ARASHI SHIBORI SILK SCARF DYEING
Rita Petteys / Studio 4
Sat & Sun 3/14-3/15
12-4pm / Two Days
$130 / Members: $110
This is not your typical tie-dyeing class! Students will learn the shibori pole wrapping technique known as Arashi, the Japanese term for “storm,” to create diagonal stripe designs reminiscent of storm-driven rain or water ripple patterns on a windowpane. Students will have the opportunity to dye two silk scarves with additional scarves available for purchase. Students can bring their own small pieces of fabric to dye. All dyeing materials will be provided.
SURFACE DESIGN FOR FABRIC
Mary Baggerman / Studio 4
Sat & Sun 2/21-2/2
12-4pm / Two Days
$125 / Members: $105
Come and explore new ways to add surface design elements to your fabric creations! This is a two day class: The first day will focus on block printing fabric and the second on embellishing your designs with embroidery. You will make a piece suitable for displaying by itself or using for a pillow or small bag. All materials will be provided but please feel free to bring your own fabric or embellishing threads.
VISIBLE MENDING
Lori Evesque / Studio 4
Tue. 2/3-3/24
6-8:30pm / 8 weeks
$250 / Members: $230
Do you have cherished clothing in need of mending? Learn the many ways to mend your clothing and make them beautiful fashion statements. Explore methods of patching, darning, covering holes in knits, strengthening worn material and more.
KNITTING
Joann Gadbaw / Meader Fine Arts Library
Mon 1/5-3/9
1-3:30pm / 10 weeks
$295 / Members: $275
As the days get shorter and the night gets longer there is nothing better than a knitting project to make you smile and feel proud of your accomplishments. Whether you are a beginner seeking support, an experienced knitter challenged by pattern directions or a mistake, someone interested in knitting beyond hats and scarves to a sweater, or need help navigating Ravelry to find information and inspiration, this class intends to meet you where you are. Bring your projects and together we will discover the rewards of knitting in the winter.
CREATIVE EMBROIDERY
Mary Baggerman / Multi-Purpose Classroom
Mon 1/5-2/23
6-8:30pm / 8 weeks
$250 / Members: $230
Come explore the time-honored craft of hand embroidery and its rich and varied cultural history! It is perfect for picking up at odd moments of the day; it doesn’t require much storage space or supplies and it’s a great way to express yourself. This class is appropriate for beginners and those interested in enhancing and expanding skill level. Special emphasis will be placed on learning about contemporary embroiderers, stitching, and design. You will be encouraged to design your own piece but that decision is yours to make.
MODERN RUG HOOKING
Martha Rosenfeld / Studio 4
(B) Thu 1/8-3/12
6:30-9pm / 10 weeks
$345 / Members: $325
This is not your mother’s latch-hooking kit. Discover “painting with fabric” and use a 19th century fiber technique to make original modern works of art. Hooked mats can be used as floor rugs, table mats, pillows, and original art for the walls. Beginners will learn basic rug hooking techniques. Continuing students will design their own projects with the help of the instructor, and experiment with upcycled materials. Please bring a tote bag and scissors to the first class.
Both Sections:
MODERN RUG HOOKING
Heather Ratliff / Studio 4
(A) Thu 1/8-3/12
1-3:30pm / 10 weeks
$345 / Members: $325
This is not your mother’s latch-hooking kit. Discover “painting with fabric” and use a 19th century fiber technique to make original modern works of art. Hooked mats can be used as floor rugs, table mats, pillows, and original art for the walls. Beginners will learn basic rug hooking techniques. Continuing students will design their own projects with the help of the instructor, and experiment with upcycled materials. Please bring a tote bag and scissors to the first class.
Both Sections:
TAPESTRY WEAVING
Nancy Crampton / Weaving Studio
Wed 2/18-3/18
6:30-9pm / 5 weeks
$190 / Members: $170
Students will learn the basic tapestry joins and different ways to shade and blend yarns using adjustable tension frame looms furnished by the instructor. Weaver warping styles will be demonstrated and used. Discussions will include making a cartoon or plan for the tapestry, and how to transfer the design to the warp threads. Finishing techniques, lining the weaving , and ways to mount it will be demonstrated. No prior weaving experience is needed. Class fee includes use of frame loom and all yarns needed for the project. Frame looms may be purchased.
SPINNING WITH A SUPPORT SPINDLE
Amanda Casanova / Weaving Studio
Sat 3/7-3/14
1-3:30pm / 2 weeks
$95 / Members: $75
Support spindles require very little space to work, are portable, and can be used virtually anywhere. They have a unique beauty and elegance in the fluidity of their spin. This workshop is designed to teach students how to spin using support spindles while also familiarizing learners with the various types of spindles and how to choose one. Students will have the opportunity to try several spindles and will leave with a basic working knowledge of how they spin. All materials are provided. Students must have a basic ability to spin on either a drop spindle or spinning wheel.
SPINNING
Emily Wohlscheid / Weaving Studio
Tue 2/17-3/24
6-8:30pm / 6 weeks
$230 / Members: $210
Learn the basics of spinning or further your practice. Beginners will learn the fundamentals of spinning, plying, and preparing their yarns for use, while intermediate/advanced students will be met where they are at, focusing on consistency, structure, and more. Wheels may be reserved to borrow at the time of registration.
RIGID HEDDLE WEAVING
Amanda Casanova / Studio 4
(B) Wed 1/7-3/24
6:30-9pm / 12 weeks
$355 / Members: $335
Discover the art of rigid heddle loom weaving in a creative and supportive atmosphere. Students will learn the basics of weaving including winding a warp, dressing the loom, weaving, and finishing cloth. Weave structures will be explored including hand manipulating threads and utilizing pick up sticks to achieve a desired pattern. Loom and yarn will be provided. Students are welcome to bring handspun yarns for use in a project.
RIGID HEDDLE WEAVING
Amanda Casanova / Studio 4
(A) Wed 1/7-3/24
10am-12:30pm / 12 weeks
$355 / Members: $335
Discover the art of rigid heddle loom weaving in a creative and supportive atmosphere. Students will learn the basics of weaving including winding a warp, dressing the loom, weaving, and finishing cloth. Weave structures will be explored including hand manipulating threads and utilizing pick up sticks to achieve a desired pattern. Loom and yarn will be provided. Students are welcome to bring handspun yarns for use in a project.
FLOOR LOOM WEAVING
(B) Mary Ann Robertson / Weaving Studio
Thu 1/8-3/26
6:30-9pm / 12 weeks
$355 / Members: $335
Come and join the community centered around one of the few weaving studios in Southwest Michigan. All levels of weavers, from complete beginner to advanced, weaving for years, are welcome. Beginners will weave a sampler to learn the basics. For those familiar with weaving, an individualized plan of study will be created.
FLOOR LOOM WEAVING
(A) Gretchen Huggett / Weaving Studio
Thu 1/8-3/26
1-3:30pm / 12 weeks
$355 / Members: $335
Come and join the community centered around one of the few weaving studios in Southwest Michigan. All levels of weavers, from complete beginner to advanced, weaving for years, are welcome. Beginners will weave a sampler to learn the basics. For those familiar with weaving, an individualized plan of study will be created.
WOVEN SHIBORI ON A RIGID HEDDLE LOOM
Amanda Casanova / Studio 4
Sat 1/17-1/24
1-4pm / 2 weeks
Prerequisite: Students must supply their own rigid heddle loom.
$105 / Members: $85
Learn how to weave a texturized shibori project on a Rigid Heddle Loom. Students will learn how to weave with a supplemental weft thread and pick up sticks over a ground cloth. The supplemental weft threads will then be pulled to compress the fabric before wet finishing to achieve permanent texture. This workshop is perfect to enhance your skills as a weaver with some experience with a Rigid Heddle.