Dyers Workshop.  Beginning in 2012 we're taking a new approach to dyeing classes by letting YOU create your own agenda for the weekend. You will choose your class length and what you will study during the class.  Read the dyeing class descriptions on this page for some of the things you can choose to learn and practice in the Dyers Workshop.  Some possibilities include dyeing silks; rainbow dyeing yarns and rovings; painted yarns; dyeing cellulose fibers (cotton, bamboo); dyeing socks, shoelaces, scarves, shawls, quilt squares ...the sky is the limit!  You will learn from what others are doing and they will learn from you.  No pre-requisite, all levels, including beginners welcome.  Class cost will be based on how long of a workshop you choose.   Fees include instruction and use of dyes & equipment.  Class fees are as follows:  one day only (Saturday) - $60; Friday evening through Saturday - $90; Saturday through Sunday - $100; full weekend (Friday evening through Sunday 2:00) - $120.  Fees do NOT include yarns, fibers, & fabrics for dyeing. You may bring your own or purchase what you need from the Fiber Garden.  Be sure and indicate the class length you are enrolling for on the registration form. (Note that if you wish to dye plant-based fibers, you MUST select a multi-day workshop option!) Please check the Class/Event Schedule page for workshop dates or pre-register to be notified when additional workshops are forming.

Handspinners Sampler. Join handspinning friends for a day of  exploration!  We will work with some new fibers such as alpaca, silk, angora...perhaps some ramie, linen, and cotton too!  Each fiber has it's own unique preparation and spinning techniques.  This is a great workshop to expand your spinning skills!  Cost: $45. Fee includes all materials. Pre-requisite: beginning spinning.  Length: One session; approx 6 hours. Please check the Class/Event Schedule page for workshop dates or pre-register to be notified when additional workshops are forming. 

Hand-Dyed Silks. (Photos)  Come create your own signature dyed silk scarves and shawls using several simple dye techniques with more than 90 colors to choose from.  No experience necessary!  Cost:  $25 + silk blanks. (Students can dye as many as they wish.  Silk blanks range in price from $1.75 - $4.50 for scarves; slightly more for shawls.)  Length: one session, approx 5 hours. Please check the Class/Event Schedule page for workshop dates or pre-register to be notified when additional workshops are forming.

Locker Hooking.  This is a class from Fiber Garden history books!  (I should clean out the supply closet more often!) Looker hooking is a simple technique in which wool locks, roving, or fabric are woven through rug canvas and "locked" in place creating a firm and decorative fabric good for rugs, bags, chair pads, etc. No experience necessary!  Cost:  $45, includes all supplies including locker hook, canvas, and a generous supply of fiber.   Length: one session, approx 4 hours. Please check the Class/Event Schedule page for workshop dates or pre-register to be notified when additional workshops are forming.

Explore a variety of rainbow dye techniques that can be enjoyed by spinners, weavers, and knitters alike!  Injection, spot, immersion, and painting techniques...and more!  Cost: $55.  Fee includes all materials, fibers, yarns, and dyes, but students are welcome to bring some of their own fibers or yarns to dye. All skill levels welcome, including first-time dyers.  For spinners, weavers and knitters!  Length: One day (Saturday 10am-5pm). Please check the Class/Event Schedule page for workshop dates or pre-register to be notified when additional workshops are forming.  .   

Spinners Workshop.  Beginning in 2012 we're taking a new approach to "beyond beginning" spinning classes by letting YOU create your own agenda for the weekend. You will choose your class length and what you will study during the class.  Read the class descriptions on this page for some of the things you can choose to learn and practice in the Spinners Workshop.  Some possibilities include spinning for a project, mastering the drum carder, creating art yarns, learning to work with new fibers, blending fibers...the sky is the limit!  You will learn from what others are doing and they will learn from you.  Pre-requisite: beginning spinning. Class cost will be based on how long of a workshop you choose.  Fees include instruction and use of equipment.  Class fees are as follows:  one day only (Saturday) - $60; Friday evening through Saturday - $90; Saturday through Sunday - $100; full weekend (Friday evening through Sunday 2:00) - $120.  Fees do NOT include materials. You may bring your own fibers or purchase what you need from the Fiber Garden.  Be sure and indicate the class length you are enrolling for on the registration form.  Please check the Class/Event Schedule page for workshop dates or pre-register to be notified when additional workshops are forming.  .   

Spinning Designer Yarns. The possibilities for designing your own unique yarns are endless!  We'll explore many elements of yarn design including the use of texture, color, fiber type, plying techniques.  You'll spin a beautiful sampler of designer yarns including cabled, knot, insertion, boucle, beaded and more!   Pre-requisite: Beginning spinning.  Cost: $45.  Fee includes all materials; participants will be encouraged to bring one or two bobbins of single ply handspun yarn to experiment with. Length: One session; approx 6 hours.  Please check the Class/Event Schedule page for workshop dates or pre-register to be notified when additional workshops are forming. 

Spinning for a Project.  One of the challenges for spinners can be adapting their spinning to create a yarn suited for a specific knit or woven project.  Much of the time it's simply a matter of gaining confidence as a spinner.  Participants in this workshop should come to class with a knitting or weaving project that they would like to spin the yarn for (for weavers this will include weft AND warp!).  We will begin by discussing the characteristics that you are seeking in your finished yarns...color, texture, loft, etc.  Then you will practice creating a yarn with these qualities.  Students can bring their own fiber to spin or choose from the wide range of fibers available at the Fiber Garden. Yarns spun in class will be the start to that perfect handspun-handknit or handwoven project!   Pre-requisite: Beginning spinning; must be comfortable spinning wool.  Cost: $75 plus fibers.  Length: Two days: Saturday and Sunday.  Please check the Class/Event Schedule page for workshop dates or pre-register to be notified when additional workshops are forming. 

Spinning for Weaving. This workshop will build your confidence as a spinner...no more fear of spinning warp for weaving!  You will learn how to spin a yarn that will work well as a warp, as well as design a weft yarn. You will weave a small project from your handspun yarns and never fear spinning for weaving again!  Students must be comfortable spinning wool and have beginning weaving experience on a 4-harness loom.  Cost: $150.  Fee includes all materials; students will also be welcome to bring their own spinning fibers. Length: Full weekend (Friday evening 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.; Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 10am-4pm)  Pre-register now!

Spinning Silk! Silk fiber comes in many different forms...come spend a day exploring this luxurious fiber!  We'll dye silk caps to create a beautiful silk rainbow yarn, then we'll explore cocoons, bricks, noil, top.  Practice the various preparation and spinning techniques of silk to create special yarns from this amazing fiber!  Pre-requisite: Beginning Spinning Cost: $55.  Fee includes all fibers and dyes.  Bring a spinning wheel or use one from the Fiber Garden.  Length:  One day; 7 hours.  Please check the Class/Event Schedule page for workshop dates or pre-register to be notified when additional workshops are forming. 

Click on the links below to learn more!

Beads & Embellishments

Knitting

Spinning and Dyeing