Miscellaneous Fiber Fun Classes

0401 Learn to Tat

Dates: Thursday, 9/23 and 9/30, 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm, 2 sessions

Learn to tat. Tatting is an almost forgotten craft used for decorative edgings, doilies, etc. You will learn the basic stitch, ring and chain. We will make a butterfly and a small medallion.

Required supplies and equipment: Tatting shuttle. If the shuttle has no point, a fine crochet hook. No.10 crochet cotton, Scissors.

Required Books: Learn to Tat by Janette Baker

Prerequisite: none

1906 Carding - Fiber Preparation and Blending

Dates: Sunday, 9/26, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, 1 sessions

Hand carding is an important skill for spinning but frustrates many people. By the end of this class you will be comfortable with the carding process. We will card locks from different breeds, blend colors, blend fibers, and spin them to see the resulting yarn.

Required supplies and equipment: Hand cards, spinning wheel or spindle. $5 material fee included in course fee.

Required Books: None

Prerequisite: None

Pre-Class Prep: None

0404 Understanding Yarn and Fibers

Dates: A - Friday, 10/1, 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, 1 sessions

OR

Dates: B - Friday, 1/28/2011, 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, 1 sessions

Have you struggled with trying to match a yarn to a project? This class will give you hands-on experience in making a fiber selection. We'll look at the properties of all of the common fibers and you will receive a knittable (or weavable on a Weavette) sample of many. In addition, we'll talk about fiber blends - what works and what doesn't, weights of yarn according to various systems, and spinning and plying styles. Not just a lecture - you will have a piece of yarn in your hands that you can look at and feel as its properties are discussed.

Required supplies and equipment: Bring all your knitting needles. If you do not knit, bring a small Weavette or prewarped rigid heddle with a narrow warp set at 10 or 12 epi with fingering weight wool or cotton.

Required Books: None

Prerequisite: None

4501 Fiber Explorers

Dates: Saturday, 10/2, 11/6, 12/4, 1/8/2011 and 2/12/2011, 9:00 am to 11:30 am, 5 sessions

This is a multi-media fiber class that will give you "assignments" that need to be completed every month using a single or combined techniques that may include: crochet, weaving, tatting, needlepoint, embroidery, knitting, spinning, quilting, etc. You will be limited only by your imagination as to what you might create. Each class will begin with a short talk about the assignment and may include a slide or video presentation. This is not a how-to class. Think of it as brain play for fiber lovers.

Required supplies and equipment: Composition book so you have a place to record ideas - find one with graph paper inside if possible. Erasable colored pencils. Lots of other stuff that you already have at home!

Required Books: None

Prerequisite: None

Pre-Class Prep: Bring the most creative thing you've ever made with fiber to class for show and tell.

0002 Fiber Retreat

Dates: Weekend, 10/15, 10/16, 10/17 and 10/18, 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, 1 sessions

If you've never been, you should know that they are a great amount of fun. You can be guaranteed at least one good belly laugh. The probability that you will learn a new fiber technique is high. You will make new friends and knit into the night, or get up early and enjoy the peace of a cup of coffee while watching the deer frolic in the mists over the meadow. This time around we are focusing on finishing projects. Some people will find that they'd like to finish one of Christa's designs, so you can work with her during her designated help times. Don't have one of her projects on the needles? Well, we'll look the other way while you start one, if that is what you'd like to do - just make arrangements before you go so you have the supplies you need. Or, you can choose to work with me on any project with which you may need a little help.

The following meals are provided: Friday dinner; Saturday breakfast, lunch and pizza; Sunday brunch and dinner, and Monday breakfast.

Insel Haus is located on Bois Blanc Island, which is accessible by ferry or airplane from Cheboygan. Carpooling may be possible - let us know when you register. Transportation is not included.

Limited to 20 guests. Private rooms (waiting list only): $350 Regular room (roommate and room requests will be honored if possible): $295
If an extended stay is desired, please contact Insel Haus directly at 231 634-7393.

Required supplies and equipment: Any supplies that you need for your project.

Required Books: None

Prerequisite: None