Fiber Arts

Winter Weaving Workshops

Let’s Weave a Scarf

Grace Mandle

Chase the winter blues away by enjoying a relaxing afternoon in the AFS Weaving Room creating a colorful scarf.   No experience necessary!  A quick 30 minute introduction on how your pre-dressed loom works, selecting your fibers, and learning a few basic weaving skills, will see you producing a unique scarf in this no-pressure, fun filled environment.   Ages:  Adult, or Adult with teen (ages 14 and up).

• January 7, 2012 – Saturday - CRN – 20113
• January 15, 2012 – Sunday -CRN – 20116
• January 29, 2012 – Sunday – CRN – 20118
• Class Hours:  1 pm – 5 pm
•  Materials Fees:  Included
• Class Cost: $50
• Maximum Students:  5 (Minimum 2)

 

Let’s Weave a Colorful Sock Rug  

Grace Mandle

This introductory level weaving class, with ‘pre-dressed’ looms, allows the beginning or experienced weaver to learn or relearn the basics of using a floor loom.  You can quickly move on to taking strips of colorful sock remnants, chained together, and turn them into a bright, colorful, thick cotton rug.  These rugs are suitable for any area in your home, from bathmats to children’s rooms, or anywhere you wish to add a bright accent.  In this relaxing half-day class you will walk away with a one-of-a-kind sock rug, while enjoying the camaraderie of others in a relaxed learning environment.

• February 5, 2012 – Sunday – CRN – 20114
• February 18, 2012 – Saturday – CRN – 20117
• July 28, 2012 – Saturday – CRN – 70020
• Class Hours: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Material Fees: Included
• Maximum Students: 3
• Class Cost: $75

Create the Traditional Braided Rug

Jan Weeks

If the folks in the Adirondacks are one thing, it’s resourceful.  The Traditional Braided Rug is the perfect example.  Take some scraps of cotton cloth, some knowledge in braiding and a little practice and you will be creating a traditional Adirondack Braided Rug.  You’ll be shown how to make either a heart, oval or round shaped rug.  It is great fun and once you’ve made one of these practical throw rugs, you’ll be searching for more cloth in order to make more!  The instructor will provide materials and the know-how.  Each student is asked to bring a number of old cotton T-shirts to class in order to make each of the three styles.

• March 3, 2012 -Saturday - CRN – 20122
• August 4, 2012 – Saturday - CRN – 70108 
  
• Class Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Tuition – $75
• Material Fees – $30

Hobo Quilt

(56” x 56” squares) (52” x 78” rectangles)

Sandy Collins

This is a great project for the first time quilter and also for the experienced quilter.  The blocks are layered and quilted before sewing together which makes this a very fast project to complete.  This is a good opportunity to use up some of your stash or to go shop for more.  The “Hobo” quilt is a super comfort quilt that everyone wants to snuggle up with.

• March 16 & 17, 2012 – Friday & Saturday – CRN – 20123
• August 1 & 3, 2012 – Wednesday & Friday – CRN – 70021
• Length of workshop – 2 half days
• Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
• Tuition – $50
• Skill Level:  Beginner – Intermediate

NOTE:  A list of materials and equipment to bring is available at AFS, call (518) 696-2400 or stop by for a copy.

Thrum & Buff Knitted Mittens

Gretchen Barton

Learn the Thrum and Buff techniques and make some warm cozy garments.  In this class you will learn the Thrum technique with mittens.  Just bring size 8/9 needles.  Then you will learn the buff technique with another pair of mittens. Bring left over worsted weight yarn and the right needles. You won’t be able to finish either pair in class but you will be all set to finish them when you get home. In fact, dinner may be delayed because you are so excited!!!!  This will be a fun way to spend a day with other knitters learning really fun new ways to knit.

• March 18, 2012 – Sunday –CRN – 20185
• Class Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Location: 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
• Tuition: $40
• Experience: Intermediate & Advanced Knitters
• Materials: approx. $30

Spring Floral Table Runner  

(14” x 54” approximately)

Sandy Collins

This fun and cheerful table runner is constructed with a “Quilt-As-You-Sew” method.  This great technique helps to complete projects in less time.  We will also be working on mitering those binding corners.

• March 23 & 24, 2012 – Friday & Saturday – CRN – 20124
• Length of workshop – 2 half days
• Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
• Tuition – $50
• Skill Level:  Beginner and up

NOTE:  A list of materials and equipment to bring is available at AFS, call (518) 696-2400 or stop by for a copy.

Felting – Nuno Collage Scarf

Robin Blakney-Carlson 

Feltmaking is considered to be the earliest form of textile; fragments discovered in Central Asia date back thousands of years.   The “nuno felt” technique was developed by Robin’s sister, American-Australian feltmaker, Polly Stirling in the early ’90s.  Nuno (named for the Japanese word for “cloth”) grew out of Polly’s experimentation to develop a technique to create a lightweight felt that would be useful in the tropical climate she lives in.  Today, nuno felt is widely recognized as one of the most popular felting techniques used by contemporary feltmakers.

This project will introduce you to nuno felt, a fabulous contemporary felting technique incorporating fine wool fibers, felted into a light base weave.  During the felting process, shrinking of the wool fibers causes the silk fabric to ruche or gather up, creating a rich texture.  Unlike traditional felt, nuno uses a minimal number of wool fibers so it can be very light-weight and gossamer.

In this class, students will felt a floaty nuno scarf using fine layers of merino wool, silk, and novelty fibers and a light woven silk base.  Learn how to choose materials and create a surface design that can be elegant or playful, to suit your personal style. 

• March 24, 2012 – Saturday – CRN – 20181
• Length of Class – 1day
• Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
• Tuition – $75
• Materials – $25
• Beginner friendly.  This class is suitable for teens through adult.  Please dress in comfortable shoes for standing and wear sleeves that can roll up, as you may get a bit wet.

Weaving for Stress Relief

Eileen Easterly

We all are challenged by stress in our lives. Learn to use weaving and the fiber arts to overcome the negative effects of tension and rediscover the joy in your life.  This course may be of interest to both novice and experienced weavers, but will focus on the use of Japanese Saori weaving (“free-weaving”) techniques to release your inner creativity and reduce stress.  Materials fee includes: Frame loom, shuttle, pickup stick, yarn for your project and written instructions.

You will be introduced to the basic terms and tools of weaving, learn how to warp your frame loom and remove the finished project from the loom.  Students will learn plain weave and clasped weft techniques using the Saori free-weaving instructional model.  Finishing techniques will be explored as well as the method to create a wall hanging.

This class is unique because not only do you learn to weave using a frame loom, you keep the loom and shuttle that you used in this class allowing you to continue weaving at home!

• March 25, 2012 – Sunday – CRN – 20170
• Hours  -10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Location – 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
• Tuition $75
• Materials – $45

Knit Level I – Meet & Greet

Gretchen Barton

Have you always wondered about knitting and yet, something has held you back?  Great, because this is the half-day workshop that was created just for you!  It will help you over your fears and show you that knitting might be just what you have been looking for – it’s fun and relaxing.  It starts with a cup of coffee (or tea) in your hand, and a comfortable non-threatening environment where you meet Gretchen who will be the leader for a  “right from the very start” beginner’s knitting class.  She will talk with you about knitting and show you different techniques, yarns, needles, and ideas for knitting.  A fun project will conclude the morning.  The tuition even includes a set of double point needles and the yarn to get you started!

• April 7, 2012 – Saturday –CRN – 20186
• Class Hours: 9:00 a.m. – noon
• Location: 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
• Tuition: $10
• Materials: Included

Knit Level II – Meet & Greet

Gretchen Barton

Bring the project you are working on and some left over yarn and needles for an afternoon of meet, greet and knit with other knitters.  Meet Gretchen who will show you different techniques and talk with you about what new things you would like to learn and ideas for future classes here at the Adirondack Folk School.  The afternoon will conclude with her showing you how to do double knitting and how to “tink”.  Coffee, tea, and, of course, a great time is included.

• April 7, 2012 – Saturday –CRN – 20187
• Class Hours: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Location: 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
• Tuition: $10
• Experience: Intermediate & Advanced Knitters

Cathedral Window Quilt  

(8 ½” square block)

Sandy Collins

This great “Take-A-Long” project is back, you will learn the art of folding fabric and hand stitching to create a beautiful family treasure.  I will get you started with the basics and the choice is yours whether you stop with a pillow or what size quilt you finish with.

• April 14, 2012 – Saturday – CRN -20125
• June 16, 2012 – Saturday - CRN – 70022
• Length of workshop – 1 half day
• Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
• Tuition – $25
• Skill Level:  Beginner – Intermediate

NOTE:  A list of materials and equipment to bring is available at AFS, call (518) 696-2400 or stop by for a copy.

Hand Quilting Workshop  

(15” square)

Sandy Collins  

Back by popular request, this workshop will teach you the basics on getting started in hand quilting with simple patterns that when completed will make a beautiful pillow cover or table mat.

• April 28, 2012 – Saturday – CRN – 20126
• Length of workshop – 1 half day
• Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
• Tuition – $25
• Skill Level:  Beginner

NOTE:  A list of materials and equipment to bring is available at AFS, call (518) 696-2400 or stop by for a copy.

Crazy Quilt Construction  

(15” square block)

Sandy Collins
Here you will learn how to build your “Crazy Quilt” (either “Victorian” or “Modern”) upon a muslin foundation.  Crazy quilt charm is that no two blocks/quilts are exactly the same.  Be prepared to have a lot of fun.

• May 12, 2012 – Saturday – CRN – 20127
• Length of workshop – 1 half day
• Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
• Tuition – $25
• Skill Level:  Beginner – Intermediate

NOTE:  A list of materials and equipment to bring is available at AFS, call (518) 696-2400 or stop by for a copy.

Warp & Weave Week                                                      

Grace Mandle

The class, consisting of five half-day sessions, is designed for both a person who has already taken a basic weaving class, but has problems when it comes time to warp a loom, or those with no experience that want a comprehensive class that covers all aspects of dressing a loom, before progressing on to one or more weave structures.  Warping a loom is not as difficult as it might first appear.  The class will cover everything from warp planning, to choice of threads, setts and treadling. Students will be using four harness LeClerc jack looms, and whether you decide to weave scarves, table runners, placemats, or some other unique creations, by the end of the class you will have the confidence to move forward on to even more challenging woven pieces.  To assure the highest level of student-instructor interaction, classes are limited to a maximum of 3 students.

• May 14 – 18, 2012 – Monday – Friday - CRN – 20115
• June 4 – 8, 2012 – Monday – Friday - CRN -70010
• August 27 – 31, 2012 – Monday – Friday - CRN -70011
• Class Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Material Fees: Included
• Maximum Students: 3
• Class Cost: $250

Embellishment Workshop

(15” square)

Sandy Collins

Here you will learn/refresh basic embroidery stitches and how to use them as well as other items to embellish you new crazy quilt.  Let you creative juices flow as you embellish your unique “Crazy Quilt” or wall hanging.

• May 26, 2012 – Saturday – CRN – 70023
• Length of workshop – 1 half day
• Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
• Tuition – $25
• Skill Level:  Beginner – Intermediate

NOTE:  A list of materials and equipment to bring is available at AFS, call (518) 696-2400 or stop by for a copy.

Introduction  To Rug Twining

Susan Therio

Rug Twining is one of the most ancient textile techniques, being over 28,000 years old.  In this class you will learn the basic technique, the use of different types of fabrics, and you will complete a trivet size project (smaller frame shown in picture).  The frame is included in the material cost, and you will be able to make table runners, larger rugs and may other items with this smaller frame. Once the technique is mastered the possibilities are endless – from replacing chair seats to making decorative bowls.

• June 24, 2012 – Sunday – CRN – 70121
• August 12, 2012 – Sunday – CRN – 70118
• Length of Class – ½ day
• Hours – June 24 – 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., August 12 – 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
• Tuition – $40
• Materials – $15
• Beginner friendly

Introduction to Tapestry Weaving 

Eileen Easterly

Learn the century’s old art of creating pictures with yarn in a simple and easy way.  This workshop will introduce you to basic tapestry weaving techniques – focusing on design, building shapes, and methods to join colors. You will learn the basic terms and tools of weaving, as well as the finishing techniques needed to turn the tapestry you create in a class into a pillow with a woven front.  Materials fee includes: Frame loom, shuttle, pickup stick, yarn for your project and written instructions.

This class is unique because not only do you learn to weave using a frame loom, you keep the loom and shuttle that you used in this class allowing you to continue weaving at home.

• June 30 & July 1, 2012 – Saturday & Sunday – CRN – 70068
• Hours – 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Location – 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
• Tuition – $150
• Materials – $ 45

Inkle Weaving Workshops

Phyllis Cameron

Inkle weaving is a wonderful way to try your hand at weaving.  Maybe you are not sure if you are ready for weaving on a floor loom or a tapestry loom.  Well, then Inkle Weaving might be just the thing!  With Inkle Weaving you learn to weave on these small tabletop inkle looms, creating narrow bands of woven fibers – things like bookmarkers, sashes, straps and more.  This is a great way to experience and learn basic weaving skills that you can apply to other types of weaving as well.  You’ll learn how to prepare the loom for weaving, pick your colors, and Phyllis will get you going.  Then you take the looms home with you and when you come back for your second class a week later, you will learn how to take your piece off the loom and finish it.  Talk about a low stress way to fit in a class for those who say “I would love to learn, but I just don’t have the time,” this is it!

• July 11, 2012 & July 18, 2012 – CRN – 70103
• August 8, 2012 & August 15, 2012 –CRN – 70104
• Length of Class: 2 – 2 hour sessions
• Hours – 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Tuition – $40
• Materials: $15

Traditional Felting – Create a Felted Satchel

Carol Ingram

The satchel has many purposes whether you’re on a nature walk, gathering keepsakes, or downtown carrying your wallet and purchases. This medium-sized carryall with shoulder strap is a perfect unisex accessory.  Start with wool, water and soap, and experience the magic as a beautiful fabric forms.  Learn how to felt around a resist, add a handle, flap and inner pocket.  Emphasis will be placed on surface design as well as functionality.

All levels and ages are welcome, but a bit of physical stamina is needed.

• July 16 & 17, 2012 – Monday & Tuesday – CRN – 70117
• Length of Class: 2 days
• Times: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Location – 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
• Tuition: $150
• Materials Fees – $25

• Students are asked to bring, shallow bucket or bowl for holding water, soap-either olive oil bar or Dawn detergent (liquid), 2-3 towels, scissors, tape measure and pad for note taking, buttons for closure (optional) and a water-proof apron (optional)

Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

Eileen Easterly

Have you been wanting to try weaving, but don’t know where to begin?  Come to this workshop!  You’ll learn about the tools and terms of weaving, experiment with patterns, and make your first woven project!  This workshop will introduce you to the art of weaving in a fun and easy way.  Materials fee includes: Frame loom, shuttle, pickup stick, yarn for your project and written instructions.

You will be introduced to the basic terms and tools of weaving, and learn how to warp the frame loom and remove the finished project from the loom.  You will learn plain weave as well as rib weave and basket weave patterns.  Additionally, finishing techniques will be explored as well as the simple sewing skills required to create a handwoven shoulder bag from the piece you weave in class.

This class is unique because not only do you learn to weave using a frame loom, you keep the loom and shuttle that you used in this class allowing you to continue weaving at home!

• August 11, 2012 – Saturday – CRN – 70069
• Times: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Location – 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
• Tuition: $75
• Materials Fees – $40
  

Tailoring/Sewing 101

Sue Wilder

Want to feel confident making your garment fit?  Then you’ll really want to sew with Sue as she takes you through the process of learning the tools of the trade and reading a pattern.  Her class will include measuring and adjusting the pattern to fit, laying out the pattern and understanding the terms and symbols so you can make most any garment. Students will learn how to make darts, add interfacing, insert a zipper, make buttonholes, pockets and more!  This is the class to take if you want to understand and get the most from your sewing machine and a pattern.  No prior sewing experience needed.

• September 11 & 18, 2012 – Tuesday evenings – CRN – 10006
• Length of Class – 2 – 1/2 days
• Hours – 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
• Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
• Tuition – $75

Materials – Instructor will contact students prior to class about what items to bring & purchase.  You will need to bring your sewing machine, manual, scissors, pins, needles, tape measure, etc.

Animal Pictorial Hooked Tapestry

(12” x 15” approx.)                

Joan Mohrmann    

Hooked rugs and tapestries are made by pulling loops of yarn or fabric through a stiff woven base creating images that rely on subtle use of color.  Believed to have developed along the East Coast of North America, the earliest rugs were made by poor women looking through their scrap bags for materials to create their own floor coverings.  Today, rug hooking and hooked tapestries, are a true art form.

In this class you will hook a small sampler that depict an animal you choose – rabbit, deer, horse, or dog, and surround it by such things as butterflies and flora.  Joan said you should envision a tapestry you might see at the Cloisters in NYC.  Once you start, we hate to say it, but you are going to be hooked! 

• September 28 & 29, 2012 – Friday & Saturday – CRN -10027
• Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Location – 51Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
• Tuition – $150
• Material Fee – $40

Traditional Feltmaking:  Felt a Beret

Robin Blakney-Carlson

The art and craft of contemporary feltmaking is gaining visibility around the world, but the tradition is still misunderstood, and often confused with knit and fulled items. Feltmaking is considered to be the earliest form of textile; fragments discovered in Central Asia date back thousands of years.   In this class you will learn the traditional form of feltmaking as you create your own beret using wool fiber, soap, water and your own hands.  No prior feltmaking skills are needed, just curiosity and a bit of patience!

You will use a resist technique to shape your hats; choosing from a palette of colorful, soft merino wool fibers – design it to suit your taste!  Make it traditional in a solid color, or play with the colors, embellish the surface with silk and locks of kidd Mohair to give it sheen and a nubbly texture.  The magic of felt making is the transition from fiber to textile and the surprise of the surface design.

• September 15, 2012 – Saturday – CRN – 10028
• Length of Class – 1day
• Hours – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
• Tuition – $75
• Materials – $12
• Beginner friendly.  This class is suitable for teens through adult.  Please dress in comfortable shoes for standing and wear sleeves that can roll up, as you may get a bit wet.

“Spook-tac-U-R” Sewing – Make Your Own Halloween Costumes

Sue Wilder

Making those unique costumes doesn’t have to be scary.  This is the perfect class for you or your favorite ghost or goblin.  Sue will help you take the mystery out of reading patterns to create a costume that will become a family treasure for years to come.  This is the perfect class to help inspire you to dust off that sewing machine in the corner, and bring smiles to you and your family members as you construct a Halloween or stage costume that will be handed down for generations to come.

• October 2 & 9, 2012 – Tuesday evenings – CRN – 10007
• Length of Class – 2 – 1/2 days
• Hours – 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
• Location – AFS, 51 Main Street, Lake Luzerne, NY
• Tuition – $75
• Materials – Instructor will contact students prior to class about what items to bring & purchase.  You will need to bring your sewing machine, manual, scissors, pins, needles, tape measure, etc.