WORKSHOPS
INTEREST GROUPS
PRIVATE EVENTS
LOCAL CLOTH EVENTS
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
The Design Divas are a private group that rent the Local Cloth Studio for their meetings. You can rent our studio space for personal use or to host your own class!
CLICK HERE to learn more about Studio Rentals
The Mountain Art Quilters are a private group that rent the Local Cloth studio. You can rent our studio space for personal use or to host your own class! CLICK HERE to learn more about Studio Rentals
The Mountain Art Quilters are a private group that rent the Local Cloth studio.
You can rent our studio space for personal use or to host your own class!
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
Sign up at least 2 days in advance to receive your Zoom log-in information ahead of time.
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
Don't have a green thumb? No problem! Learn how to make your own fiber plant that doesn't require water! This is a two-session workshop. On Day 1, we will make a wet felted prefelt and start making the leaves and petals. On Day 2, we will assemble the different shaped succulents and fill the planter. Some felting experience is helpful, but not required. Bring a felting pad if you have one. You should also bring a 2-4 cup plastic container and a bath-size towel. The instructor will supply the wool, wire, needles and planter pots.
Level: Intermediate
Instructor: Claudia Lemacks (Read Claudia's bio)
Members: $100
Non-Members: $120
Materials fee: $10 cash (collected at time of workshop)
Materials provided by instructor: Instructor will supply wool wires and needles, and bring a selection of small decorative pots.
Students should bring: Felting pad, 2-4 cup plastic container and a bath-size towel.
Interested in applying for a scholarship? Apply here!
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
Join us for a Local Cloth field trip to a farm in our fibershed! Two Roots Alpacas and Fiber Mill includes an alpaca ranch, a fiber mill, and a hobby vineyard.
We will enjoy a 2 hour experience including a guided tour of the Two Roots Fiber Mill. The tour will demonstrate the whole fleece processing procedure and the equipment that the mill utilizes. While there, enjoy a visit with the alpacas. Learn about their history, husbandry/care and their fiber.
We will meet at Ingles in Weaverville at 11 am to organize carpooling.
Read what Two Roots has to say about this experience:
Indulge your passion for fiber arts with an exclusive journey tailored for enthusiasts like you at Two Roots Alpacas. Our custom farm tours are a sensory delight, immersing you in the world of alpacas and the sustainable artistry that defines our picturesque farm nestled at the base of the Appalachians.
Your adventure unfolds with an intimate connection to our alpacas, gaining insights into their well-being, the annual shearing process, and the dedicated care that ensures their health. Venture into the enchanting realm of alpaca fiber, where we guide you through the transformative journey from fleece to the creation of exquisite finished products in our fiber mill.
Immerse yourself in the artistry and sustainability that defines our farm, leaving with not only a deep appreciation for alpacas but also a tangible connection to the masterful products born from their fleece. Join us for a farm tour that transforms your passion for fiber arts into a rich and unforgettable experience at Two Roots Alpacas.
Let's explore some of the many ways to make felt flowers. This is a class in wet felting. We will make a few different styles of flowers that can be used as pins, embellishment on a hat or bag and some large ones that can stand alone! Some wet felting experience is helpful.
Level: Beginners
Non members: $120
Instructor: Vasanto
Click here to read Vasanto's biography!
Materials fee: $10-15
Materials provided by instructor: wool, mohair, silk, neps, pin backing, bubblewrap, sushi mats, soap, templates, washboards, thread
Materials students should bring: scissors, sewing needle
Learn the art of standing wool! Standing wool was popular before the Industrial Revolution as a thrifty way to use up extra scraps and create rugs for the home. However, this technique fell out of use during the advent of machine-made products because the slow, handmade process is impossible to recreate using automation or machinery. Standing wool rugs are also called quilled wool rugs or quillies.
Level: Beginner
Members: $50
Non members: $60
Instructor: Amy Reader
Click here to read Amy's biography!
Materials fee: $25
Materials supplied by teacher: All supplies provided: strips of felt, embroidery floss, and needle to keep. Scissors to share.
Materials students could bring: N/a
MENDING MATTERS:
A space for helping us each be accountable to our ever growing piles of holey items in need of mending; a space to get advice and inspiration and technique sharing on ways to mend items of all kinds; a space to also share with one another insights gleaned from our mending. Mending Matters sessions will be facilitated by Elizabeth Schell, but with all gathered teaching and learning from one another. Some tools and materials will be available to pull from at each session to help with your mending. Elizabeth Schell is co-owner of Purl's Yarn Emporium, and a life-long sewer, mender, maker and re-maker. You may notice two sections of this group--a morning sections on the first Monday of the month and an evening section on the second Tuesday of the month. You are welcome to come to either or both as fits with your schedule!
A space for helping us each be accountable to our ever growing piles of holey items in need of mending; a space to get advice and inspiration and technique sharing on ways to mend items of all kinds; a space to also share with one another insights gleaned from our mending.
Mending Matters sessions will be facilitated by Elizabeth Schell, but with all gathered teaching and learning from one another. Some tools and materials will be available to pull from at each session to help with your mending. Elizabeth Schell is co-owner of Purl's Yarn Emporium, and a life-long sewer, mender, maker and re-maker.
You may notice two sections of this group--a morning sections on the first Monday of the month and an evening section on the second Tuesday of the month. You are welcome to come to either or both as fits with your schedule!
Local Cloth is pleased to be a stop along 2024's WNC Yarn Crawl. Crawlers, come in to enjoy our retail space and check out our other offerings of workshops, interest groups, resident artists, and more!
During the Crawl, Local Cloth will host a variety of Make and Take drop-in opportunities including needle felting, weaving, dyeing, and more. See the schedule below to plan your visit and participate in a Make and Take!
Tuesday, 5/7: 1pm-3pm Needlefelting with Rose Brinkmann, 3pm-5pm Crochet with Kacey Zucchino
Wednesday, 5/8: 1pm-3pm Crochet beaded necklace with Dagmar Haubold, 3pm-5pm Weaving with Lynne Noble
Thursday, 5/9: 1pm-3pm Dyed Silk Scarf with Sue Helmken
Friday 5/10: 1pm-3pm Felted Boxes with Lynne Noble
Please visit the WNC Yarn Crawl website for more information.
Join us for a gathering of makers! In honor of the WNC Yarn Crawl, Local Cloth will host a Sip & Stitch event for fiber artists to gather, work on your projects, and indulge in a high tea. Please bring your favorite savory or sweet snack to share! There will be plenty of tea to enjoy.
RSVP encouraged but not required.
Image from https://wallpapercave.com/
Want to learn how to process a raw fleece, skirt off the dirty bits, and help with our 2024 edition of Blue Ridge Blankets? Then this is the group for you! The Local Cloth skirting team members help build a market for local wool, alpaca and mohair by preparing fleece to go to the mill and be spun into yarn. Farmers, artists and curious people are all welcome. If there's interest we'll also teach you how to wash and dye fleece, and take a farm tour!
We skirt both inside the studio and outside on the loading dock depending on the weather. Bring an apron or use one of ours and dress casually. No experience needed. New members can attend to learn more about Local Cloth and fiber processes.
Allie Dudley (they/them) is a weaver and textile artist currently working as the Textiles & Natural Fibers Coordinator at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC. A student of historical weaving techniques, their weaving takes many forms, including disparate media such as weft-faced tapestry and overshot coverlets. Allie will share their weaving lineage, their journey from beginning weaver to teacher, and the ways that the environment of the Southeast and beyond, local craft school histories, and their weaving traditions have influenced their work.
Calling all Local Cloth Skirters! We are excited to offer a skirting demonstration at the Folk Art Center's Annual Fiber Day. This is an all-day events, so sign up here to grab a spot on one of the shifts! Meet us at the Folk Art Center at 382 Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, NC 28805.
The Local Cloth skirting team members help build a market for local wool, alpaca and mohair by preparing fleece to go to the mill and be spun into yarn. Bring an apron or use one of ours and dress casually.
Take a deep dive into Natural Dyeing on cellulose and protein fibers. Learn to successfully use natural dyes to produce clear, long lasting colors on a variety of fibers. You will learn the important steps of fiber preparation: scouring and mordanting that is so important in achieving good results with natural dyes. We will the extract our dyes from the raw plant materials, dye the fibers and finally explore post dye modification and over dyeing which extends the range of hues from our primary colors. We will make 12 different dye baths to get a rainbow of colors.
This series requires some knowledge of the chemistry of natural dyeing. If you are a beginner please take the Introduction to Natural Dyeing offered the week before this class.
We will provide all the materials, dyes, adjuncts and equipment as well as a detailed handout.
Level: Informed Beginners (see above)
Prices reflect the 20% Summer Series Discount!
Members: $240
Non members: $288
Instructor: Joyce Tromba and Denise Arcuri
Click here to read Joyce and Denise's biographies!
Materials fee: $50-60 dollars, we will calculate the exact amount at the end of the series.
Materials provided by instructor: Cotton and silk fabric, wool yarn, plants, extracts, equipment, mordants, modifiers, detailed instructions
Materials students should bring: Dye plants (optional), . Please contact instructors if you have questions about what to bring.
You are invited to join us for our 2024 Spring Fibershed Market! Come shop local goods from our Local Cloth vendors at this juried show. Rain or shine, we can't wait to see you there.
We skirt both inside the studio and outside on the loading dock depending on the weather. Bring an apron or use one of ours and dress casually. No experience needed.
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
This month's special event is all about getting your dye garden ready. for the season. We will have dye plants and seeds for sale and we will plant indigo, dyer's coreopsis and weld in the Local Cloth dye garden. We will have some free seeds for those who help out with the planing. Please bring garden gloves and a small trowel.
If you have questions or you have plants to sell please contact Elizabeth Bell at hobbyknobfarm@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
Join us for a Local Cloth field trip to a farm in our fibershed! Venezia Dream Farm is located in Candler, NC.
We will enjoy a 1.5 hour experience including a guided tour of the alpaca farm, including time to ask questions and enjoy the on-site shop.
We will meet at the parking lot across from Local Cloth at 11:45 am to organize carpooling.
Is there a pattern you love with colors that just aren’t you? How do you decide what colors to substitute? While some color theory holds true no matter what, working with color in patterns is a bit different. Color can make the pattern bolder or more subtle, make it jump out our tone it down. In this course you will learn how to choose the right color for the effect you want. We'll cover color proportions, contrast, color blending and more. There will be numerous samples available for study. Bring in patterns and yarns you want to try, and leave with a new confidence color choices.
Level: All levels
Instructor: Sue Helmken
Click here to read Sue's biography!
Non Members: $60
Materials Fee: $15
Instructor will provide: written handouts, woven color studies, yarns & materials for making color studies, color viewer
What to bring: Any patterns, yarns or color schemes they have questions about; scissors, tape or glue
Katazome is a Japanese stencil dyeing technique. It is a rice flour resist paste. And it is a unique and fairly old process used to dye cloth. This dyeing technique utilizes natural materials – paper, rice paste and indigo. Katazome means ‘repeat dyeing”, referring to the use of a stencil to create a repetitive pattern. Traditional Katazome designs feature natural motifs, such as flowers and birds
We will spend the first day learning how Katazome is made. And then we will create patterns onto fabric. You are encouraged to bring natural fiber clothing or cloth from home. Each person can bring up to 4 items. We should have plenty of materials. I will also provide white fabric from upcycled cotton sheets to practice on.
We will use stencils and kitchen spatulas to apply the kataxome paste onto the fabric. And then it needs to dry overnight. So we will resume the following day to dye our clothes/cloth.
Day 2, I will mix up an indigo vat which you all are encouraged to participate in. We will mix up a new vat so you can see the process. And I will have a ready-made vat too so we can jump right in. I will have disposable gloves available for some easy indigo dyeing. But if you would like to bring more sturdy gloves, there’s a better chance you won’t become blue.
By the end of day 2, you will be able to take home your items. We will wash and spin them enough to transport them home. But you will want to wash them again at home.
MATERIALS FEE: 15 dollars for the paste and indigo
LEVEL: Beginner
Class priced to reflect 20% Summer Series Discount!
REGISTRATION: Members: $80 , Non-members $96
INSTRUCTOR: Jennifer Woodruff
Click here to read Jennifer's biography!
WHAT TO BRING / HOW TO DRESS: Bring up to four white clothes/sheets/fabric, etc from home. As long as the material is made of a natural fiber: cotton, linen, wool (fabric), silk, etc
Optional: Katazome kits will also be available for sale for $50. These kits include ingredients for making Katazome, tea towel, stencil, spatula, and ingredients for a small indigo vat. These kits are not required for the class but an option to take home the materials to keep honing your skills!
Please find our COVID and cancellation policies here
Interested in a Local Cloth scholarship? Apply here!
Join the fun for a unique Free Style Fabric Collage Workshop where we will play in my remnant bin to create a one-of-a-kind 12" x 12" Textile Art collage. We will explore improvisational composition, balance, color placement, and basic embroidery. Let your creativity run wild in this hands-on workshop!
Instructor: Julie Bagamary
Read Julie's biography here!
Materials supplied by teacher: Fabric remnants, batting, backing fabric, embroidery floss, needle, scissors
Materials students could bring: All supplies provided however you may choose to bring your own Fabric Remnants, Embroidery Floss, or batting
Interested in applying for a scholarship? Click here to apply!
Celebrate the changing of the season with a Clothing Swap at Local Cloth!
What is it? A Clothing Swap is an opportunity for you to bring your clean, gently used clothing and take home someone else's pieces they are ready to part with. You do not need to bring anything to participate, and all items will be free!
All clothing left at the end of the swap will be donated to those in need.
This event is FREE and you do not have to bring items to attend. If bringing items, we will begin setup at 10am.
Members: $160
Non members: $192
Instructor: Joyce Tromba
Click here to read Joyce's biography!
Materials fee: $30
Materials provided by instructor: Instructions for all 4 books, Paper for pages, linen thread for sewing, book board, card stock, cover paper and fabric,all book making tools
Materials students should bring: a roll of wax paper, a clean kitchen towel
Level: Beginning
Instructor: Courtney LaCaria
Click here to read Courtney's biography!
Non Members: $120 dollars
Materials fee: $100 for a Complete Weaving Kit
Materials provided by instructor: Complete Weaving Kit (16" x 20" Handmade Wooden Frame Loom that will be used in class; handmade shuttle, shed stick and comb; tapestry needle; cotton warp thread; six colors of yarn, one color of roving and rope for fringe for weaving (*can customize colors ahead of class); and wooden rod to hang your finished weaving)
Students should bring: If you choose the kit with yarn, you only need to bring a sharp pair of scissors. If you already having weaving supplies or will purchase your own weaving supplies, please bring what is listed in the materials section (need similar size loom) as well as scissors, a strong cotton yarn for the warp and assorted yarn and roving for the rest of the weaving.
Come find us out on the sidewalks in the River Arts District to celebrate World Wide Knit in Public Day! We will have knitters knitting 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!
Want to volunteer for yarn bombing, teaching beginning knitting for the make-and-take, or to sit and knit in public? Contact Peggy at peggy@localcloth.org .
This class will provide an opportunity for students to create custom blocks/slopers for a front and back bodice with darts and a basic sleeve. The blocks will serve as a foundation for creating new blocks and patterns. We will also use these blocks to learn techniques for manipulating darts, drafting princess seams and other patterns.
Price of class reflects the 20% discount for Summer Series Workshops.
Members: $320
Non-members: $384
Skill level: Intermediate
Instructor: Giovanni Daina-Palermo
Click here to read Giovanni's biography!
Materials Fee: $0
Materials provided: paper only
Students should bring: Sewing machine, Thread, L square, 18” clear ruler, French Curve, Drafting pencil, Red pen or pencil, Eraser, Measuring Tape, Scissors, Pins, Pattern weights, Awl, Muslin (approximately 5 yards)
Join us for a week-long day camp at Local Cloth! This Farm to Fabric camp will give campers opportunities to meet furry fiber animals, learn felting, try their hands at paper-making, and experience spinning, dyeing, & weaving. Kids aged 8-13 are invited to join us for a week of fiber fun!
Camp will run from 9am-3pm each day with an option to extend the day until 5pm. Please register for the time frame you wish your child to attend.
To complete registration, please fill out the Summer Camp Registration Form.
Email programs@localcloth.org with any questions.
This month's special topic coming soon!
Class priced to reflect the 20% Summer Series Discount!
REGISTRATION: Members: $80, Non-members $96
Price reflects the 20% Summer Series!
Non Members: $288
Materials fee: $60
Materials provided by instructor: Looming Large Weaving Kit includes handmade 36” diameter circular hoop, 6” diameter circular hoop, thick + durable cotton yarn for warp, set of circular weaving tapestry needles and informational handouts/resources.
Students should bring: Scissors and Yarn (for weaving). Please note that this project uses quite a large amount of yarn, and is a great way to use up your yarn stash! During the first session, we will be spending the bulk of our time warping the loom, designing our tapestry, and discussing the types of yarn that can be used in various parts of our Circular Weaving Tapestries. The amount of yarn that you need for the full project will vary depending upon the weight and structure of the yarn. This means that you do not need to worry about settling on the types and/or colors of yarn for the project until Session #2, but you are welcome to bring yarn to the first session to help with the design process. You can also continue add to your yarn supply between Sessions #2 and 3 as you make your way through the project.
This class reflects the 20% discount for our Summer Series program.
Instructor: Deborah Robertson
Click here to read Deborah's biography!
Materials fee: $85-125, depending on type of leather and trims selected during class
Materials provided by instructor: Marble slabs, Landis 5-in-1, Singer treadle sewing machine, Wen belt sander, 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, punches, rawhide mallet, decorative rivets, rubber soles, extra Speedy Stitcher coarse waxed thread, leather scissors, card stock, wing divider
Materials students should bring: Please bring the following: 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. 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).
Eco-printing is a contact printing technique. Leaves are placed over mordanted fiber and rolled tightly in a bundle. Next boiling or steaming the bundle transfers the tannins from within the leaves to the fiber.
Beginner level. First day: Instruction on pre treatment ,scouring and mordanting cellulose fiber. We will mordant rayon scarves to be used on the second day of class. Discussion on leaves regarding tannin and storage. Technique for testing how much tannin is in a particular botanical prior to use in eco-print bundle. End the first day with eco-printing a test sample of leaves flowers that you are considering to use on cotton strip.
Second day. First bundle demonstrates the technique of folding larger pieces in half that produce minimal center lines. Color dye carrier blankets will be used to transfer color over our leaf and fabric bundle. The second print will be on a rayon scarf 14”x 72. The dye we will be using is Procion fiber reactive dye. The carrier dye blankets are cotton fabric that has been washed several times. You can use old cotton sheets. I find that the dye blankets themselves are very beautiful and I end up saving them for other uses. Example: Quilts, linings and art works. I like to use white off white or natural Kona cotton. There will be instruction on how to read your print results and adjust length of time in steamer.
Instructor: Denise Arcuri
Click here to read Denise's biography!
Materials fee: $45
Non-member: $240
Member: $200
Materials provided by instructor: Mordants, dyes, cellulose fabric, written instruction
Materials to bring to class: Gloves (thin medical exam gloves), Apron, Plastic spray bottle with 50% vinegar and 50% water, 2 wooden dowels 1 1/4 to 1 1/2“ diameter by 15” length. (Lowe’s/ home depo will cut to size) White/ off white or natural cotton fabric 21/2 yds or old cotton sheets. Wash cotton several times. Micron pen can be bought Walmart, Joanns, Staples ( needs to be water resistant) Two old small kitchen towel sized rags, Rubber bands, Empty plastic gallon jug from water or vinegar (we will fill them with water to aid in making tighter fabric bundles ) Some Leaves will be provided ,however bring some of your own to experiment and share.
LEAVES THAT PRINT WELL: Maple, oak, any hard wood tree leaves Fruit tree leaves Rose Marigold petals Oak leaf hydrangeas Smoke bush Coreopsis, Pretty leaves that act more as a resist when using color dye blankets that leave interesting shapes Tulip tree leaves Kudzu Ginkgo Sassafras.
Eco-printing is a contact printing technique. Leaves are placed over mordanted fiber and rolled tight in a bundle. Next boiling or steaming the bundle transfers the tannins from within the leaves to the fiber. This is a one day class experimenting with iron, copper sulfate and titanium oxalate on protein fiber. Fabric provided will be soured and mordanted with Potassium aluminum sulfate prior to class. Two eco-printed bundles will be printed by each student. The first will be a test example of botanicals dipped in iron , copper, and titanium oxalate. The second print is guided by using the first bundles results on a 14”x72” silk crepe scarf.
Materials fee: $35
Non-member: $120
Member: $100
Materials provided by instructor: Mordants, two mordanted silk scarfs, written instruction
Materials to bring to class: Gloves (thin medical exam gloves) Apron, Plastic spray bottle with 50% vinegar and 50% water, 2 wooden dowels 1 1/4 to 1 1/2“ diameter by 15” length. (Lowe’s/ home depo will cut to size), Micron pen can be bought Walmart, Joanns, Staples ( needs to be water resistant) 3 old small kitchen towel sized rags Empty plastic gallon jug from water or vinegar (we will fill them with water to aid in making tight fabric bundles ) Some Leaves will be provided ,however bring some of your own to experiment and share.
LEAVES THAT PRINT WELL: Maple ,oak ,any hard wood tree leaves Fruit tree leaves Rose Marigold petals Smoke bush Coreopsis
In this workshop, we will be delving deeper into the world of natural dyes with a more advanced look at other techniques of applying natural dyes to fabric and cloth. We will be using natural dyes such as Cochineal, Logwood and others in a more concentrated form to be applied either with a brush or with a stencil to form patterns on fabric. There is an overnight dry time for the dyes to dry. The next day, we will be stream-setting our dyes. Then we can either leave the backgrounds white or over-dye them for more color variety and impact. We will have practice pieces to work on which the instructor will provide. You can bring up to 4 fabric items - clothing, cloth, napkins, pillow cases, etc. as long as the items are made with 100% natural fiber such as cotton, linen, wool, silk, hemp, bamboo, etc (or a combination such as linen/cotton). It’s good to have a basic understanding and some experience with natural dyeing, as we will be reviewing and discussing mordants, modifiers and pH. There will be a detailed handout sheet with photos explaining this technique in detail along with recipes for further exploration.
LEVEL: Intermediate
MATERIALS FEE: $15
MATERIALS PROVIDED: Fabric, dyes, mordants
WHAT TO BRING / HOW TO DRESS: 4 items from home made of 100% natural fibers. Can be a combination of clothing, kitchen tea towels, napkins (set of 2 or 4 counts as 1 item) scarves or plain fabric.
Optional: Natural dye kits including six dyes and mordants will also be available for sale the day of the class for $50. These kits are not required for the class but an option to take home the materials to keep honing your skills!
Non members: $ 120
Instructor: Marilyn Haas-Haseman
Materials fee: $2.00
Materials Provided: Looms & instructional handouts
Materials students should bring:
• Yarn, at least 120 yards, variegated, rolled up into a ball for easier weaving. Do not get any mohair or fuzzy yarn as it is difficult to weave for your first project. Thin yarn will make it drapey but will have large holes which jewelry and other things can hook on strands and pull. Heavy yarns will be stiffer. Wool makes lovely weaving and is fairly elastic and very durable, and felts when gently washed filling in spaces). There are beautiful acrylic and other synthetic yarns available. Just scrunch up the yarn in your hand to see if you like the feel of the yarn. If you like to use a different color for fringe plan on another
• Crochet or weaving hooks- preferably 5.25 mm/6-inch size or larger and optional 35 cm/14-inch hook)
• Scissors
• Hair Pic
• Blunt darning needle
• Comfortable shoes as you will start off standing.
• Lunch, Drink, Snack
• Coffee pot can help keep your rolled up yarn in place and not falling off table.
Please use this listing to register to sell at the Anything Fiber Sale, opening May 1st!
How to Register:
Step 1) Click the blue "register" button on the left of your screen and purchase the appropriate ticket.
Step 2) CLICK HERE to finalize your registration by filling out our Google Form.
CLICK HERE to access our Vendor Registration Information Sheet to answer your questions about vending with us.
Check out our Instagram here: Local Cloth Instagram
RATES: $45 for Local Cloth members and $55 for non members. Only online registration will be accepted. You must pay by credit/debit card when you register. Register early!
WHAT TO SELL: The Anything Fiber Sale is a yard sale for fiber people. We all have hanks and cones of unused yarns, piles of unloved fabric, obscure tools that we forgot we had, looms that need a new home, duplicates of knitting needles, fleece that doesn’t seem to get spun, right? So, really clean out that closet and rent a space to sell your surplus fibers, materials and tools, and bring home a little cash! Yard sale-type goods only! No finished goods unless they are appropriate to use in other fiber techniques (i.e., hand-spun yarns, dyed yardage).
Key information for vendors:
-Unloading and set up will be available on Friday July 26th with limited time on Saturday. We’ll have volunteers again to assist you.
-Each vendor space is 9’6” x 8’ with 3 tables and 2 chairs.
-Reach out to Cathy at catherinenielson@gmail.com with any questions!
The Anything Fiber Sale is the yard sale for fiber people. We have hanks and cones of unused yarns, piles of unloved fabric, obscure tools that we forgot we had, looms that need a new home, duplicates of knitting needles, fleece that doesn’t seem to get spun. Now it can be yours! We've cleaned out that closet and rented a space to sell our surplus fibers, materials and tools. Yard sale-type goods only! There will be no finished goods unless they are appropriate to use in other fiber techniques (i.e., hand-spun yarns, dyed yardage).
The sale will be at the Conference Center at AB Tech again where there’s air conditioning and parking! There will be plenty of shopping to do. RSVP so we know who to expect to see there!
Local Cloth is excited to offer a sewing camp for teens! Teens aged 13-18 are invited to join us for a week of making clothes with a sewing machine, upcycling thrifted clothes, and learning dyeing and surface design techniques.
Interest in applying for a scholarship? Click here to apply!
Email programs@localcloth.org with any questions."
Color explosion! We are surrounded by color in every part of life. In this class you will learn what the color wheel is, how to mix each color, the relationship and of color to each other. Did you know that color has a temperature? Learn how to make a gray scale and measure the intensity to it. Create a monochromatic scale using a tint, tone and shade of each color. You will learn how to use neutrals to include warm or cool neutrals. This is just some of the exciting ways to learn about color. Come and explore so much more with me. This is an important learning step to creating beautiful fiber related works. Do you know how to tone down a vibrant color or what colors don’t mix well. If your colors become’ muddy’ learn how to avoid making those mixing mistakes. At the end of this class you will have a completed color wheel, gray scale, a set of monochromatic colors, analogous colors, as well as a set of neutrals and create a mood using color. Do you know the difference between a monotone and monochromatic colors? Come find out while having fun learning. You will pick the colors of your choice and we will paint a silk or cotton piece of fabric to add to your collection.
This class will be hosted off-site at the home of the instructor. Directions to the home will be provided after registration.
Instructor: Camille Daunno
Click here to read Camille's biography!
Skill Level: All
This class priced to reflect the 20% summer series discount!
Non-members: $192
Materials Fee: $20
Join Local Cloth for a special celebration and auction to close the inaugural Local Cloth Twelve-by-Twelve Textile Show! Bring your friends and family!
This event is free to attend, but please RSVP so we know how many to expect.
Local Cloth celebrates national non profit day at the studio.
Learn the basics of needle felting with Amy Reader. In this class, we will create a forest floor-inspired needle felted scene. All materials will be provided, and participants will leave with a set of beginning needle felting supplies. This class is beginner-friendly. It will start with guided demonstrations of multiple needle felting techniques, and you will receive hands-on guidance throughout the needle felting process!
Materials supplied by teacher: Roving, felting needles, foam felting pads
As part of our summer series this class will take you on a deep dive into all things indigo. We will learn to set up and maintain two indigo vats: the thiox vat also known as the workshorse vat and an organic vat made with fructose. We will also dye directly with fresh indigo leaves. You will learn the essential components of each method, along with the chemistry behind it. We will dye on cellulose, wool and silk fabrics and learn the traditional resist techniques of shibori. including simple folding and clamping, stitched, arashi. We will learn the essential techniques and chemistry behind each of these methods as well as trouble shooting. At the end of the series you will have an excellent grounding in the art of indigo dyeing.
Prices reflect the 20% Summer Series discount!
Instructors: Joyce Tromba and Denise Arcuri
Click here to read the biographies of Joyce and Denise!
Materials supplied by teacher: all dyes, assists, fabrics, yarn and equipment
Materials students should bring: apron, additional fabric or small garments may be dyed. We will talk about this on the first day of class.
Learn how to paint on various fabric surfaces to include cotton, silk, poly, canvas, denim, leather and even felt! In this two full day workshop you will explore how to create one of a kind designs using different paints, tools and techniques. Learn how to paint simple flowers, design motifs, and even abstract patches of background color. You will gain a better understanding of color, design and even drawing skills to give your ideas a new life. The first day we will work on design ideas ,techniques, tools, brushes and how to use the paint and mediums. You will have time to practice this on paper before we work on cotton, poly ,silk and felt. At the end of each day you will have several completed pieces. Day two ,we will work on denim, canvas and leather as well as your own pieces of apparel and accessories. It’s fun, easy to learn and you will leave with everything from wearable Art to a fabric painting suitable to frame or hang. Challenge your creativity ,play and enter the world of Art and Design.. No limit to what you can do!
Members: $200
Non members: $240
Materials fee: $20
Materials provided by instructor: Extra fabric, poly, silk, denim pieces, practice paper, texturing tools, paint, brushes, resist medium, water containers, mixing trays, fabric boards, and design resource.
Materials students should bring: Lunch or snack for the break. Something take completed pieces home in,. An apron and any accessory or fabric you want to work with: leather or final bag, shoes, existing apparel(denim shirt, jeans, jacket) felted scarf
You can book our studio space for a private event!
CLICK HERE to request a Private Event at Local Cloth.
In this 4 week class you will learn how to draw flowers, leaves, twigs and tendrils in pencil and ink. I will teach you how to create texture, contrast and composition using line and shading. This can be applied to your textile, fabric skills ,embroidery, sewing, fiber art, layering and much more. This class is designed for beginners, so no experience is necessary. Come learn a new technique or improve on your drawing skills.
Non-members: $240
Materials & Tools Needed: All supplies will be given out at the first class
Materials Provided by instructor: Pencils, ink markers, erasers, paper, practice paper, Art resource to draw from, drawing vellum, tracing paper, practice drawing pad and Art handouts.
Join us at the annual Southern Highland Craft Guild Fair! Local Cloth will host a booth with local fiber arts vendors and offer fiber arts education opportunities.
Applications to vend opening soon.
Join us at the annual Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair at the WNC Agricultural Center! Local Cloth will host a booth with information on the Blue Ridge Blankets and make & take opportunities.
Learn more about SAFF here!
Interested in vending at this event? Email us at programs@localcloth.org.
Instructor: Mary Sigler and Sam Green
Materials fee: $4
Materials provided by instructor: Rivets, Rivet setting tools, black cording (you’re welcome to bring your own in a different colour), fray check
Materials students should bring: The Grainline Studio Townbag pattern: https://grainlinestudio.com/collections/accessories/products/town-bag
1 yard of 8 or 10-oz cotton canvas. All-purpose thread - we recommend Gutterman or Mettler. 1.5 yards of 1.25 wide webbing for handles. If supplying your own, 2.5 yards of 5/32” or 2.3mm cording for the drawstring. Heavyweight sewing machine needle. Your preferred cutting tools for cutting the pattern out plus scissors for clipping threads. Pins or wonder clips. Ruler. Fabric marking tools i.e. chalk or washable marker. A sewing machine - please let us know if you need a machine. Here are a few sites where you can find cotton canvas: https://www.moodfabrics.com/ https://hartsfabric.com/ https://stonemountainfabric.com/ https://stylemakerfabrics.com/ Thread, chalk, pins, and machine needles can be purchased through Wawak.com or at Joann’s.
Save the date! Come and join us in the studio for holiday crafting for the whole family. We will be open and crafting from 11 am-4 pm, no pre-registration needed. Admission is free, just pay for the materials you use, cash is appreciated and most activities will be around $5-$10. We will have indigo dyeing, felting, embroidery, card making and more.
Local Cloth, Inc.
408 Depot Street, #100
Asheville, NC 22801828.774.5134
Info@localcloth.org
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