Classes

CLASS REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED, see you at the show!

Come join us! Classes in Knitting, Spinning, Weaving, Tapestry, Felting, Needle Punch and Rug Hooking. Learn a new skill or brush up an existing one. Inspiration, creativity and community – join our wonderful, local teachers as they guide you along. Class fee includes free admission for both days of the show.

Please read through the class descriptions carefully taking note of material fees due to the instructor on the day of the class, start times and any equipment needed. If there is a problem, or the class does not run, we will contact you using the email you provide via PayPal or on your form (if we cancel a class you will receive a full refund). Once you have registered and paid, classes are not refundable but are transferable to another party. Please register early to avoid disappointment! We will contact you to confirm your registration.

There are two ways to register:

OPTION 1. Select your class number from the Drop Down Menu and use the yellow Buy Now buttons. This registers you via PayPal. THIS IS OUR PREFERRED METHOD OF REGISTRATION. Your PayPal receipt is your registration confirmation and confirms the class number. If the class is full we will contact you. Please ensure your FULL NAME and email that you check regularly are used when you register via PayPal. If you are registering for yourself and another person, please email us the name and email of the other student at fibreswest64@gmail.com.

OPTION 2. Email (fibreswest64@gmail.com) or mail the FORM to us. You can pay via e-transfer (to info@penelopefibrearts.com), credit card or cheque made payable to Penelope Fibre Arts NOT Fibres West. We will email you to confirm receipt. Forms received via email and mail will be processed in date order. Please be aware that most people register via PayPal and your class may be full by the time we receive a mailed in form.

SELECT YOUR CLASS NUMBER FROM DROP DOWN FIRST, THEN HIT "BUY NOW "BUTTON

SPINNING

SUSPENDED SPINDLE SPINNING 2.0, Diana Twiss

HALF DAY, Sat. Mar.30, 8:30-12:30pm CLASS 101 *FULL*

This class is for spinners who can make a continuous thread with a suspended (drop) spindle and want to learn more. It’s for spindle spinners who want some tips on how to spin faster, to have more options for plying, to try different fibres and/or to make yarn with different styles of suspended spindles (top and bottom whorl). This is a workshop for all spindle spinning skill levels. Bring your spindling questions and challenges to this class and together we will figure it out and get you on your spindling way.

In this class, we will have discussions, hands-on demonstrations and learning activities related to:

All the basics such as making a leader, joining fibre, and winding on
Preparing fibres for spindle spinning
Drafting techniques such as worsted, woolen and spinning from the fold
Strategies for spinning difficult or challenging fibre
An assortment of ways to ply yarn (along with chain plying) with a spindle

SKILLS: must be able to spin a continuous thread with a spindle or wheel

EQUIPMENT: if you own a spindle, bring it along. Students who don’t yet own a suspended spindle, can borrow one for the workshop. The instructor has a class set of top whorl, bottom whorl and cross-piece spindles. Hand carders (for fibre preparation segment). Shoe box – to act as a lazy kate and storage box.

MATERIAL COST: $15 (payable to instructor in cash)

SPINNING WITH SUPPORTED SPINDLES, Diana Twiss

HALF DAY, Sat. Mar.30, 1-5pm CLASS 102, *FULL*

Some of the most beautiful tools in the hand spinning world these days are the support spindles. Simple, elegant and easy on the body, they are a wonderful way to make light airy yarn. If you have ever wanted to try making yarn this way, or just interested in knowing how these simple tools work, this workshop is for you. In this workshop, you will be introduced to the various styles of support spindles and shown what to look for when buying one. If you are an experienced support spindle spinner and want to see and try a variety of styles of support spindles, this workshop is also for you. Hope to see you there!

We will cover all the basics and more such as: how to get started, prepare your fibre, flick your spindle for a good long spin, draft your fibre, wind a good, stable cop, and remove the singles for plying, and ply yarn.

SKILLS: must be able to spin a continuous thread with a spindle or wheel

EQUIPMENT: if you own a support spindle (and bowl), bring them along. Students who don’t yet own a support spindle, can borrow some for the workshop. The instructor has a class set of support spindles, in various styles. Hand Carders (for fibre preparation segment). Shoe box – to act as a lazy kate and storage box.

MATERIAL COST: $15 (payable to instructor in cash)

WEAVING

INTRODUCTION TO TAPESTRY: weave a sunset, Janna Vallee

FULL DAY Sat. Mar. 30, 9:30-5pm CLASS 202 *FULL*

Introduction to Tapestry Weaving is a chock-full workshop which introduces new weavers to the fundamentals of tapestry weaving. You will leave the workshop with a finished woven sunset wall hanging and a solid understanding of how to dress your loom, build shapes, blend colours and use 'magic' techniques for creating smooth lines. There's more to learn than you think. Join me!

SKILLS: beginner

EQUIPMENT: provided by instructor

MATERIAL COST: $75 (payable to instructor in cash) for mini loom kit

FELTING

HEART FELT, AN INTRODUCTION TO NEEDLE FELTING, Sarah Garland

2 hours. Fri. Mar.29, 2-4pm. *FULL*

Join us for this fun introduction to needle felting. Your needle felted hearts can be strung together to create a garland or used individually. We have 3 colour palettes to choose from, please email fibreswest64@gmail.com with your choice of Rainbow, Shades of Pink or any one colour of your choice.

SKILL: beginner

EQUIPMENT: supplied by instructor

MATERIAL COST: $15 (payable to instructor in cash) for needles, fibre and block

WET FELTED VESSEL, Shari Bronson

HALF DAY, Fri. Mar.29, 1-5pm CLASS 105 *FULL*

Join Shari in felting a lovely vessel or basket that will prove to be a special gift for a favourite person or a decorative item for your home. This class is suitable for beginners as well as more advanced felters. We will learn how to lay out roving in a cross hatch pattern using various felting techniques and a resist to create a three dimensional vessel in your choice of colours. You will also go home with your own felting kit. You can bring along a piece of driftwood to be used as a handle if you choose. A small supply list of a few items will be sent to you upon registration (eg, towels, scissors....).

SKILL: beginner, ability to perform felting rolling actions by hand

EQUIPMENT: Two large bath towels, plastic water bottle with holes punched in the lid or a watering can to sprinkle water with, a bar of hand soap, synthetic bath scrubber or plastic bag to scrub with, a sponge or cloth to wipe up water, large cookie sheet or rubber rug mat with sides to work on, extra plastic bags to stuff into the vase to dry and plastic bags to bring stuff home in, dishpan and/or ice cream bucket, scissors, and if you want a handle - a piece of driftwood around 8-10” long around 1” in diameter.

MATERIAL COST: $30 (payable to instructor in cash)

FELTED FLOWER, Shari Bronson

HALF DAY, Sat. Mar.30, 1-5pm *FULL*

In this class you will learn various methods of laying out fibres and using a resist to create two different types of felted flowers. These flowers are a fun addition to jackets, hats and handbags and are a great beginner’s project.

SKILL: beginner, ability to perform felting rolling actions by hand

EQUIPMENT: An old towel and sponge or cloth to wipe up water. An old cookie sheet or rug mat to work on, bar of soap. Something to use for sprinkling water, eg. ball browser, water bottle with holes in the cap, or small sprinkling watering can. A plastic bag or bath shower scrunchie to felt with. A small ice cream bucket or container to put water in.

MATERIAL COST: $10 (payable to instructor in cash)

PUNCH NEEDLE

INTRODUCTION TO MODERN PUNCH NEEDLE, Sahm Jalbert

HALF DAY, Fri. Mar.29, 1-5pm CLASS 107 *FULL*

This class is for the fibre-focused maker who would like to learn about the background and technique of needle punch or feel they might like to go further in the craft. In this class, students create a sampler using an abstract design. Sahm will provide a complete kit called "Textures" that includes everything students need for the project including an Oxford Punch Needle tool, widely regarded as the best punch needle being made today.

The class starts with background information on punch needle, how it's been used traditionally and on how modern makers are translating the skill. We talk about the four essential tools and how they work together, focusing on how the stitches "stay in". We quickly get started on the project and Sahm will guide students through the four 'rules' - the techniques that ensure success and can be used as a troubleshooting checklist for future projects. During this time, we explore why some stitches are suitable for hard-wearing practical items like rugs and pillows, while others are suitable only for decorative wall hangings. Students are free to pick and choose what techniques they use and how they arrange their samplers.

SKILLS: beginner

EQUIPMENT: provided by instructor

MATERIAL COST: $80 (payable to instructor in cash) for complete kit

KNITTING and CROCHET

INTRO TO COMBO KNITTING, Ponnie Matin Pelchat,

HALF DAY, Fri. Mar.29, 1-5pm CLASS 108 *FULL*

East meets West in this style of knitting. Often said to be faster, this method of knitting utilizes a continental western knit stitch with a continental eastern purl for a knit fabric that has even tension.

In this class we will learn the basics whilst knitting a flat stockinette fabric. We will discuss how it differs from other knitting style and adjustments needed to knit in the round. We will also learn how we can set our self up for even faster knitting by achieving the results of a ssk without having to slip anything.

SKILL: cast on, knit, purl, willingness to learn a new style

EQUIPMENT: please bring yarn and needles in the size you are most comfortable using, for example, 5 mm needles and a light coloured worsted weight yarn.

MATERIAL COST: $0

TUNISIAN CROCHET, Ponnie Matin Pelchat

HALF DAY, NEW SECTION ADDED: Sat. Mar. 30, 8:30-12pm CLASS 109 *FULL*(Sat, 1pm-5pm class *FULL*)

A little bit like knitting, a little bit like crochet, one hook with a cable, welcome to Tunisian crochet. In this class we will learn the basics and create a squishy cowl. Tunisian crochet, also known as the Afghan Stitch creates a perfect fabric for cross stich. Its basic stitch looks like weaving. You will leave this class hooked!

SKILL: basic crochet chain stitches an asset, however absolute beginners welcome

EQUIPMENT: Tunisian crochet hook, please bring your own yarn to match the size of your hook. Hooks available to purchase from instructor if required.

MATERIAL COST: $25 (payable in cash to instructor), for hook if required