestions, binding, burlap, hoop and a selection of one-of-a-kind heirloom and hand dyed wools. If you have a favorite pair of sharp fabric scissors, please bring these to class.

Ages: Adults

Cost: $55
Material Fee: $25-$60 (paid to instructor at the class)
Includes: Individually prepared kits including hand drawn design, heirloom and hand dyed wools, hoop and hook in various sizes ($41-60, student choice)
Individual students may choose to spend only $25-$30 if they already own a hook.

Materials for Students to Bring: sharp fiber scissors, hook (or available for purchase)

Max Participants: 15
Minimum number of participants to hold the class: 5

When:
Sunday, November 5th: 9:00am-11:30am
Workshop Room 2

Instructor: Janet Conner of J. Conner Hooked Rugs - jconnerhookedrugs@gmail.com

Get Your Gnome On

Description: Join the gnome craze and knit up one to take home. Gno one can deny they are super cute, so warm up those circs, grab your exclusive yarn kit from KnittyGrittyYarnGirl.com and get ready to cast on with help from Dawn, The Stitching Coach. This is an Adventurous beginner/Intermediate level class. Participants should know how to cast on, knit, purl and bind off.

Ages: Teens & Up (not suitable for beginners)

Cost: $60
Material Fee: $25 ($20 for kit from KnittyGrittyYarnGirl.com, $5 Paid to instructor at the class)
Includes: Fiber fill for stuffing gnomes, pattern
Preorder your kit through KnittyGrittyYarnGirl.com. Kits must be preordered online or at the shop (170 Flanders Road, Niantic, CT) prior to the festival. To save shipping costs, online orders can be picked up at class.

Materials for Students to Bring: Yarn kit from KnittyGrittyYarnGirl.com (preordered), US 4 and 6 circular needles 42" long, Darning needle, Row counter or Knit Companion

Max Participants: 15
Minimum number of participants to hold the class: 5

When:
Sunday, November 5th: 11:00am-3:00pm
Workshop Room 3

Instructor: Dawn Zillich of The Stitching Coach - stitchingcoach@gmail.com

Intro to the Wonderful World of Crochet

Description: If you ever wanted to learn how to crochet, then this workshop is for you. You will learn basic foundation stitches, beginner tips on selecting yarn, and tips on crochet hooks.
*No previous experience required for this workshop*

Ages: 18 & Up

Cost: $65
Material Fee: $2 (paid to instructor at the class)
Includes: printed handouts

Materials for Students to Bring: (2) Balls or Skeins of Pre-Wound Worsted Weight Yarn each in a Light Solid Color, Crochet Hook in a Size(4.50MM) or a Size(H), (4) Locking Stitch Markers, Pen/Paper, Scissors, (1) Darning Needle

Max Participants: 10
Minimum number of participants to hold the class: 2

When:
Saturday, November 4th: 9:30am-11:30am
Workshop Room 5

Instructor: Susan Rogers of Cosmic Kitten Crochet - Jskitty922@yahoo.com

Miniature Punch Needle

Description: This is an old craft, which mimics the appearance of hooked rugs--but in miniature doll house size! The design is punched from the back using a specialized punch needle tool, creating a series of tiny loops on the front surface. Using my hand dyed wool threads makes all the difference in antique appearance and quality. In this 2.5 hour class, students will choose from among a variety of complete kits which include an original folk-art design, all hand dyed and natural wool threads, and complete instructions. Together we will learn the technique for completing and displaying this beautiful and portable fiber craft!

Ages: Adults

Cost: $55
Material Fee: $25-$66 (paid to instructor at the class)
Includes: J. Conner Punch Needle original design and hand dyed wool threads to complete it ($25), small sharp embroidery scissors
If needed: an Ultrapunch size Small Punch needle ($27) and 7" Morgan brand locking embroidery hoop ($14)

Materials for Students to Bring: sharp fiber scissors, 7" Morgan brand locking embroidery hoop (or available for purchase), Ultrapunch needle with small size point (or available for purchase)

Max Participants: 15
Minimum number of participants to hold the class: 5

When:
Saturday, November 4th: 2:00pm-4:30pm
Workshop Room 2

Instructor: Janet Conner of J. Conner Hooked Rugs - jconnerhookedrugs@gmail.com

Nal Binding for Newbies

Description: Ancient Scandanvian craft form for making clothing and personal items. Create a needle case in class. Learn to be a nal binding maverick!

Ages: 8 & Up

Cost: $25
Material Fee: $10 (paid to instructor at the class)
Includes: Nal binding needle, instructions, sample size yarn to complete small beginner's project

Max Participants: 15
Minimum number of participants to hold the class: 5

When:
Sunday, November 5th: 9:30am-10:30am
Workshop Room 3

Instructor: Shelley McKinnon-Cleary of Ancient Threads Farm/The Shire of Niche - luinagreinefeirme@gmail.com

S. Kat Cleary

518-960-2875

https://www.instagram.com/luinagreinefeirme https://www.facebook.com/luinagreinefeirme

Our vending partner and neighbor farm:

http://www.ancientthreadsfarm.com/

Needle Felted Goldfinch

Description: Have you ever noticed the soft brown goldfinches turn brilliant yellow during the first warm days of our New England springtime? Join Jennifer and Melissa of Going Gnome for this fun needle felting class, in celebration of this springtime metamorphosis. In this class participants will learn to make a three-dimensional felted form, make and attach felted pieces to one another, and do surface decoration. This is a fun class for absolute beginners but has plenty to offer those with needle felting experience. Each participant with leave with a finished Goldfinch (approximately 2” tall), a foam work surface and 2 felting needles.

Ages: 16 & Up (or 10 & Up if accompanied by an adult attending the workshop)

Cost: $45
Material Fee: $20 (paid to instructor at the class)
Includes: Wool, Foam work surfaces, felting needles

Max Participants: 18
Minimum number of participants to hold the class: 6

When:
Sunday, November 5th: 10:00am-12:00pm
Workshop Room 4

Instructor: Jennifer & Melissa VanSant of Going Gnome - goinggnomefelting@gmail.com

Needle Felted Knitting Gnome

Description: Have you ever wanted to take a stab at needle felting? Join Jennifer and Melissa of Going Gnome for this fun workshop to make your very own Knitting Gnome. This is an excellent workshop for new and experienced needlefelters alike. Learn to create a solid wool form, make and attach felted pieces, and explore surface decoration. This is a fun and spirited workshop, and you will leave with a finished project! Each participant will make a gnome approximately 5” tall Please note: we will teach you there needle felting, you'll have to do the knitting, or hope your gnome knows how to do it! :)

Ages: 16 & Up (or 10 & Up if accompanied by an adult attending the workshop)

Cost: $55
Material Fee: $25 (paid to instructor at the class)
Includes: Wool, Felting Needles, foam work surfaces

Max Participants: 18
Minimum number of participants to hold the class: 4

When:
Saturday, November 4th: 1:00pm-4:00pm
Workshop Room 4

Instructor: Jennifer & Melissa VanSant of Going Gnome - goinggnomefelting@gmail.com

Needle Felted Stained Glass

Description: We will create a piece of needle felted "stained glass" which can be turned into a phone or eyeglass case or can stand alone as a piece of artwork.

Ages: 12 & Up

Cost: $45
Material Fee: $35 (paid to instructor at the class)
Includes: Pre-Felted Wool Sheet (blank), Pre-Felted Wool Sheet with preprinted design, Merino Roving, Step by step instructions, Foam Felting Pad, Two Felting needles

Materials for Students to Bring: scissors

Max Participants: 20
Minimum number of participants to hold the class: 10

When:
Sunday, November 5th: 9:30am-11:30am
Workshop Room 5

Instructor: Nancy Butler of Lyric Hill Farm - lyrichillfarm@yahoo.com

Plying with Intention

Description: Your yarn is all spun—but what happens next at your wheel can make your finished item sparkle or sag. Let’s explore all the ways that plying can affect color, durability, texture, and ease of completion of your project—whether you’re spinning to knit, crochet or weave! We’ll learn Andean plying, chain- or Navajo-plying, and how to make and use an inexpensive tensioned Lazy Kate for 3- and 4-ply yarns and MORE!

Cost: $80
Material Fee: $5 (paid to instructor at the class)
Includes: Handouts, balls of assorted singles yarns, Lazy Kates and materials for making paper-bag Kates (paper bags, knitting needles, string), Andean plying tools, tongue depressors, bowls, other small tools.

Materials for Students to Bring: Spinning wheel in good working order with 3-5 bobbins.

Max Participants: 12
Minimum number of participants to hold the class: 5

When:
Saturday, November 4th: 1:00pm-4:00pm
Workshop Room 1

Instructor: Marcia Weinert of Undeniably Loopy - undeniablyloopy@gmail.com

Produce Basket

Description: Create an open basket using round reed and twining pattern to hold produce (or anything else you want!) on your wall. Great for holding yarn nearby also.

Ages: 12 & Up

Cost: $50
Material Fee: $25 (paid to instructor at the class)
Includes: round reed, clips, written instructions

Materials for Students to Bring: scissors or clippers

Max Participants: 12
Minimum number of participants to hold the class: 6

When:
Saturday, November 4th: 1:00pm-3:00pm
Workshop Room 3

Instructor: Sue Muldoon of Redux For You - suemuldoon@suemuldoonimages.com

Simpler Sisu Sock Heel Technique

Description: In this class, participants will learn the quick and easy Simpler Sisu Heel technique to make sock knitting a breeze! Participants will come to the workshop with a sock cuff ready to knit the heel. The heel is knit flat, so a swatch will also work to learn the heel technique. Each participant will also receive a copy of the "Simpler Sisu Sock - The Easy" pattern.

Ages: 15 & Up

Cost: $75
Material Fee: none
Includes: the Simpler Sisu Sock - The Easy pattern

Materials for Students to Bring: A sock cuff/leg knit ready for the heel, or a working 30-st swatch (still on the needles)

Max Participants: 20
Minimum number of participants to hold the class: 1

When:
Saturday, November 4th: 2:30pm-4:30pm
Workshop Room 5

Instructor: Jill Tamminen of Knit Sisu - knitsisu@gmail.com

Snowman Wool Painting

Description: Learn how to create this wool painting of a Snowman in the primitive style using the technique of needle felting. In this class you will learn the basics of needle felting on a flat surface. We will also talk about transferring an image as well as tips, tricks and best materials for creating wool works of art in two dimensions.

Ages: 15 & Up

Cost: $45
Material Fee: $15 (paid to instructor at the class)
Includes: Foam pad to work on, barbed needles for needle felting, wool batt, wool felted sheet

Max Participants: 16
Minimum number of participants to hold the class: 4

When:
Saturday, November 4th: 9:30am-11:30am
Workshop Room 2

Instructor: Jennifer McCarthy of The Felted Bee - thefeltedbee@gmail.com

Visible Mending with the Darning Loom

Description: Have you been looking for a way to use visible mending to repair your hand knit garments? Maybe some of your favorite clothes need a little love (ours always do!) and you want to learn how to easily darn socks or mend a hole in a sweater? Our Darning & Mending Loom Kit includes all of the tools you need to repair a hole in a knitted garment, making it easy to do it yourself. We'll walk you through the process, or you can follow the enclosed simple instructions. You’ll be mending clothing and accessories in no time! Thanks to the unique construction of our Darning Loom, accomplishing more creative or complicated mends is easier than with a traditional darning egg or darning mushroom.

Ages: 16 & Up

Cost: $49
Material Fee: $36 (paid to instructor at the class)
Includes: SMALLER Darning Loom Kit: 1 x Darning Loom, 1 x Heddle (approximately 1.5" long), 1 x Elastic Tie, 1 x Tapestry Needle, 1 x Instruction Pamphlet

Materials for Students to Bring: a hand knit or commercial knit sock to mend, with or without a hole (ideal would be a hand knit sock with a hole to mend), a pair of scissors, some fingering weight yarn (a few yards of a color that contrasts the sock)

Max Participants: 12
Minimum number of participants to hold the class: 4

When:
Sunday, November 5th: 2:00pm-3:00pm
Workshop Room 2

Instructor: Katy Westcott of Katrinkles - https://katrinkles.com/pages/contact-1

Weaving on Rigid Heddle Looms

Description: Is rigid heddle weaving for you? Find out in this interactive workshop where you will weave up a cowl on a rigid heddle loom using hand dyed yarn from CeCe's Wool. Looms will be pre-warped and you will be able to enjoy weaving and we'll help you take off and finish the cowl.

Ages: 14 & Up

Cost: $65
Material Fee: $20 (paid to instructor at the class)
Includes: looms with stands, wool yarn for cowl

Max Participants: 10
Minimum number of participants to hold the class: 5

When:
Sunday, November 5th: 12:30pm-3:00pm
Workshop Room 4

Instructor: Cecilia Tkaczyk of CeCe's Wools - ceceswool@gmail.com

Wet Felted Flowers

Description: Students will learn how to create wet felted flowers from wool roving. This class will also cover various wet felting techniques and different types of assembly.

Ages: Adult

Cost: $45
Material Fee: $35 (paid to instructor at the class)
Includes: Bucket, Bubble Wrap, Paper Towels, Merino Roving, Template, Felting Needle, Soap, Spray Bottle, Felting Pad

Materials for Students to Bring: towel

Max Participants: 18
Minimum number of participants to hold the class: 10

When:
Sunday, November 5th: 12:00pm-2:00pm
Workshop Room 5

Instructor: Nancy Butler of Lyric Hill Farm - lyrichillfarm@yahoo.com