Knit.Spin.Weave

New Crochet Classes

Hi Fiber Fans,

For those of you who’ve always wanted to learn how to crochet, we’ve got the teacher for you. Sandra, the newest member of the Wabi Sabi team, has just returned from exploring the UK craft scene. In October, Sandra is running a Crochet Beanie class, where participants will learn the essentials of crochet: terminology, gauge, hook sizes and all the basic stitches including: slip stitch, single stitch, double stitch, treble stitch, tying off. Plus you’ll make yourself a stylish beanie that will be the envy of all. For those of you who already know how to crochet, we haven’t forgotten you. We’re also running an intermediate class where participants learn how to use graph paper to create and design a beanie that features colour-work. For those of you longing to express your creative side, we have a free form crochet course. This is a fantastic workshop for anyone eager to explore working with texture and who enjoys embellishing and experimenting.

We’re also offering some new spinning workshops especially for intermediate spinners with fiber artist, Maggie Glossop. In November, we have Spinning-Beyond Beginner. For those spinners who can competently spin a continuous thread and are ready now to move towards creating an intentional yarn. Spinners will also learn about different wools as well as learn different drafting techniques: woolen, worsted, short draw and long draw. Also this November, we have Spinning - Plying Techniques. Here participants learn how the twist in a single ply impacts the final yarn and how the correct plying technique results in more balanced yarns. In addition, spinners will study how plying techniques can be used to create unique yarns. Another new offering in this series is Spinning - Designer Yarns. In this workshop, spinners go beyond basic plying, and learn how to put plies like handspun and commercial together in inventive ways to produce fancy designer yarns. Spinners will make loopy boucle yarns, fuzzy cloud yarns, core yarns, eyelash yarns, beaded yarns. This class is definitely for experienced spinners.

Fall Classes

I know it seems strange to be thinking of the Fall while the weather’s still so lovely but September is only a couple of weeks away. I can hardly believe it, but it’s true so with that in mind, we’ve posted our classes. And there’s plenty of choice.

At the end of September, Carol is teaching an intermediate Nuno felting classes that teaches students how to make a blanket using cotton, silk and wool. Many of you will have seen Carol’s lovely blanket in the shop.
But that’s not all for felting enthusiasts, well-known fiber artist extraordinaire, Maggie Glossop will be giving a workshop in felt painting in November. So join in and create your own still life or abstract. For those of your unfamiliar with Maggie’s work check it out at http://www.maggieglossop.com/3.html
Also returning to Wabi Sabi this Fall is Fiona Duthie. This popular teacher’s articles are featured in Living Crafts magazine. For those interested in finding out more about Fiona, you can visited her site at http://www.fionaduthie.com/default.htm There are some great photos of her work and lots of information about her crafting philosophy and upcoming workshops. Of course, these aren’t all the felting workshops there are many more including: Crafty Mama workshops with Karen Straznicky and Nuno scarf felting with Carol.

For the would-be-knitter we will continue to run our Knitting 101 series. Remember it’s never too late to learn. I recently taught a lovely lady in her seventies. Also I want to take this opportunity to remind both new and experienced knitters that you’re always welcome to come and knit at the shop. We adore the company. Plus, we’re happy to help you with any problems you might encounter with a pattern or a particular knitting technique. For those new knitters ready to start a more challenging pattern, we’ll be continuing our Second Step knitting series. New knitters might particularly enjoy our Top-down Sweater class. Working with a teacher is a great way to find out how to read a pattern properly as well as learn new techniques.

New this Fall, we’re offering a Second Step class for spinners called Beyond Beginner. It’s designed for those ready to spin a more intentional yarn as well as learn about different fiber preparations. For those of you still wanting to learn I recommend our teacher, Maggie Glossop. She’s very patient. Plus I found her introductory talk on the history of spinning fascinating.

We will continue with our weekly children’s series, Fiber-kid Fridays. These popular after-school workshops are drop-in and are designed to introduce kids to the world of fiber. Each week we feature a new project. Kids learn skills such as: sewing, needle-felting and wet felting. This year, we’re starting a gift giving series to help kids get ready for the holidays. Imagine the sense of accomplishment a child feels when they give something they’ve made to a loved one. It’s wonderful.

And with that thought in mind, one of our customer’s Annie, made her a son a wonderful gift of a playmat for his cars and trucks. She used one of our newest products C1 bats to get the colors and look she wanted. Check out the results on her blog, “Imagination in Parenting” at http://imaginationinparenting.wordpress.com/2010/08/15/a-new-playmat-for-alexandre/ These playmates make terrific gifts for kids of all ages. Last year, I made my five-year-old nephew one that he uses to play with his knights and animals. He loves it. Carol will be running a playmat class on December 11th 10-2pm . If you’re interested make sure to sign-up soon as this is a very popular class.