Fiber Arts

The twill weave structure offers endless design options for the weaver.  In this class, you will learn to read a twill pattern and choose your favorites to incorporate into your own woven sampler towel.

In this series of classes, a new quilt block will be introduced each month along with the techniques used to cut, piece, and construct the quilt block. Color is an important component to block and quilt design. Examples will be presented for each block to help you create a quilt that is pleasing to your personal color and style. Each offering can stand on its own, so take one, a few or all five! Students should have some basic knowledge of sewing prior to taking this class.
May 14: Log Cabin Quilt Block – A nice beginner block to practice the mastery of the ¼” seam and the skill of squaring off the block as it builds in size. The technique to sandwich the quilt layers will be taught as well as completing the quilt with a bias binding. Students will use their blocks to create placemats.
June 11: Four Patch Star Quilt Block – This is a well-known traditional block with many variations. We will look at the variations and dream of future quilting possibilities. Students will learn several methods to cut and sew half square and quarter triangles; the building block for an endless variety of quilt blocks. Sewing techniques will be shared and practiced to create the points of the star. You will also learn how to complete a pillow with or without a zipper.
July 9: Traditional Basket Block – This is another traditional block that will use the skills taught in the Four Patch Star Block Party. Variations in color will often make this block a popular choice for seasonal quilts and table runners. Several examples will be shared. New sewing and quilting techniques in this class will include placing blocks on point, sashing, and adding a sleeve to make this a wall hanging.
August 13: Blazing Star- The Blazing Star Quilt Block is spectacular and will use the skills acquired in previous block parties. You will be surprised to learn that the challenge to this clock comes in organizing your pieces before you sew each block, the sewing should no longer be your challenge.
September 10: Maple Leaf Block – A traditional block that is very popular in quilts and seasonal table runners and wall hangings. Just in time for Autumn in the Adirondacks, create your own display of fall leaves in a quilted project for your home.

Calling all fiber artists! Do you have a project you're in the middle of? Want some company while you work? Sounds like AFS Sewing Circle is the place for you! Quilters, knitters, and fiber artists alike are welcome to join us every month for an afternoon of quilting and camaraderie. Bring your works in progress, and enjoy sharing your experience and the company of your fellow quilters. Pre-registration is not required. All are welcome!

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.

This felting class will give you the opportunity to create an original character, such as a gnome or Santa. You are not limited to these images as you will be able to choose from a variety of wool fibers and colors. The techniques and process taught in this class will be the same for each character. All tools and wool are provided.

Saori Weaving is a freestyle form of weaving. A weaving technique known as clasp weft will be used. The selection of yarns and color is the main attraction with this scarf, which will be completed with twisted fringe. The looms will be warped and ready to go. Hand spun art yarn created by the instructor is included in the material cost, as well as a selection of commercially spun yarn to balance the structure. If you knit or crochet there’s a chance you have a stash of yarn that isn’t enough for a project than you just can’t part with. Bring it along to use or add to the collection of choices. This is a perfect stash busting project! The summer session will use yarns suitable for warmer weather.

Join Marjolaine in this 1-day class to create a nuno felt scarf you can wear different ways and close with a button. During this workshop you will explore the technique of nuno felt, a wet felting process combining silk fabric and wool roving. The felting is accomplished by applying water, soap, and friction. In this class you will: create a lightweight scarf made with silk fabric and merino wool roving, discover various wool layouts, create a stained-glass effect, and paint with silk hankies and silk roving on wool. This workshop is suited for beginner to intermediate learners and requires standing for most of the day.

No weaving experience is necessary! The looms are dressed and ready to go, all you need to do is bring your creative spirit and to leave with a finished one-of-a-kind rug. Students will have a choice of making a traditional Rag Rug using recycled fabric strips or making a Sock Rug using remnants from a sock factory. Colors and choices of fabric and remnants vary from class to class depending on availability. The rugs are 24" wide, and up to 45" long.

Calling all fiber artists! Do you have a project you're in the middle of? Want some company while you work? Sounds like AFS Sewing Circle is the place for you! Quilters, knitters, and fiber artists alike are welcome to join us every month for an afternoon of quilting and camaraderie. Bring your works in progress, and enjoy sharing your experience and the company of your fellow quilters. Pre-registration is not required. All are welcome!

Make an 18-inch custom tuffet-style footstool. Great for quilters, as it will free you from all those strips of fabric that get stashed about the sewing room. Students can use as many different fabrics as they like. The pattern can be made with 2-64 different strips. The first day is for piecing tuffet top. Students will learn to mark the pattern onto the fabric and begin the sewing. There will be some homework to complete sewing the tuffet top during the weeklong break between classes. The second day students will complete the tuffet top assembly and upholster the tuffet. A list of necessary materials students must bring will be sent out prior to the class.

This class is for anyone interested in learning the basics of paper piecing for quilting. Projects will include making a pineapple block, and whimsical pictorial blocks. These sample blocks can be made into small quilts, potholders or pillows. Students should have basic sewing knowledge and be comfortable using a rotary cutter.

These versatile, flexible and washable baskets are fun and easy to make. They are great for gift baskets, or they can be a standalone gift. Students will make a basic, 7" round x 3" tall bowl and learn the options to enhance future rope bowl projects.