Thumb Fiber & Folk Art Festival
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Natural Dying – 3 Session Workshop
Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
October 18, 19 & 21, 2023, 9 am-12 pm
Instructor: Carrie MacDougall
Over 3 days Carrie will introduce to the world of natural dying. Beginning with instruction on wool
washing, mordanting, harvesting and preparing plant material for dying. In the first session you will use
golden rod and pepper weed to dye materials yellow, in the second session you will use indigo and
learn about and dye blue and over dye yellow to make greens. In the 3rd session you will learn about cochineal and dye
reds and purples. Carrie will also cover the history of dying have worked for many years as a at Colonial Williamsburg
demonstrating and teaching about natural, historical dyes.
Workshop limited to 15 Students.
Workshop fee: $75
Wednesday
Colorful Creations – Weaving Magic on a Peg Loom
October 18, 2023 9 am-4 pm
Instructor Ellen Zawada
Unleash your inner artist and join us for an exciting fiber arts adventure at the upcoming Thumb Fiber Festival! In this engaging workshop, led by Ellen Zawada of Zephyr Creek Farm, you’ll dive into the world of weaving and create a stunning, vibrant scarf using basic techniques on a peg loom.
Step into the enchanting realm of fiber arts as we guide you through the process of crafting your very own colorful scarf using a
simple yet captivating weaving technique on a peg loom. No prior weaving experience is required – this class is designed with
beginners in mind. Under the expert guidance of Ellen Zawada, a lifelong fiber artist and owner of Zephyr Creek Farm, you’ll
embark on a hands-on journey that will ignite your creativity and leave you with a gorgeous scarf to cherish.**What You’ll
Learn:**Get acquainted with the peg loom, understand its components, and learn how to set it up for your weaving adventure.
Master fundamental weaving techniques, including warp and weft, while experimenting with different textures and patterns.
Discover how to neatly finish off your scarf and prepare it for wear or gifting. At the end of this invigorating workshop, you’ll
proudly take home your handwoven masterpiece – a vibrant scarf that show cases your newfound weaving skills and creativity.
Plus, you’ll have the confidence to continue exploring the world of fiber arts and weaving on your own.
Workshop limited to 6 Students.
Workshop fee: $65
Advanced Knitting Techniques
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9 am-12 pm
Instructor Ashley Reif
This course will cover various advanced knitting techniques to add to your tool belt. We will look at cast-on and bind-off pairs, the use of a selvedge stitch, how to use a Russian join, and how to work a Kitchner Stitch.
Participants are expected to have basic knowledge of knitting. This is not a beginners course.
Students please bring:
- Favorite set of needles
- Solid, light-colored yarn of your choice. We will only need enough for a piece the size of a normal swatch.
- Yarn Needle
Instructor will have to use:
- Yarn needles
- Scrap Yarn
- Extra knitting needles
Workshop limited to 8 Students.
Workshop fee: $70
Learn to Spin
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9 am-12 pm
Instructor Nicola Danks
This class requires the use of a spinning wheel in good working order. Students should bring their own wheel. We will have a couple of extra wheels available. The student will learn parts of the wheel, different styles of wheels and some history. Students will learn how to treadle, draft and ply.
Instructor supplies: Printed handout, roving specially chosen for ease of spinning (excellent for the beginning spinner) and individual help while mastering the basics of using a spinning wheel.
Number of students: 5 maximum
Class fee: $40
Learn to Knit Mittens (with optional glove finishing)
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 1 pm-4 pm
Instructor Melanie Dara
In this class, depending on your comfort and skill level, we will be knitting a basic mitten or glove which is suitable for light felting once completed. Minimum skills which you should already possess: knit and purl stitch. Skills to be introduced: use of DPNs (double pointed needles); Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy
Cast On; knitted cast on (for use mid-row at thumb or fingers); M1L and M1R (make one left and make one right) for increases at thumb gusset; K2T (aka K2tog, knit 2 together which creates a right leaning decrease), SSK (slip, slip, K2T which creates a left leaning decrease); Kitchener stitch for closing top of mitten. Instruction handouts for above will also include directions for light felting of finished mittens to be completed at home.
Students should bring: 5.5 mm DPNs (essential equipment set of 5 double pointed needles, I recommend wood or
bamboo for beginners), 100 grams heavy worsted or Aran weight yarn. Please read the label. Must not be machine
washable for felting process to take place. I have had good felting results with Briggs & Little Heritage yarn. Optional
materials: yarn/tapestry needle for burying yarn ends, tape measure or ruler, scissors, a mid-sized crochet hook would be
handy for picking up and dropped stitches. (I will have extras of these optional items.)
Workshop is limited to 6 students.
Workshop fee is $30
Spinning Flax
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 1pm-4pm
Instructor Bev Thorne
A brief introduction to how flax is processed and learn how to spin it into linen yarn. Instructor will show samples of the flax in the different stages of processing and have an informational handout with a sample of free seeds. Will also provide an ounce of flax to learn to spin on. Students need to bring a spinning wheel in working order and a distaff if they have one.
Workshop is limited to 8 students with their wheels.
Workshop fee is $55 or $20 to monitor the workshop.
Thursday
Witches & Warlocks – Needle Felting
Thursday, October 19, 2023 9 am-4 pm
Instructor Tina Etter
Design your own Green Faced Witch or Fuzzy Warlock. Choose to make either a witch or a warlock using 3d needle felting techniques including working with armature and locks. Your creation will be about 12” tall and stand on it’s own 2 feet. Skill level: For the confident beginner and beyond.
Felting supplies will be furnished by instructor.
Workshop limit 12 students.
Workshop Fee: $40 includes all materials needed.
Peg Loom Weaving a Rug
Thursday, October 19, 2023 9am-4pm
Instructor Ellen Zawada
Unearth the magic of core spun yarn and tap into your creativity as we guide you through the captivating process of crafting a rustic rug using a unique core spun technique on a peg loom. This workshop is ideal for beginners to experienced weavers. Under the expert guidance of Ellen Zawada, a lifelong fiber artist and owner of Zephyr Creek Farm, you’ll embark on a journey that seamlessly marries traditional techniques with modern flair, resulting in a stunning rug that exudes both elegance and rustic charm.
What You’ll Learn:
- Peg Loom Setup: Gain a comprehensive understanding of setting up a peg loom for rug weaving, including choosing the right warp yarn and spacing for your project.
- Weaving Techniques: Elevate your weaving skills as you navigate through various weaving techniques, enhancing your rug’s texture and depth.
- Finishing Flourish: Discover the art of finishing and securing your core spun yarn rug, ensuring its longevity and durability.
- What You’ll Take Home: At the culmination of this enriching workshop, you’ll proudly carry home your own handcrafted core spun yarn rug – a true masterpiece that showcases your refined weaving skills and artistic sensibilities. Additionally, you’ll leave with a deepened understanding of core spun yarn techniques, empowering you to continue exploring this intricate art form on your own.
Workshop limit 6 students.
Workshop Fee: $125 includes all materials needed
Exploring Lace Patterns and Beading
Thursday, October 19, 2023 9 am-12 pm
Instructor Melanie Dara
This class is for intermediate knitters who want an introduction to lace knitting and how to add beads to your knitting. In class we will be exploring how to read charted lace designs. Participants should be able to knit a swatch to gauge for the weight of yarn they choose to bring. Contact info for questions:
melaniedara0404@gmail.com.
Students should bring: Yarn of your choice and needles to achieve gauge for 4”x4” stockinette swatch see chart below. Would recommend wooden points if this is your first-time knitting lace. If you want to add beading, I recommend 6/0 seed beads.
Workshop is limited to 6 students.
Workshop fee is $30
Mini Sock Workshop
Thursday, October 19, 2023 1 pm-4 pm
Instructor Melanie Dara
In class you will be knitting a modified mini sock aimed at teaching all the skills to enable you to knit a basic boot sock. Class will cover provisional cast on, increases, decreases, wrap & turn heel, ribbing and Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy cast off. Optional skill, joining new color yarn with a no-jog join if you choose to make complimenting toe, heel, cuff. You will go home with my basic worsted weight toe up boot sock pattern.
Minimal skills needed: knit and purl stitch. Skills I plan to cover: use of DPNs (double pointed needles, prefer wood or bamboo for beginners); provisional cast on (toe up sock); will explain various component options of toes, heels and cuffs and differences between top down and toe up sock options but this workshop will cover basic squared toe up, wrap & turn heel (W&T) and 2×2 ribbing.
Students should bring: 3.25 mm DPNs (set of double pointed needles includes 5 needles this is essential for the class), worsted weight yarn main color for sock body and (optional) worsted weight for complimentary toe, heel and cuff.
Additional supplies helpful but I will have extras as needed: mid-sized crochet hook for provisional cast on, tape measure
or ruler, scissors, yarn/tapestry needle.
Workshop is limited to 6 students.
Workshop fee is $30
Beginning Knitting
Thursday, October 19, 2023 1 pm-4 pm
Instructor: Gayle Phillips
Skill Level – This workshop is designed to be an introduction to knitting but can also serve as a
refresher course. Experience how relaxing knitting can be, like yoga for the mind.
Techniques include, but not limited to, how to cast on, knit, purl, and cast-off stitches.
In addition you will be instructed on knitting terminology, how to read your knitting, and how to decipher a knitting pattern. There will be an option to knit a soap sack, dish cloth, or a mug cozy.
Includes printed patterns and yarn necessary to complete your project. Students will need to bring 10” straight knitting needles size US 8 or US 9.
Workshop is limited to 6 students
Workshop fee – $35.00
Friday
Fair Isle Knitting
Friday, October 20, 2023 9 am-4 pm
Instructor: Kathy Groustra
FAIR ISLE or two hand knitting is a true Scottish way of knitting, many other countries have also used the two-hand techniques for their patterns and motifs. Yes, two hands, 10 fingers. you will learn the relaxing ways to hold the yarn in both hands and still keeping your yarn untangled.
We will also work from a chart; this gives you a clear view of what the pattern will look like. and we will discuss ways of keeping your place. Bring sticky notes. We will be making a simple head band to get you started on your way to Fair Isle.
Students – For this class, please bring worsted weight yarn in light colors. For homework and practice you will need to bring three colors of worsted weight yarn
- Set circular needles in a size to meet gauge probably a size 7 or 8 and a 32 to 40” very flexible cable.
- Cast on 40 sts
For the Headband project you should bring worsted weight yarn in 3 different light colors, size 7 or 8 circular needle 32” to 40” with flexible cable, and stitch markers.
- Cast on 80 sts, join in the round be careful not to twist.
- Row 1. knit to marker
- Row 2. K2, P2 across the row with the main color (MC) end row with P2
Workshop limited to 6 students.
Workshop fee is $85.
Tapestry Weaving
Friday, October 20, 2023 10 am-4 pm
Instructor Ruthanne Morningstar
This workshop is focused on Tapestry Weaving. Techniques include warping your loom, color
changes, interlocking, diagonal and vertical weaving. Instructor will share techniques, tips and tricks learned while working extensively with Master Navajo Weavers.
Instructor supplies all materials which include looms, weaving beaters, warp and weft yarns and handouts with recommended list of weaving books.
Workshop limit 12 students.
Workshop Fee: $95 which includes loom, weaving beater, warp and weaving yarns and handouts.
Basic Broom Making
Friday, October 20, 2023 9 am-12 pm
Instructor: Nancy Binkowski
Each participant makes 3-4 brooms in this workshop. Pot scrubber, a small whisk, a short-handled cobweb broom and a turkey wing. Instructor supplies all supplies
Workshop size: 6 maximum
Students need to be over 12 years old.
Workshop fee: $75
Learn Wet Felting
Friday, October 20, 2023 1:00am-4:00pm
Instructor Nicola Danks
Learn the process of wet felting. Make a cute little planter vessel, felt a rock, and make a Macedonian style purse. You will learn how to felt around patterns and forms and how to make a 4-strand braid to use for the purse handle. Instructor supplies all materials
Workshop limit 12 students.
Workshop Fee: $ 55
Saturday
Weave a Mug Rug
Saturday, October 21, 2023 9 am-12 pm
Instructor Ruthanne Morningstar
Nobody ever has enough Mug Rugs. So, bring your creativity and learn to make something that’s uniquely yours. Best of all, you get to keep the handmade wooden loom! Instructor supplies all materials which includes wooden loom, beater, all warp and weft weaving yarns and weaving handout. Students need to bring scissors and creativity. Instructor brings everything else!
Workshop limit 15 students.
Workshop Fee: $60 which includes wooden loom, weaving beater and all yarns and handout.
Learn to Spin
Saturday, October 21, 2023 9 am-12 pm
Instructor Nicola Danks
This class requires the use of a spinning wheel in good working order. Students should bring their own wheel. We will have a couple of extra wheels available. The student will learn parts of the wheel, different styles of wheels and some history. Students will learn how to treadle, draft and ply.
Instructor supplies: Printed handout, roving specially chosen for ease of spinning (excellent for the beginning spinner.) and individual help while mastering the basics of using a spinning wheel.
Number of students: 5 maximum
Class fee: $40
Beginning Knitting
Saturday, October 20, 2023 1 pm – 4 pm
Instructor: Gayle Phillips
Skill Level – This workshop is designed to be an introduction to knitting but can also serve as a refresher course. Experience how relaxing knitting can be, like yoga for the mind. Techniques include, but are not limited to, how to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off stitches. In addition, you will be instructed on knitting terminology, how to read your knitting, and how to decipher a knitting pattern. There will be an option to knit a soap sack, dish cloth, or a mug cozy.
Includes printed patterns and yarn necessary to complete your project. Students will need to bring 10” straight knitting needles size US 8 or US 9.
Workshop is limited to 6 students
Workshop fee – $35.00
Fiber Preparation
Saturday, October 21, 2023 1 pm – 4 pm
Instructor: Ruthanne Morningstar
Do you know the difference between Woolen and Worsted prepared fibers? Find out and learn many different fiber preparations too! In this workshop you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to use a Flicker, Hand Carders, Large and Small Combs, a dopher and a Drum Carder. And if there’s time, we’ll discuss different washing techniques
Workshop limit 15 students.
Class fee $25 which includes Wool fibers locks and rovings, angora, alpaca, and dyed locks and a sample of Orvis
Washing Soap.