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!

Much like Beatrix Potter, Leah enjoys creating characters from the natural environment of the Adirondacks. In this needle felting class you will make a mouse that could be found in one of Beatrix Potter’s stories. You will first learn how to make a complete armature of a four legged animal using wire. This will allow the mouse to be posable as well as present the steps needed to make other four legged animals. You will then use wool roving to create the appropriate body shapes and colors. Even though this project is at an intermediate level, the instructor will demonstrate wrapping and sculpting techniques and assist at each step. All necessary supplies will be provided in the materials packet.

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.

Learn to weave on a floor loom.  With instruction and hands on experience, you will perform each step of the process - winding a warp, dressing a loom, and weaving a cotton towel to take home and use for years to come.

Learn to weave on a floor loom.  With instruction and hands on experience, you will perform each step of the process - winding a warp, dressing a loom, and weaving a cotton towel to take home and use for years to come.

Learn to weave on a floor loom.  With instruction and hands on experience, you will perform each step of the process - winding a warp, dressing a loom, and weaving a cotton towel to take home and use for years to come.

Learn to weave on a floor loom.  With instruction and hands on experience, you will perform each step of the process - winding a warp, dressing a loom, and weaving a cotton towel to take home and use for years to come.

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.

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.