Class schedule will be posted in March.
Sign-up for classes happens in late May.
FORAGING FOR COLOR: NATURAL DYES AND ECO PRINTS
Rachel Bingham-Kessler | 6 hrs
Let’s forage for colors together and do a deep dive into the secrets of the Medomak landscape and the color it holds. Be free to collect with an open and curious mind and together we will test our plants for color on both provided ready to dye yarns and cloth. Basic natural dyeing skills and eco printing techniques will be covered. Taught with an ecological context and respect for the landscape.
Materials fee: $20
SPINNING STRAW INTO GOLD
Rachel Bingham-Kessler | 3 hrs
Get comfy with handling a variety of cellulose fibers in your wheel or spindle. Together we will explore at least 3 different cellulose fibers; flax, hemp, and nettle. Finishing your spun yarns afterwards will also be discussed and possibly demonstrated.
Please bring::
*Either a drop spindle or spinning wheel that you know how to use and are comfortable with.
*small bowl for holding about an inch of water.
*apron or towel for your lap while spinning.
Materials fee: $20
ARAN ORIGINS: INTRO TO CABLE AND TEXTURE KNITTING
Rachel Bingham-Kessler | 3 hrs
Whether you’re new to cables and textures through knitting or would like to learn more about the true origins of cables and patterns from Ireland, this will be a cozy and historically informative class where we will also tackle chart reading and how to demystify them.
Please bring: 1 pair straight knitting needles size 6-8US
Material fee: $10
LICHEN DYE LAB
Rachel Bingham-Kessler | 3 hrs
Lichens are a delightful flora to explore and often mistaken as moss. Together we will learn how to identify a lichen, classify it, test it for color potential, and practice the 3 lichen dye methods. Taught with an ecological context and respect for the landscape.
Material fee: $20
LONGSTITCH LEATHERBOUND JOURNAL
Cathi Belcher | 4 hrs
Hand Bookbinding is a slow, thoughtful process and an ancient art. In this 4-hour workshop, we will talk about handmade paper and have the opportunity to each make a sheet of paper which, when dry, will cover a small pamphlet. Most of the class will be spent creating a small leatherbound journal. Using quality paper we will sew 6 signatures together with waxed linen thread, and bind them with leather or cloth. No prior experience is necessary. There will be written instruction as well as in-person demonstrations for each step. Several other simple book forms will be taught, such as a small accordion book and a Zine.
Materials Fee: $20, to cover paper, end boards, leather, bookbinding thread & use of needles, bone folder, awl, special glue, brush, razor knife. Copious handouts will be given so that you can continue to make books at home.
JAPANESE ROCK WRAPPING
Cathi Belcher l 3 hrs
If you love rocks, knot tying and fiber — and enjoy the Zen-like calm that comes when creating objects of art from nature … prepare to be en’WRAP’tured! The beautiful art of rock wrapping has its roots in ancient Japan, using oval-shaped rocks wound with twine (leather or cordage). Using knot-tying and basketry techniques, the advanced art can be extraordinarily complicated, but beginner “rock-wrappers” can make gorgeous pieces of art that look complex but are deceptively simple. You will be amazed by your creations from your very first piece! Join ‘Petro-file’ Cathi Belcher, whose life-long love of rocks has led her to this obsessive fiber-wrapped art. Rocks will be provided, but ancient stones have their own unique energies and stories to share so you are encouraged to bring 3-4 smooth, flat oval-shaped rocks (about 3-5” long) that particularly speak to you.
Materials fee for cordage is $5.
INTRO TO SASHIKO STITCHING
Cathi Belcher | 3 hrs
Learn the “ins and outs” of the Japanese running stitch technique called Sashiko. We will talk about the history of this beautiful and utilitarian stitching; discuss types of fabrics, threads & needles; learn basic traditional patterns and how to transfer them, and use some of the tools that help make this a mindful and enjoyable pastime. Cathi discovered Sashiko about 5 years ago in one of Katherine’s Writing for Makers workshops … and she has not stopped since! Close to needing an intervention, Cathi has created dozens of quilts and samplers, which she will bring to show. In this class we will create a small sampler of stitches and patterns, which can then be made into a potholder, a small quilt or as decoration on a purse or article of clothing. Fabric, thread and tools are supplied, along with many handouts that will help you continue your journey long after class is over.
Materials fee: $20
CREATING A SPIRIT DOLL
Cathi Belcher | 4 hrs
In many cultures throughout the world dolls have spiritual, magical and ritualistic meaning for adults as well as children. Spirit dolls start with an intention or blessing that we would like to cultivate or materialize in our own life. It can be for yourself, or someone you know. Using natural objects like sticks, cloth, twine, paper, leaves, moss, stones, beads, seaweed, etc (the sky’s the limit!), and personal objects that have particular meaning for you, we will each make a Spirit Doll that will come to life in the process of making her. I will provide molded air-dry clay faces that I made for you to use, but I will demonstrate the process of how to make your own in the future, when you have more time to let them dry. I guarantee that each fabric/multi-media creation will be a work of heart and soul, as well as an original piece of art for your home (with personal meaning for you). Everyone is encouraged to bring fabrics, interesting paper, cordage, and personal objects for decorating your spirit doll to make her unique to you; but there will be materials you are welcome to use.
Materials fee is $20, and will include a folder of interesting information and instructions if you wish to continue this art form at home.
WEAVING A LIFE: BUNDLE
Cathi Belcher | 4 hrs
Weaving is a beautiful metaphor for Life. The Weaving a Life program, originally envisioned by Maine fiber artist Susan Barrett Merrill, can be approached on many levels, the most basic being simply to hand weave beautiful & symbolic objects called Keyforms on a small portable, 7-stick Journey Loom. All seven of these art forms are common to most cultures throughout the world, and can become manifestations of personal meaning for anyone who creates them. In this 4-hour class we will weave something called The Bundle. Traditionally, bundles are pouches to hold objects that hold personal magic for you. They are the toolkit of the inner journey. For example, if you wanted to make more time for painting in your life, yours might hold a favorite brush and tiny palette of paints. If your life was too full of responsibilities and commitments, maybe you would want to keep your bundle empty for a time, as a visual reminder that you need more space. Whatever you fill your bundle with, the art of creating it is a magical and wonderful experience. Similar to the amulet, but with a slightly bigger canvas on which to let your creativity soar, this is one of my favorite pieces to weave.
Materials Fee: $25, includes the use of a 7-stick Journey Loom and tool kit during class time, warp threads, weft yarn, beads and other embellishments, as well as all written materials and handouts.
Needle Felted Tapestry
Sharon Chandler Correnty | 3 hrs
In this workshop you will learn the basics of needle felting a tapestry of your own design, using a single industrial needle, and wool roving on woven wool fabric. Inspired by the natural beauty all around you at camp, you’ll explore various leaf shapes and flower motifs, seeking out what is in bloom as you begin the design process. For some added inspiration, the instructor will share watercolor drawings you can use to guide the process, and you’ll have the chance to make a watercolor sketch of your own before you begin felting. All materials will be provided and several options for hanging your finished work will be demonstrated and discussed.
No previous experience with needle felting necessary.
Materials fee: $15
Scrappy String Diamonds
Sarah Bond | 6 hours
Got lots of Scraps and don’t know what to do? I’ve got something fun for you! Join me for an easy sewing project designed to use up your scraps, spark your creativity, and rev up your sewing mojo. This variation on a traditional string quilt encourages you to dig into your scrap bin and find those beautiful bits you couldn’t bear to throw out. Combine them on a paper or muslin foundation to create jaunty rows of diamonds in any color combination you choose. You’ll get a pattern in the size of your choice (pillow, mug rug, table runner, wall hanging or larger quilt) and be able to finish your piece during the week. You should be able to thread your sewing machine without any assistance, and have basic machine skills.
Materials:
Fabric scraps! (there will be plenty on hand to share as well)
2/3 yards each of 2 background fabrics for a total of 1 1/3 yards for the lap or baby size 1 ½ yards each of 2 background fabrics for a total of 3 yards for the larger quilt
sewing machine in good working order
thread
fabric and paper scissors
batting
backing fabric
safety pins
Scrappy String Oven Mitts
Sarah Bond | 3 hours
Here’s an easy sewing project designed to use up your scraps, spark your creativity, and give you some cute and fun oven mitts to replace those tired burnt up ones you have at home. It doesn’t take too much time and the results are lots of fun. You’ll have the option to piece scraps together on a foundation, use up your orphan blocks from other projects, or both! This is a great project for upcycling old garments or other textiles. Pattern (a free download from Bombazine) is provided. You should be able to thread and use your sewing machine without any assistance.
Materials:
Muslin (or any fabric or upcycled denim) for foundation, and lining
Fabric scraps
Wool and/or batting for insulation
Optional: Insul-bright (special product that provides heat insulation).
Basic sewing supplies
sewing machine in good working order
thread
fabric and paper scissors
Pearl cotton, embroidery thread or hand quilting thread if you want to quilt together your layers by hand.
Materials will be available for purchase or you can bring your own.
Release the Geese!
Sarah Bond | 6 hrs
This class will explore some playful turns on flying geese, using a basic paper piecing method. This class is not a traditional “make this quilt” class, where you will replicate the teacher’s sample. It’s designed to provide you with patterns and techniques that you can use to create your own design. You use patterns for various types of circular flying geese with both clockwise and counterclockwise orientations. We will also do straight geese with a quick piecing, no waste technique that you can use in various ways. Then we will look at ways to combine your straight flying geese with your circular flying geese to achieve any number of possible variations.
Skill Level: This class is geared for confident quilters from advanced beginner to experienced. You will need to know how to thread, use, and troubleshoot your sewing machine. Some experience with paper piecing will be helpful, but is not essential. All the techniques used will be reviewed and one-on-one assistance will be available.
Materials: Because this is a workshop/design class, exact yardage will vary. If you are going for a scrappy look, fat quarters are great. If you have a particular line of fabrics you want to use, have them available and make your choices as you design. Be sure to have one or more fabrics to serve as the background for your geese..
You will also need a sewing machine in good working order, basic sewing supplies, rotary cutter, ruler and cutting mat. I will provide you with patterns to keep and others for use during class.
EMBRACING MYSTERY: QUILT MAKING + CYANOTYPE PRINTS
Katherine Ferrier | 5 hours
In this workshop we’ll work with themes of light and dark, shadows and ghosts, and collaborations with the unknown, as we learn how to make prints on fabric using the magic of cyanotypes. We’ll take inspiration from the land, collecting shapes that call to us in the form of leaves, sticks, flowers, or feathers, and practice deep listening with some guided journal prompts. Once we make our prints, we’ll use the fabric to make a small quilt, adding stitches as another layer of meaning. Along the way we’ll explore elements of composition, design, embracing mistakes, and the basics of quilt making.
Materials fee: Kits will be provided for a fee of $15, and include treated fabric for prints, batting, and backing fabric.
FRICTION & TRANSFORMATION: MAKING A FELTED BOWL
Katherine Ferrier | 5 hours
In this class we’ll learn the basics of wet felting and make a simple, seamless small bowl or vessel by transforming wispy wool roving into a durable structure using water, soap, and a bit of agitation. Along the way, we’ll marvel at the many metaphors of how things come into being, how friction helps new forms emerge, and how patience is a practice where transformation is concerned. No previous experience with felting necessary. Please bring 2 large, old towels, an apron and/or wear clothes you don’t mind getting a bit wet
Materials fee: Kits will be provided for a fee of $10
MAKING, BEING, AND BEING MADE: WRITING FOR MAKERS
Katherine Ferrier | 2 hours
If making is a practice of paying attention, what can we learn about ourselves, and the world, by tuning in to the layers of meaning and metaphor embedded in every thread of our lives as makers? How is making its own kind of making sense? How does what we make in turn make us? This workshop is one part making, one part meditation, and one part contemplative/ creative writing. We’ll begin with some quiet, meditative handwork, (sewing, stitching, spinning knitting, drawing, etc) each tending to our own work. From this place of deep listening and connection, we’ll work with a variety of writing prompts that will act as invitations into memory, metaphor, and meaning. There will be space for sharing our writing with each other so that we might deepen our appreciation of how our personal stories are interwoven with and connected to the world around us. No formal writing experience is required. Please bring some handwork and a journal. It’s best to bring something you can work on without concentrating too much, so that your hands can be steadily working, leaving your thoughts to drift into the rich realms of memory and meaning. Simple stitching/embroidery materials can be provided for those in between or without projects for a materials fee of $5.
KNITTING FOR THE TREASURE HOARD
Bristol Ivy | 3 hrs
Every crafter has a touch of the magpie in them: we all keep those little bits and pieces of special yarn or rocks and seashells from favorite places, swearing up and down that there must be a use for them! In this class, we’ll combine the two into a truly special keepsake, while also learning some fascinating techniques and useful rubrics that will truly make your knitting a gem. (Get it? Gem? Rock?)
Skills needed: Increasing, decreasing, working in the round
Please bring:
At least 20 yards of special yarn and appropriate needles to work it; either double pointed needles or a long circular for magic loop
A special rock or seashell, no larger than the palm of your hand (though this technique can be applied to larger pieces)
A tapestry needle and locking stitch marker
DRAPE AND FOLD
Bristol Ivy | 3 hrs
Knitting is the creation of a piece of fabric that 95% of the time exists on a flat plane. However, most human bodies? Not so much. We have bumps and curves, changes in angle, places where fabric clings and places where fabric falls gracefully away. So what might happen if we embrace our three-dimensionality, using the angles and changes of direction on our bodies to help create the shape of the knitwear itself?
In this class we’ll explore fabric manipulation in several exercises, and then talk about how we can translate that to a human form.
Please bring: pencil and paper, and a sense of adventure!
A LACE FOR EVERYTHING
Bristol Ivy | 6 hr
Lace is one of the most beautiful ways to manipulate your knitting into something truly spectacular. In this class, we’ll work on designing our own lace patterns based on two different development techniques: encoded and improvisational. From there we’ll swatch, play, and perfect that lace ready to add to any project you want! In our second session, we will discuss how to incorporate that lace into a garment or accessory, and get you started on a project of your very own!
Skills needed: Knitting, purling, increasing decreasing, being able to read basic charts.
Please bring: smooth, light-colored worsted weight yarn and appropriate needles, graph paper, pencil, and eraser. For the larger project, please bring at least 200 yards of your preferred yarn and appropriate needles.
SHORT ROWS
Bristol Ivy | 3 hrs
Short rows are a very handy way to add shaping to your knitting in both conventional and unexpected ways. Use them to turn a heel on a sock, better tailor a garment to your shape, or add unexpected twists and turns to accessories. In this class, we’ll discuss the mechanics of short rows, try out different short row techniques, and think about when and where to use them. Experience needed: decreasing.
Materials and homework: Smooth, non-haloed, light- colored worsted weight yarn and appropriate needles. Students should cast on 24 stitches and work about an inch in stockinette prior to class, ending ready to work a RS row.
CROCHET RAG RUG + BASKET
Cal Patch | 3 hrs
With the most basic of crochet skills (chain and single crochet stitches) you can make your own fabric rugs, bowls, bags and basket out of any textile you like! You will learn how to wield a jumbo hook, join your strips, and make a variety of shapes of rugs and vessels. Make one for every room in your house, and they make an ideal housewarming gift too! We all have excess textiles floating around our houses, that could be made into beautiful and useful objects and spared from landfills, so why not learn how? Students must know at least chain and single crochet stitches*.
Supplies: Jumbo crochet hook (a few sizes in range of 12-20mm or P/Q/S), 1 or more yards of woven fabric (cotton sheets, yardage or scrap). 1 or more T-shirts to cut up, sharp scissors.
*If you need to learn or brush up on chain and single crochet, cal has an online class http://calpatch.com/online-video-classes-with-cal/ or you can likely find some help on YouTube.
HAND STITCH A T-SHIRT
Cal Patch | 6 hrs
Sewing on a machine is quick and practical, but for many it’s difficult to find the dedicated time and space required to make it a regular habit. Moving your sewing practice into the realm of handwork (like knitting, crochet, and embroidery) means you can stitch up garments whenever you have a few spare minutes, or on the couch at night while watching a movie, and carry a project with you so you always have it on the go. Sewing by hand adds an element of meditative calm to your sewing practice. Amazingly, you might find you can finish a hand-sewn garment sooner than a machine-sewn one!
We will work with a pattern (see supply list for options) for a simple, knit T-shirt and learn how to sew seams, finish necklines and hem edges with only your hands and a needle and thread. Several methods for each type of seam will be shown, so you may also create a sampler of extra techniques.
No prerequisite skills, though an understanding of basic sewing principles will be helpful.
Supplies needed:
- Pattern for simple t-shirt (see list below)
- Fabric: light-to-medium weight cotton jersey or interlock knit fabric. Quantity as indicated for your size on pattern, but 2 yards is probably sufficient for most. Solid, print or stripes, your choice!
- Front and Back pieces (and sleeves if pattern has them) ALREADY CUT OUT of your fabric (no need for any facings included in pattern). Please use simplest version with no added seams, unless you don’t mind extra homework.
- Fat quarter or approximately 12-18” square of similar or same fabric (could be a scrap left over after cutting) for sampler
- All-purpose thread, can be contrast (to see your stitches) or matching and/or size 8 Perle Cotton
- Hand-sewing needles in a few sizes, or your favorite size
- Pins
- Scissors
- Marking tool (chalk, wax or pencil) and ruler
- Optional: Thimble
Please use one of the following patterns, or a similar T-shirt or boxy top:
Boxy Tee/Drapy Tunic**, OR T-Shirt pattern, drafted in a previous class with Cal, or from her online video class, or tutorial found on her website (for boxy tee only). (NOTE: please just do the simple version without the seam and pocket): https://calpatch.com
Jade T-shirt https://shop.made-by-rae.com/collections/knits/products/jade
Lou Box Top** https://www.sewdiy.com/shop/lou-box-top-pdf-pattern
Fen Top** https://fancytigercrafts.com/products/fen-pdf-pattern
All Well Box Top** https://www.etsy.com/listing/713038843/all-well-box-top-sewing-pattern-hacking
Maya Top** https://www.etsy.com/listing/206020747/pdf-maya-dress-and-top-sewing-pattern
Shirt No. 1** https://shop.100actsofsewing.com/products/100-acts-of-sewing-shirt-no-1-sewing-pattern
**These are loose-fitting tops, meant for woven fabrics, so they have some ease built in. so you may wish to choose a size or two smaller than called for according to your measurements, for a more fitted t-shirt. If you are very concerned about a perfect fit, you may wish to machine-stitch a muslin/fit sample first, or baste your cut pieces, to confirm size.
APPLIQUE FOR BEGINNERS
Cal Patch | 2 hrs
Appliqué, or the art of applying fabric to other fabrics, is a fun way to add interest to almost any textile piece, and a fabulous addition to embroidery. You’ll learn 3 ways to do hand-stitched applique (classic, needle-turn, and reverse), a useful technique for embellishing woven or knit clothing (think T-shirts, sweatshirts, jeans or denim shirts…), home goods or gifts. Once you know how, you’ll see potential projects everywhere you look! This class will make a wonderful accompaniment to the Hand-Stitched T-Shirt class, as you can appliqué on your shirt!
Materials: a fat quarter or approximately 18″ square of woven cloth for your sampler, and/or a T-shirt or other garments, embroidery floss and/or size 8 perle cotton, and needles, pins, scissors and a few small scraps of cloth to applique with.
PIECE OUT: PATCHWORK BOXY TOP THREE WAYS
Cal Patch + Katherine Ferrier | 6hrs
Sure, you can sew a garment with just one fabric. But have you ever dreamed of making your own unique PIECED textile garment? In this playful workshop, Cal and Katherine join forces to show you three different methods of making a patchwork boxy top/tunic: improvising yardage, engineering a pattern, or piecing onto a foundation. You’ll have time to experiment with the options before choosing your approach to making your own one-of-a-kind top! You can incorporate favorite leftovers from other projects, treasured small bits, upcycled clothes and thrifted gems as your source material. Transforming textile waste into fantastic clothing is not only really satisfying, it also keeps perfectly good material out of the landfills, and is friendly on the wallet to boot. Plus every garment will be a one-of-a-kind work of art!
This class is designed for folks who already have some basic sewing skills under their belt. You should be comfortable threading and troubleshooting your sewing machine without assistance.
Homework: Please arrive to class with 2 copies of your pattern already traced and cut out on paper.
Supplies:
- Sewing machine (a limited number of machines will be available to use)
- Approximately 2+ yards (total) of smaller pieces of woven fabrics, special remnants, old garments, etc to be combined into your project
- 2 yards muslin or inexpensive lightweight woven fabric (to be used as hidden foundation/lining)
- A few sheets of 18 x 24” or a 14+” roll of paper (tracing paper, newsprint or sketch pad are all great)
- All-purpose thread
- Bias tape, 1 yard of ½” single-fold, can be self-made or packaged
- Basic sewing kit: Pins + cushion, scissors, seam ripper, tape measure, marking tool (chalk, wax or pencil) and ruler
- Roll of painters tape, any color.
Pattern for simple top:
Boxy Tee/Drapy Tunic: drafted in a previous class with Cal, or from her online video class, or tutorial found on her website (NOTE: please just do the simple version without the seam and pocket): https://calpatch.com
Lou Box Top https://www.sewdiy.com/shop/lou-box-top-pdf-pattern
Fen Top https://fancytigercrafts.com/products/fen-pdf-pattern
All Well Box Top https://www.etsy.com/listing/713038843/all-well-box-top-sewing-pattern-hacking
Maya Top https://www.etsy.com/listing/206020747/pdf-maya-dress-and-top-sewing-pattern
Shirt No. 1 https://shop.100actsofsewing.com/products/100-acts-of-sewing-shirt-no-1-sewing-pattern
NOTE: These are loose-fitting tops, so you should be fine to choose the size called for your measurements. If you are concerned about a perfect fit, you may wish to machine-stitch a muslin/fit sample first to confirm size.
WAX + WANE SCARF: RIGID HEDDLE WEAVING
Casey Ryder | 8 hours
In this beginner class, you will learn how to warp and weave on a rigid heddle loom while exploring how colors play with one another within the Fibonacci sequence. A rigid heddle loom is a portable loom that is quick and easy to set up. It’s ideal for playing with color and pattern while creating plain weave fabric. If you’re curious about weaving, this is a great place to start!
No experience is necessary, but you’ll need to be committed to weaving throughout the week in order to finish. Please plan on 6-8 hours outside of class time to weave your scarf, and factor this into your schedule when choosing your other classes.
Materials can be provided. The samples in the photos are woven with two skeins of Cashmere People Yarns sport weight casghora ($48/skein). You may also bring your own yarn. You will need at least 360 yards of sport weight yarn in color A and 360 yards of sport weight yarn in color B.
Loom Rental Fee: $21
Please Bring:
- a measuring tape – one that reaches 90+ inches is preferable
- scissors
- note-taking materials
- If you are bringing your own yarn, please have it wound into balls or cakes
- If you are bringing your own loom, please include all the standard warping accessories plus a 7.5 or 8 dent heddle
MACRAME PLANT HANGERS
Casey Ryder | 3 hours
House plants, house plants in the air! House plants, house plants everywhere! Plant hangers are a great introduction to macrame knots and they make for a sweet gift to your green buddies. We’ll start off by learning some basic knots while making camp bracelets. (It’s all coming back to me now!) Then we’ll hop on over to knotting with larger cotton cord and make a full size plant hanger.
No previous macrame experience is required.
Materials Fee: $30
INTRO TO DROP SPINDLE SPINNING
Casey Ryder | 3 hours
Learn to spin on a simple and ancient tool, the drop spindle! Want to test the spinning waters? Drop spindle is a great introduction to spinning and with practice can be a fun way to create your own, one-of-a-kind yarns! You will learn how to draft fibers, spin a singles, and ply.
Materials Fee: $40 for two ounces of local, Maine roving and an Ashford 80mm drop spindle
Or $12 for just the wool if you are bringing your own drop spindle.
INTRODUCTION TO BASKETRY: MAKING A PACK BASKET
Sarah Sockbeson | 6 hours
In this two-part introductory workshop, award winning Penobscot Ash and Sweetgrass Basketmaker Sarah Sockbeson will introduce you to the basics of basketry, opening the doorway to exploring this incredible fiber art form. You will learn several elemental basket weaving techniques and make a simple pack basket with straps. No previous experience with weaving or basketry needed. This class will include a guided foraging walk around camp to gather materials with which to make your baskets, to supplement the materials Sarah will provide. You are also welcome to bring extra things from home. See note below for suggestions of materials to bring.
Materials fee: $20
PIN CUSHION BASKET
Sarah Sockbeson | 3 hours
In this workshop, great for beginners, you’ll pick up some basics of weaving while you learn to make a tiny basket that is also an adorable pin cushion! All materials will be provided, though you’re welcome to bring anything you like from your own stash. You’ll have the choice of natural, alternative, or gathered materials with which to make your pincushion.
Materials fee: $10
WOVEN JEWELRY
Sarah Sockbeson | 3 hours
In this open studio style workshop, you’ll have the chance to design your own woven pendant or earrings, under the guidance of award winning basket maker, Sarah Sockbeson. Several techniques will be demonstrated, and then you’ll have time to explore and experiment on your own. There will be a treasure trove of materials to work with, including various types of wires and findings. You may choose to bring recycled jewelry findings from home to rework/ incorporate; maybe you have broken jewelry parts or a chain you’d like to make a pendant for? By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind wearable piece of art!
Materials fee: $10
EXPERIMENTAL WOVEN SCULPTURES
Sarah Sockbeson | 6 hours
This workshop is for weavers ready for a creative challenge! Let your imagination be your guide, and allow your materials to inspire your process and design. Rather than replicating an already made project, you will be mentored by Sarah in making something of your own design. You’ll be encouraged to think outside the box when it comes to materials: gather natural materials from the property, bring things from home, or rummage through the vast array of supplies provided. Time will be your only limitation to what you can make in this class! In this workshop we will use traditional and non traditional techniques to create woven contemporary art pieces with no particular emphasis on utility or resemblance to what one might label a “basket”. We will use various fibers, including both natural and non natural materials, and follow our curiosity to explore new forms. The end product/ results might be more sculpture than basket– a unique work of art!
Materials Fee: $20
NOTE FROM SARAH RE: SUPPLIES + MATERIALS:
I will bring a large assortment of materials, creating a communal pile for all of my classes. You are encouraged to bring your own materials as well, from the suggested list below, both for use in your own projects and to contribute to the communal pile.
Fee is $10 to access communal pile, or $5 if you make a donation to the pile.
The hope is to encourage the use of supplies that you are drawn to within the available options, to utilize and incorporate what you like/ what catches your eye, with the primary goal of allowing your imagination to lead your process, allowing the materials to guide you and opening the door through trial and error and experimentation. If one material doesn’t work, try another, or swap out one material for another depending on what works in your design and keep an open mind when developing your desired outcome.
For those choosing to bring their own materials or to contribute to the communal supplies pile, I would strongly suggest everyone try to bring materials that don’t cost you anything, whether that be because you make/ produce the supplies personally, or because you gathered harvested it from nature/ processed or unprocessed as your contribution, or bring a form of supplies that you have no other use for/ have had on hand forever/ have never had the chance to utilize, or something that would be otherwise destined for the garbage or a recycling center (ideas listed below).
Note for anyone bringing freshly gathered/ natural materials:
Feel free to bring materials from any part of the country, just as long as it has been deemed “safe” to travel / treated in such a manner that it has no potential to contain any type of insect, disease or parasite.
SUPPLIES (Suggested options):
This list is not meant to limit your imagination, but to provide possible suggestions of what may be a great contribution to our materials selection for any of my workshops
- wood veneer sheets or strips or edge banding wood, plastic, or other
- any type of yarn, cordage, rope
- wire, any type/ gauge, including recycled old wires, cords or cables, coated or not, wire coat hangers
- heavy weight paper, wallpaper, any type of thick paper, card stock, vinyl, watercolor paper, folders, document holders (plastic or paper)
- sticks, branches, willow, reed, bark, root, grass, flax, pine needles, yucca, palm fronds any other type of fibrous natural harvested material leaves or renewable plant materials, prepared or not (the more flexible the better)
- plastic or composite that can be cut into strips or used as a rigid base material
- shopping bags of any kind, paper, plastic,
- old fabric scraps, (longer strips or pieces that can be cut or braided)
- any type of basketry or caning supplies
- any type of fiber you can think of or enjoy working with
Have fun using your imagination and pondering over the possibilities…!
Medomak Fiberarts Retreat 