Fiber Arts

You will start with strips and create a 9-Patch square. With a few cuts and twists you will create a new block. Several block designs will be demonstrated. The fun begins when we see the variety of blocks created with different colors and twists.

Want to try out weaving on a floor loom? This class starts with a loom all set up and ready to go - no prior weaving experience is needed! Keep the winter chill away with a scarf you weave yourself. Each class will include an introduction to the loom and instruction on how to operate it. Several color choices will be available. You'll be weaving away in no time!

AFS UFO Studio, formerly known as Sewing Circle, is an out of this world opportunity for fiber artists to come and complete the UnFinished Objects floating around their home. UFO Studio is free to attend, and though it is non-instructional, peer-to-peer help is always available. All forms of projects are welcome ? bring your unfinished weaving, sewing, embroidery, rug hooking, knitting, crocheting, felting, or any other project that involves fiber handwork. AFS has a couple of sewing machines, small looms, and hand tools available but please feel free to bring your own!

Spinning, the ancient art of twisting fibers to make yarn or thread, still thrives today, and this workshop will show you how to bring its magic into your own creative practice. In this workshop, you will learn how to spin wool using spindles and a spinning wheel and hear stories and folklore about spinning while you practice. You will learn the basics of spinning, how to work with the properties of wool, and how to ply and finish the yarn you have spun. No experience is necessary.

Wool is a versatile ecological material for knitting, felting, and weaving, but processing it can be a bit tricky for a beginner. In this workshop, you will learn how to work with wool starting with raw fleece straight off the sheep and ending with handspun yarn ready to be incorporated into your craft projects. If you have your own raw wool that you want to process or tools that you want to try out, please bring them! We will play with wool from a variety of sheep breeds, including some rare heritage breeds, and we?ll learn how to use their different qualities to create the perfect materials for your projects. You will learn how to use different wool processing tools like hand cards, wool combs, and a drum carder. If you like starting with natural materials and seeing them through to the finished product, this is a great workshop for you!

Wool is a versatile ecological material for knitting, felting, and weaving, but processing it can be a bit tricky for a beginner. In this workshop, you will learn how to work with wool starting with raw fleece straight off the sheep and ending with handspun yarn ready to be incorporated into your craft projects. If you have your own raw wool that you want to process or tools that you want to try out, please bring them! We will play with wool from a variety of sheep breeds, including some rare heritage breeds, and we?ll learn how to use their different qualities to create the perfect materials for your projects. You will learn how to use different wool processing tools like hand cards, wool combs, and a drum carder. If you like starting with natural materials and seeing them through to the finished product, this is a great workshop for you!

Saori Weaving is a freestyle form of weaving. The colors and textures of the yearn are the star of this scarf. In this class you will learn to weave plain weave and a technique known as clasp weft weaving. Hand spun smooth and textured yarns created by the instructor will be included in the class materials. You will complete a 54? scarf with fringe. If you have yarn in your personal stash you are welcome to bring it along to add to your scarf.

Join us for an introduction to the art of traditional rug hooking with this 8” x 16” scene. This class is suitable for beginners, but a little more challenging than the Quail Rug Hooking class due to color value decisions the rug hooker must make. In this one-day class, you’ll learn the basics of this timeless textile craft. All materials-including backing, wool strips, hook and frame-will be provided, and no prior experience is necessary. Colors may vary. Class registration closes one month before the class in order to leave time to prepare materials.

In this class we'll be stitching aromatic balsam pillows in the shape of evergreen trees. Using balsam fir needles, plaids, and glass beads, we'll create three different pillows inspired by the raised beadwork of the Tuscarora people and the rich history of balsam fir use in the Adirondacks. These are great for use in a dresser, car, or anywhere would enjoy the fragrance! Pillows are approximately 5" in height. No prior experience or sewing machine required.