Designer Divas is a wearable art group. Members and guest speakers share their passion and knowledge for creating one-of-a-kind art-to-wear, special garments through fabric choices, couture sewing techniques, and embellishments. Meeting is located in Local Cloths classroom the third Monday of the month with exception of December. Members gather at 10am. Brief business meeting at 10:30, followed by scheduled presentation/demo and show and tell. People interested in our group are encouraged to come and see what we are about. First meeting is free. Annual Dues are $20
Shearing season is upon us and - believe it or not - we're now buying fleece for the 2024 edition of Blue Ridge Blankets. Our 2023 blankets' fleece has been spun into yarn and mostly dyed, and will be going out to weavers this summer. Blankets should be for sale by fall. Come join our skirting team to lend your help in skirting fleece so we can send it off to the mill. Skirting is a sheepy term for the process of removing, by hand, the short bits and pieces of fiber plus straw and burrs gathered from the field. All of this must be done before it goes to the mill, so it's a key step in the process of blanket-making. We'll be skirting most Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Local Cloth during the month of May and we would love some help. Free training provided for all, as well as our everlasting gratitude! And those donating at least 10 hours of time will receive free Local Cloth Skirting Team aprons, courtesy of Local Cloth members Ronda Popp and Susette Shiver.Skirting team members get to go on the May 24th field trip to Two Roots Mill! Sign up here!
Shearing season is upon us and - believe it or not - we're now buying fleece for the 2024 edition of Blue Ridge Blankets. Our 2023 blankets' fleece has been spun into yarn and mostly dyed, and will be going out to weavers this summer. Blankets should be for sale by fall.
Come join our skirting team to lend your help in skirting fleece so we can send it off to the mill. Skirting is a sheepy term for the process of removing, by hand, the short bits and pieces of fiber plus straw and burrs gathered from the field. All of this must be done before it goes to the mill, so it's a key step in the process of blanket-making. We'll be skirting most Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Local Cloth during the month of May and we would love some help. Free training provided for all, as well as our everlasting gratitude! And those donating at least 10 hours of time will receive free Local Cloth Skirting Team aprons, courtesy of Local Cloth members Ronda Popp and Susette Shiver.
Sign up here!
This class is part of our Summer Series, where we invite you to take a deep dive into a skill you've been wanting to master.
This is the first series in a four part series that will continue through the summer and fall
In this first groups of classes we will start with types of related weave structure studies. They will include using specialized tools like the wavy pieces for shuttle beating create movement in a piece of cloth. We will also study clasped weave and finally a painted warp. You will be amazed at the differences in cloth that you can make based on these simple techniques, with the same threading and use of color and easy, easy physical manipulation of a plain weave set up.
Level: Beginner
Members: $240 dollars, this is a 20% discount off the usual cost for a 3 session class available only during the Summer Series
Non members: $290, this is a 20% discount off the usual cost for a 3 session class class available only during the Summer Series
Instructor: Joan Berner bio
Materials fee: 0
Materials provided by instructor: Weave structure (threading and treadling), table looms
Materials students should bring: yarn, Items/samples can be made from leftover yarns in any weight. The goal will be making and understanding the weave structure.
Our members can rent the studio for half days or full days. Find out more about membership and rentals here!
Knitters arise! After a long day at work, how about a little creative time with friends mid-week? This is not a class - you should know how to knit, but we suspect you will learn something along the way. We have experienced knitters in our group, so you can count on getting and giving some advice. Materials supplied by students: Please bring whatever project/s you are working on, items for show and tell as well as yarn acquisitions and new project ideas. Materials supplied by organizer: We have a good selection of knitting magazines in our library, local yarn for sale in the shop and tea and coffee are available. Bring your own supper. Skill level: This is not a group for beginners to learn how to knit. All skill levels are welcome, but some basic knowledge of knitting is required. This is a free event for members, but please sign up so we know how many to expect. Cohosts: Judi Jetson & Mary Euler
Knitters arise! After a long day at work, how about a little creative time with friends mid-week? This is not a class - you should know how to knit, but we suspect you will learn something along the way. We have experienced knitters in our group, so you can count on getting and giving some advice.
Materials supplied by students: Please bring whatever project/s you are working on, items for show and tell as well as yarn acquisitions and new project ideas.
Materials supplied by organizer: We have a good selection of knitting magazines in our library, local yarn for sale in the shop and tea and coffee are available. Bring your own supper.
Skill level: This is not a group for beginners to learn how to knit. All skill levels are welcome, but some basic knowledge of knitting is required.
This is a free event for members, but please sign up so we know how many to expect.
Cohosts: Judi Jetson & Mary Euler
Members! Join us for coffee or tea, conversation, and quiet handiwork. Suggestions: knitting, crocheting, hand sewing, sock darning, embroidery or any other portable project you have going lending itself to a get together. Let’s exchange ideas and chit-chat! The Handwork Circle will now be in person at our new studio on the first and third Thursday of every month and on Zoom for the remaining Thursdays of the month from 1 - 3pm.
Bring. Yourselves, a mug, and your ongoing work. Also optional: bring a piece of your finished work to show others what your interests are.
Hosted by Susette Shiver and Ceil Jensen
Sign up at least 2 days in advance to receive registration information ahead of time.
Join us for a fun afternoon, working on your own projects. This Lab is for Advanced Beginners and beyond. You need to bring your wool, mohair, alpaca or silk pre-soaked in vinegar, rubber gloves, plastic bins and dye to share. We use a variety of techniques and equipment - low water immersion, steaming, crockpot dyeing, etc. with consultation from an experienced leader Beth Sellars - to get the result you want. If you like, bring magazine pages or photos with images you find appealing, and we'll help you mix dye colors to match.
Level: Advanced Beginners to Expert
Host: Beth Sellars and Judi Jetson bio
In our monthly Invasive Fiber Study Group we collaborate with regional ‘invasive’ (or highly abundant) plants from kudzu to knotweed. We forage and process these often misunderstood plants together for natural dyes, yarn, basketry, paper, and more! HERE is a link to our meeting notes.
Led by: Nica Rabinowitz
Make a leather covered pocket-sized notebook (4.5” x 5.5”) filled with lovely 80# multi-media paper perfect for journaling, pencil or ink sketching AND learn the art of folding maps (or drawings) that fit in your notebook so you can also return to your favorite coffee shop or bee-loud glen. Instructor provides all material including leather, paper, map paper, waxed linen thread and use of tools.
MATERIALS FEE 15 dollars: this includes all materilas to make this book
Registration: Members $50
Non-members $65
Instructor: Chad Alice Hagen
What to bring/how to dress: none, except if you wish you can bring a nice button between 1/2" and 1" (but instructor will be bringing more buttons.
Please find our COVID and cancellation policies here
Interested in a Local Cloth scholarship? Apply here!
Experience the centuries old process of floating paint on a thick gel. Draw designs, lay paper on it and voila, the design is frozen!! You learn many historic patterns found in old books and Bibles and all of this before lunch! After the break, you will learn multiple step patterns which will intrigue the eyes!! Gothic, bouquet, fountain, and cathedral are just a few of the patterns we will learn. Use your knowledge for a final fabric project to end this experience! Choose between a square silk scarf, square cotton bandana, or square cotton fabric.
Level: Beginning to Intermediate
Instructor: Pam Granger Gale bio
Materials fee: $30
Materials provided by instructor: methyl cellulose, paints, tools, paper, and fabric choice
Students should wear rubber soled shoes, and bring your own apron an empty one gallon water container.
You can rent our studio space for personal use or to host your own class!
CLICK HERE to learn more about Studio Rentals
MENDING MATTERS: Do you have holes in your socks in need of darning? Do you have other clothing items (made of fabric or yarn) that you love but that are worn, torn, or in general need of some major TLC? Do you have pieces of clothing that you'd like to save and incorporate with other clothing or household item? Do you not know how to go about mending things? Or have you just not gotten around to it? Do you already mend all the things and want to share your passion about it? Are you interested in gathering with others to do some mending, learn and share techniques, and explore ways that mending and tending might apply to more than just our clothes? If your answer to any of these questions is "yes" then Local Cloth invites you to come out for one of the initial Mending Matters sessions to see what mending we might be able to do together!
Mending Matters sessions will be facilitated by Elizabeth Schell, co-owner of Purl's Yarn Emporium, and a life-long sewer, mender, maker and re-maker.
If interested in an evening session of this event instead, please CLICK HERE to see our evening offering!
Knitters! Crocheters! Needlefelters! Let's get together with your needles or hooks and make stuff. This is not a class- you should know something about your chosen craft but my suspicion is that you will learn something along the way. Knitters, needlefelters and crocheters are just like that. We do have some experienced folks in our group so you can count on getting some advice too. Materials supplied by students: Please bring whatever project/s you are working on, any FO's for show and tell as well as yarn acquisitions and new project ideas. Materials supplied by organizer: We have a good selection of knitting magazines in our library for perusal, lots of yarn for sale in the shop and we have tea and coffee available. Skill level: This is not a beginner's class. You should have some knowledge of your craft, but all skill levels are welcome! This is a free event for members but please sign up so we know how many to expect.
Knitters! Crocheters! Needlefelters! Let's get together with your needles or hooks and make stuff. This is not a class- you should know something about your chosen craft but my suspicion is that you will learn something along the way. Knitters, needlefelters and crocheters are just like that. We do have some experienced folks in our group so you can count on getting some advice too.
Materials supplied by students: Please bring whatever project/s you are working on, any FO's for show and tell as well as yarn acquisitions and new project ideas.
Materials supplied by organizer: We have a good selection of knitting magazines in our library for perusal, lots of yarn for sale in the shop and we have tea and coffee available.
Skill level: This is not a beginner's class. You should have some knowledge of your craft, but all skill levels are welcome!
This is a free event for members but please sign up so we know how many to expect.
Hosted by Peggy Newell
In this class, we will be making the endearing, endemic bird of the southeastern United States, the Brown-headed Nuthatch. This species is only found in the coastal plain and foothills of the southern Appalachian Mountains. This little bird is much like our other, more common nuthatch, the White-breasted Nuthatch, but is only found living among pines and other conifers. The Brown-headed Nuthatch will provide students with the opportunity to practice some color-blending techniques, as well as how to make a bird that has a different body-shape than most other songbirds.
Level: Beginning
Materials Fee: $30 for wool, wires and pipe cleaners
Students should bring: Needle-felting blocks/workpads and felting needles. These can be acquired online, or at Earth Guild in Asheville.
Registration: Members $100, Non-members $120
Instructor: bio Daniel Baron
Hosted by Susette Shiver
Sign up at least 2 days in advance to receive your Zoom log-in information ahead of time.
This tiny hardcover 3” x 5” sketchbook is pure delight. You will have your pick of paper covers with images by renowned local watercolor artist Jane Voorhees and your choice of 80# or 110# multi-media paper and learn a 5 hole Japanese binding stitch. Instructor provides all material including all book board, multi-media text paper, waxed linen thread and use of tools. There will also be extra packets of Jane Voorhees paper illustrations for purchase if you want to make more books are home.
MATERIALS FEE 15 dollars: all materials needed to make the book
What to bring/how to dress: none
Come find us out on the sidewalks in the River Arts District to celebrate World Wide Knit in Public Day! We will have sitting knitters throughout the RAD, an opportunity for yarn bombing, and a make-and-take drop in to learn how to make knitted cotton washclothes.
Join us for yarn bombing from 10am-noon. No knitting experience needed for this!
We will be open and crafting cotton yarn washclothes from 11am-4pm, no pre-registration needed. Admission is free, just pay for the materials you use, cash is appreciated $5-$10.
Want to volunteer for yarn bombing, teaching beginning knitting for the make-and-take, or to sit and knit in public? Contact Peggy at pnewl57@gmail.com.
Open to all tapestry weavers, or tapestry weaver wannabes. We meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 9am-12pm.
Supplies: Please bring a project you are working on, a finished piece to share with the group, any questions you may have about materials, techniques, etc. We are looking for a good discussion and sharing of ideas about tapestry.
Skill level: This is not an introductory class so will be no instruction, but by sharing ideas and experiences we will all learn from each other.
Led by: Betty Hilton-Nash
Almost a mystery book, this clever needle book not only has felted wool pages for your needles and pins, but several pockets to hide your secret threads, needle packages or love notes. Learn a pamphlet stitch to hold everything together. Instructor provides all material including book board, felt/wool pages, card stock, cover fabric and use of tools. If you would like to bring your own quilt weight fabric, bring just a fat quarter.
MATERIALS FEE 15 dollars: Instructor provides all material including book board, felt/wool pages, card stock, cover fabric and use of tools. If you would like to bring your own quilt weight fabric, bring just a fat quarter.
All facilitators for Summer Camp will gather for an orientation.
Hyperbolic Crocheting?! If you love (or would love to know how) to crochet without patterns, you’ll love these techniques. You can make a wide variety of delightful shapes using only a single crochet stitch, so it’s great for everyone from beginners to advanced crochet enthusiasts. PLUS, it’s a great stash buster, too, as almost any type of yarn can be used. Join us and learn how to create linear, circular and conical shapes that can be used to make hats, flowers, toys, coral shapes… the list goes on.
Materials Fee: none
Teacher will supply instructions, extra crochet hooks, extra yarn
Students should bring: yarn in a variety of colors, sizes, textures and fibers; different sizes of crochet hooks
Instructor: Sue Helmken
The Spinning Study Group's purpose is to share the joy of handspinning. We welcome anyone from the professional spinner to those who are just beginning - all share a love of learning.
Supplies: Participants must bring their own spinning wheels and fiber. Some fiber may be available to share but is not guaranteed at each meeting.
Skill level: This is not a group for beginners to learn how to spin. All skill levels are welcome, but some basic knowledge of spinning is required.
Host: Judi Jetson
If interested in a morning session of this event instead, please CLICK HERE to see our morning offering!
Weaving a V-shape Cowl: If you like cowls, you'll love this one. We'll be making a cowl and joining the ends on the loom in a V-shaped intersection. It makes a beautiful pattern, and the work is done when it comes off the loom. No sewing involved! Depending on your skill level, you can make one longer cowl [wraps twice around your neck] or two shorter ones that wrap once. We'll also discuss using the technique to make larger shawls.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Materials Fee: $50, includes shipping warp and weft yarns [I can cut warps for students for an additional fee if someone prefers that]
Students should bring: Warped loom [rigid heddle, table or floor works], shuttles, bobbins, tapestry needle, tape measure, scissors, optional: bobbin winder
Sharpen your leatherworking skills while learning to build yourself a pair of custom sandals that you shape specifically for your feet, employing a variety of bespoke shoemaking techniques. Learn about different types of leather, their particular properties and best uses in the construction of custom sandals. Numerous embellishment methods will be covered to personalize your work including punching and brogueing, hand edging stitch methods, and dyes and dye waxes. Shoemaking techniques include installing a shank under the insole and using clinch nails or wooden pegs in the heel stacking process.
Level: All levels welcome.
Members: $360 As part of the Summer Series, this class is discounted 20%
Non Members: $430 dollars As part of the Summer Series, this class is discounted 20%
Instructor: Deborah Robertson bio
Materials fee: $85-115 dollars
Materials provided by instructor:
Marble slabs, Landis 5-in-1, Singer treadle sewing machine, nylon thread, insole leather, outsole leather, upper leather, lining leather, shanks, clinch nails, pegs, pegging awl, beeswax, shoemaking hammer, skiving knives, tack hammer, anvils, dyes, dye waxes, punches, rawhide mallet, decorative rivets, rubber soles, extra Speedy Stitcher coarse waxed thread, leather scissors, cardstock,wing divider
Students should bring: pencils, ruler, paper scissors, bone folder, CS Osborne scratch awl No. 478 beeswax, Xacto knife and blades, wool daubers or paint brushes you don't mind getting dyed, rubber gloves, Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl with coarse waxed thread. Please feel free to embellish your sandals with buttons you bring from home
Students wishing to print onto their leather uppers please bring linocuts or wood blocks you have completed or stencils or even rubber stamps. I will bring a selection of my custom linocuts.
Bring if you have them: skiving knife, tack hammer, French curves, wing divider or compass, and your choice of leather cutting tools (be they leather scissors, round knife or blade).
This class is for the beginner, perfect for those who have never spun yarn and those who need a refresher. The class works together as a group, starting with the basics, such as the parts of a spinning wheel and its function, treadling, drafting, setting twists, and plying without a lazy Kate. After the morning discussion and demonstration, we will work at our wheels, wind center pull balls, and ply our handspun. This class does not cove technique, consistency or color .
$15 MATERIALS FEE : Each student will receive a notebook with information we will cover in class and additional resources to take home, enough fiber to spin and practice throughout the day, and a small fiber gift to take home. I also provide a couple spindles for students to use, and one spinning wheel for student use.
Instructor: Brandi Adcock
What to bring/how to dress:A pen, a spinning wheel or a spindle.
This month's special topic coming soon!
This class will teach students how to interpret the forms of birds and how to apply those skills to making realistic, needle-felted bird sculptures. This class explores one of my favorite group of birds, the vireos! (photo by Josh Houck)These delightful songbirds come in a variety of colors and live in a variety of habitats. Many of these vireos, while they seem different, still have the same basic facial patterns and overall color patterns. In this class, we will explore how different color combinations affect the look of a bird. Students will choose to make two of the following species: Black-capped Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, White-eyed Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, and Cassin's Vireo.
Level: Intermediate
Materials Fee: $50 for wool, wires and pipe cleaners
Registration: Members $200, Non-members $240
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