**Also remember, you can always book a couple of hours of private instruction if there's an immediate need for some special skill.
*** If you have 4 or more people and want to request a special class, give us a call
The Fiber Event at Greencastle 2012 - Friday, April 20, 2012 from 10:30 am-7:00 pm & Saturday, April 21, 2012 from 9:00 am-5:00 pm - FREE admission! FREE parking! Putnam County Fairgrounds- Greencastle, Indiana
Click image at left for more information.
The KY Sheep& Fiber Festival 2012 - Saturday, May 19 & Sunday, May 20,
2012. Masterson Station Park - Lexington Kentucky.
Click image at left for more information.
Private Lessons Spinning-Weaving-Knitting-Rug Hooking Offered at a rate of $30 per hour -2 Hour minimum-Please call to schedule.
Lodging - The Capital Plaza Hotel Is within walking distance to downtown activities including our store. We have a special rate of $89 per room (plus tax, double or single occupancy) for our classes. Please mention that you are attending classes at the Woolery. The rate includes 2 complimentary hot breakfast buffets for each day the students are here, and 10% discount at the Terrace Restaurant for dinner.
Class Descriptions
Botanical Felt
Express 
your love of flowers and natural fibers at the same time! Create botanically accurate, recognizable, firmly felted flowers. These blossoms are beautiful as one of kind trims on hats, as jewelry, 3-Dimensional elements in tapestries or as elements in traditional floral arrangements. Using both needled and wet felt techniques & original patterns, make a morning glory, a rose and leaves. This is a very relaxed and light-hearted class.
Level: Beginner
Maximum enrollment: 20
Fee - $65 Includes patterns, a felting needle, and fiber supplies.
Instructor: Leslie Samson (see bio below)
NEW! - Scribble Lace Scarf on Silk - Hot Class!
Very popular class sold out Ontario school of design in Toronto in February. In this class we will felt beautiful lacy felted scarves. The halo of the angora will fill in lacy spaces on silk to create a cozy and sensational accent scarf.
There are tricks for the best results. Using a premium product - 50/50 angora / merino pencil roving, participants will learn the easy way to lay out and felt a stylish accessory with an expensive look. Free-styling applications of nuno, 3-Dimensional techniques, finishing and embellishment techniques will be covered.
Level: Beginner
Maximum enrollment: 8
Fee - $95 Includes all tools, supplies & silk.
Instructor: Leslie Samson (see bio below)
Felted Tapestry
No other medium can offer the effects of rich color, texture and details the size of one hair the way felt is able. With a combination of wet and dry felting, you can achieve self-woven tapestry effects by using pre-dyed wools to inlay a design on a canvas of wool.
After selecting color elements from an extensive assortment of dyed wools, your image will be worked into a base. The fine details of your image will be developed with felting needles as you learn the many ways that these versatile tools can be used to create different effects. This will be a relaxing class with peaceful music and plenty of time to develop the finished piece. Edge treatments, blocking and mounting suggestions will be covered.
Level: Beginner to completely obsessed
Class Max: 15
Fee - $100 Includes all tools & supplies
Students will bring: Three photos or sketches of an image, which you would like to translate into felt. We will select one. Bring any special fibers from home, which you would like to incorporate into your tapestry and two bath towels with which to blot your wet piece dry. The class includes felting needles which are your to keep. Please bring a hard sided container in which you can safely take your needles home.
9-5 Sunday
Instructor: Leslie Samson (see bio below)
Overshot & Other Pattern Weaving with Joanne Hall (see bio below)
In the past overshot was typically used to weave bed coverings. Today we find it is one of the most versatile weaves and is subject to endless variations. During this on-loom workshop, you will learn the basic concepts of four-shaft overshot weaving - studying some of the many possible pattern structures. We will also look at other weaving patterns. Please note: You will bring your own workshop loom to the class and we will warp the looms together on Friday with a pre-measured warp.
Class duration: Friday 9AM - 4PM, Saturday 1PM - 5PM and Sunday 9AM - 4PM
Max enrollment: 14
Skill Level: ability to dress the loom independently
Instructor: Joanne Hall
Materials to bring:Notebook,
Scissors, 4 shaft workshop loom - 8 Dent, 10 Dent or 12 Dent Reed (10 Dent preferred)
, Shuttles, lease sticks etc.
Fee: $325 (Includes the book Learning to Warp Your Loom plus materials (@$30)
Beginning SpinningIn this class you will learn to spin a yarn, first by mastering the basics of drafting on a hand spindle, and then progressing to the wheel. The basics of fiber selection will be covered, as well as the differences in various kinds of spinning wheels. All materials will be provided, as well as the equipment to learn on, both spindles and wheels. Everything will also be available for purchase, and guidance offered for the first-time wheel buyer.
Class duration: 4 hours
Class maximum enrollment: 6
Fee: $65 - Includes all materials
Instructor: Nancy Reid (see bio below)
Intermediate Spinning
Explore a little more deeply the world of making your own yarn as we get into the technicalities of plying, how much twist is too much, setting twist and working with singles yarns, fleece and wool selection, washing raw wool, the importance of sampling, spinning for knitting and how it differs from spinning for weaving, finishing yarns, and lots of other aspects of the yarn-smith trade. Participants should already know how to spin, and bring with them a spinning wheel in good working order, a lazy Kate (we'll learn in class how to make one very inexpensively from a shoebox), 3 bobbins, a sample niddy-noddy if they have one, and note-taking materials. Wool for spinning will be provided.
Class duration: 4 hours
Max enrollment:10
Fee: $65 -Includes materials and use of spinning wheel or bring your own.
Instructor: Nancy Reid
Spindle SpinningWe will
learn to spin on 3 types of spindles, the high-whorl, low-whorl, and
Turkish; and also learn Andean plying, a technique for making a two ply
yarn from 1 spindle of singles. We'll also evaluate different spindles,
and learn to choose the right spindle for each job. Remember, spindle
spinning may seem slow, but what it lacks in speed it makes up for in
portability; and it's amazing how much you can get done while waiting
for other things to happen! All materials and equipment are provided,
but bring your favorite spindle if you have one.
Class duration: 3
hours
Max Enrollment: 10
Fee: $50 -Includes all
materials and bring
your own if you like.
Instructor: Nancy Reid
Beginning
Knitting If it's something you've always wanted to learn to do, but
trying to learn from the books just didn't get it for you, then come to
a class. We'll learn to cast on, knit and purl, increase and decrease,
and finally bind off our sampler. We'll talk about yarns of different
fibers and some of their properties, the differences in knitting
needles, and we'll begin to decipher the odd language that knitting
patterns are written in. Bring note-taking supplies.
Minimum enrollment: 4,
maximum enrollment: 6
Fee - $65 includes knitting needles and a skein
of wool
Instructor: Nancy Reid
Intermediate Knitting
In this class we'll take what we learned in
beginning knitting into our first project, a
simple stocking cap or toboggan, as
they say in this part of the world. We'll combine the techniques of
knit, purl and rib learned in beginning knitting; add in circular
knitting and a little double-point work, sample Continental knitting and
some 2-color rows; and you'll be one present closer to Christmas next
year! You'll need 4 oz. of worsted
weight yarn, a 16" circular size 7 or 8 needle, and a set of size 7 or 8
double-points. As usual, if you need the materials and tools, we have
them here at the shop.
Class is 2 hours long each evening.
Max enrollment: 8
Fee - $65
includes 1 Skein of wool
Instructor – Nancy
Reid
Knitting Your First
Sweater, or an Introduction to EPS (Elizabeth's Percentage System)
For the slightly more adventurous knitter,
here's a chance to veer off the path of the "blind follower" and plan
your own sweater! It's much easier than it sounds, and it not only
teaches one a great deal about the structure of knitting, it frees one
up from the tyranny of following a commercial pattern line-by-line!
We'll meet for 2 hours the first night to get started, and then for 2
hours in each of the next 2 weeks after that to work together and fix
any problems that arise. Bring that yarn that's been hiding in the stash
waiting for you to get ready to use it, and we'll go from there. Bring
your knitting needle collection as well, and we'll match yarn to needle
and talk about gauge swatches; note-taking supplies, as usual, and maybe
even a sketch book should come. As always, if you don't have these
things at home, the shop will be happy
to provide inspiration and yarn for that special first sweater, for
their usual reasonable price.
Class duration: 3 weeks; 2 hours first
night, once a week for 2 hours after that, 6 hours in all
Max enrollment: 8
Fee: $75
- Materials not included
Instructor: Nancy Reid
Knit a Sock
Learn the basics of knitting a sock in just two short classes, as we do a sample sock with all the easy, routine bits done in miniature, and all the "hard parts" worked out full-size. You must be able to knit, purl, and cast on competently; and it would help if you've also worked in the round before.
Materials supplied by The Woolery: a 5-needle set of double-points, size 6 or 7 or 8, and a skein of light-colored, worsted-weight yarn, and a tapestry needle. Please bring note-taking supplies. Be prepared to buckle down and work hard, but you'll come out of the class with the ability to knit the socks you've always wanted!
Max enrollment: 8
Fee: $75 - -Includes materials
Instructor: Nancy Reid
Tutti-Frutti Afghan
This is the knit-along class for the knitter who possibly lacks the confidence and support to tackle a big project on her own! We'll knit an afghan together in simple stockinette stitch with lots of colors; buy the yarns here or use up your stash! Along the way we'll delve into some color theory and work on stitch structure; we'll also learn a few useful techniques like the easiest way to pick up stitches, knit on edgings, and work in ends. We'll use bulky yarns (you can double or triple finer yarns) and large needles; this should also be a fast project. Max enrollment: 8
Fee: $75 - Materials not included
Instructor: Nancy Reid
Rigid Heddle Weaving for Beginners on the Cricket
Attendees receive a special price to purchase the loom they are weaving on in class! In this class you will learn everything you need to become a basic weaver. You will learn about the technical aspects, how to make a warp, dress a loom, and start perfecting your technique. We will also go over problems you might encounter and how to fix them. You will be weaving two place-mats. The cost of this class includes instruction, handouts, use of a Schacht Cricket RH Loom & the yarn. All you need to bring is the excitement of learning.
Class duration: 6 hours
Max enrollment: 6
Fee - $85 includes use of a Cricket loom and materials
Instructor – Constance Hall (see bio below)
Hand Bag-on-a-Box, or An Easy Introduction to Tapestry Weaving
This is an off-loom (way off-loom!) weaving project that requires very little in the way of equipment, materials, or prior knowledge. We'll weave a small tote bag, using a cardboard box as the loom, and along the way see what tapestry weaving is all about. You'll probably never look at a box the same way again! Fairly thick wool yarns work best for this, and you'll need less than 8 oz. total, in whatever color palette you choose; or of course yarns can be purchased here. The instructor will provide a choice of boxes to be used. Bring a tapestry needle or sacking needle, and small belt shuttle or netting shuttle, or buy those things here. You'll also need a ruler, box cutter, pen or marker, and some duct tape. This is a chance to really let your free-form creativity flow, as pictorial work can be incorporated into the design.
Class duration: Once a week for 3 weeks, 2 hours/evening
Max enrollment: 12
Fee: $85 -Materials not included
Instructor: Nancy Reid
An Introduction to 4-Shaft WeavingIf you've always wondered about weaving, but had no idea where to start, this is the class for you. We'll go through every step in the process, from choosing yarns and winding the warp, to getting it on the loom, weaving it off, and wet-finishing. We'll produce a sampler first, and then repeat the whole process again and plan the first "real" project, a scarf, and weave it. Along the way you'll learn to read drafts, the symbolic language that weaving is written in, and learn the names of a whole host of odd objects! Weaving can be a rather expensive hobby, as the equipment is significant; see if you like it before you take the plunge. All materials and equipment are provided, but bring note-taking supplies and a pair of scissors.
Class duration: 2 full (8 to 9 hour days)
Max enrollment: 6
Fee: $260 plus materials (@$26)
Instructor: Nancy Reid
Beginners Rug HookingLearn the basics of Rug Hooking. We will begin a simple project using a pre-cut kit. Learn about the tools and history of the craft and a few new skills to inspire your creative spirit. You will finish your project at home.
Class duration: 6 hours
Max enrollment: 8Fee: $45 - Material fee; $30 (includes kit and hook)Instructor: Rebecca Price (see bio below)
The Needle Felted
Christmas StockingIn this class, we'll embellish and assemble a
felt blank to make a truly wild, wonderful, and absolutely unique
Christmas stocking, sure to be treasured for years. The only limit is
your own imagination; and if that's lacking, somebody else in the class
is sure to come up with something! This is going to be a big class with
a lot of people laughing at each other and eating Christmas cookies;
come and join in the fun. And bring a band-aid.
Class duration: 3 hours with a
lunch break
Class maximum enrollment: 8
Fee:$60 - Includes all materials
Instructor: Nancy Reid
Needle Felting for Beginners-Sculptural Techniques
We will go 3D in this class and get into the sculptured aspects of needle felting with a small animal project. Those this one will not need a wire armature, we will also touch on the techniques required to do bigger sculptures, including ones that are articulated. All materials are provided. Includes a kit of your choice.
Fee - $70 includes a felting kit
Instructor: Nancy Reid
Needle Felting for Beginners-Tapestry Techniques
We will get into the basics of flat needle felting in this class, with an overview of pictorial techniques that relate to the beginnings of tapestry and embellishment on other flat objects, like clothes. Bring a garment that could use a little "perking up"; we will supply everything else but the band aids. Be sure your tetanus shot is up to date. Includes all materials that you will use to make a tapestry that can be made into a pillow or framed and hung on the wall.
Fee - $70 includes all materials
Instructor: Nancy Reid
Beginning Crochet
In this class we will learn the basics of
crochet; the foundation chain; single, double and half double stitches;
mitering around corner sand using crochet as edging and connecting
elements on other projects. Add to your needlework repertoire with this
easy class! Class fee includes a crochet hook and yarn.
Fee - $65 includes crochet hook a yarn
Instructor: Nancy Reid
Spectacular Silk S
inglesLearn to produce delightful tussah silk singles strong enough for a variety of purposes - knitting, crochet, weaving - and how to handle and finish your silk singles and finished objects for a variety of different results. Fast to produce, fast to work up, beautiful and guaranteed to please, silk singles can be the answer to stunning handspun projects in a very short time frame. Wheel or spindle.Fee - $45
Materials - $25
Instructor: Abby Franquemont
Self Striping YarnHave you ever wanted to spin your own self-striping yarn from dyed fiber? We'll work with both fiber that has been handpainted in multiple colours, and multiple colours of solid-dyed fiber, to spin self-striping singles - and you will learn planning and plying methods to achieve a variety of colour effects in plied yarns as well. You must be able to spin and ply a basic two-ply yarn, but we will cover chain plying and three-ply yarns too. Wheel or spindle.Fee - $45
Materials - $25
Instructor: Abby
Franquemont InstructorsNancy Reid - I've been knitting since I was 5, and that's (gasp!) over 50 years now. I've taught various knitting classes for the last 15 years, and even managed to teach my husband to knit. I've been spinning since 1993, and took up weaving in 1994 when I realized that yarn was coming out much faster than I could possibly knit it all up. I've taught both spinning and weaving classes at festivals and retreats, as well as privately, for the last 12 years. I also teach dyeing, but that takes a whole other set of equipment. I've got Blue State Fair ribbons for weaving, spinning, and knitting. We raised sheep here on the farm for several years before giving up livestock, and now just watch the deer and turkeys in the pasture.Abby Franquemont - Abby is the author of “Respect the Spindle: Spin Infinite Yarns with One Amazing Tool” from InterWeave Press. She has been spinning since 1977 and teaches nationwide at premier fiber events such as the Spin-Off Autumn Retreat and Sock Summit. Her writing has appeared in Spin-Off, Knitty, Spindlicity, Twist Collective and more. She blogs at http://www.abbysyarns.com.
Karen Schellinger - I am a juried member of the Kentucky Guild of Artisan and Craftsman, Featured in Rug Hooking Magazine and the Annual Dye Teacher at the Green Mt. Rug Hooking School in Randolph Center, VT. Certified McGown Teacher 1998, and 2010 McGown National Exhibit Teacher, Middleton, WI. Author, Schiffer Publishing 2010 " Dyeing Wool " Beginner to Advanced 20 Techniques. Self Published, Early American Colors; Dye Formulas and swatches, 20 Colors; Dye Formulas and Swatches. More importantly I studied Rug Hooking with many women gone before me and learned their secrets to making a great rug. My biggest joy is the relations and bonds created with students of fiber and color. Passing on the skills I have gained to others so they may enjoy Rug Hooking and working with color.
Anita Themer - Anita Themer first taught corporately, teaching co-workers software and procedural training. During this time she was taught to knit by a loving co-worker some 22 years ago. Anita spent time sharing her love of children as a substitute preschool teacher, allowing her to spend time with her own children, while still teaching others. Anita's gentle and caring personality helps her students understand steps and techniques in knitting. She recently learned to spin and has enjoyed knitting projects with her hand-spun yarn. Anita pays for her knitting and spinning habit by working and teaching at The Woolery. 
Rebecca Price - Rebecca (a native of Central Ky) has been playing with fibers since she was big enough to pick up her mother's sewing scraps and button box. She's a avid spinner & rug hooker. She also knits & felts and dabbles in most other fiber arts. The history of the craft as well as the ability to recycle/reuse items is what drew her to the craft. Rebecca has a backgound in fine art and a BA in Interior Design. She has been sharing her love of rug hooking with students at the Woolery. Her goal when teaching is to give her students a few basic rules while letting their individual creativity take form.
Leslie Samson - Leslie is the co-author of Completely Angora, a reference book on angora rabbit husbandry and fiber use that has sold in over 45 countries. While researching different applications for this unique fibre, Leslie came across felt making.
Felting offered her the freedom of expression that she enjoyed. By applying a jeweler’s sense of detail to this natural fibre medium, she continually challenges herself to create innovations of felt-work. For the last 25 years, Leslie has taught felting and angora rabbit care classes across North America. She has taught in Germany and Japan. Her work has also been shown in Scotland and France. She has been featured on a news program in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia as well as Town and Country Ontario and CBC radio. Leslie also worked for the National Research Council of Canada with respect to angora rabbit projects. She has written for Spin-Off Magazine as well as many others. When Leslie is not living out of a suitcase, she enjoys a peaceful life on a small farm outside a tiny village outside Brantford, Ontario.
Constance Hall - Being creative is a way of life for me. It is all about the process, the doing of it. I love introducing students to a new skill and seeing where it takes them in their own creative journey. The fiber world is a wonderful place to explore. It keeps you inspired every step of the way. I began working with fiber when I was 5 years old, my mother taught me to crochet. From that early experience, my fiber interest expanded to include knitting, spinning, weaving, sewing, and felting.
During the past few years, I have been fortunate to study with some wonderful, very talented teachers, including Judith Mackenzie, Jacey Boggs, Celia Quinn, Sharon Costello, Jane Patrick, Liz Gibson, and Margaret Bouyack. Each one gave me the gift of a new skill that I could bring to my own work. Fiber gives me a fun, creative outlet that is challenging, but less stressful than my other work.
Joanne Hall - Joanne's classes are highly acclaimed thru out the U.S.A and abroad. She is very well known in the hand-weaving industry. She is a weaver, teacher & author of
Tying up the Countermarch Loom and Learning to Warp your Loom. She has a masters degree in Textile Design from the University of Minnesota. After teaching at the University of Montana and Cal Poly, she started the Elkhorn Weaving Studio where she weaves and teaches weaving as well as distributing looms and weaving supplies throughout the U.S and Canada.
If you have an interest in being an instructor, please contact us!
