What if the fibers from animals that are often considered waste could become one of the most useful tools in your garden? This lecture-based class explores how natural fibers like sheep wool and alpaca can be used to build healthier, more resilient soil systems. You’ll learn the “why” behind fiber use, along with practical ways to integrate it into your garden, from mulch to full forest garden layering systems. The class includes: A booklet that you can take home A live demonstration of how to apply and layer fiber in garden beds A small hands-on activity so you can feel and work with the material yourself Clear guidance on using fiber for moisture retention, soil building, and plant support Perfect for gardeners, homesteaders, and anyone interested in regenerative practices and working more in partnership with the land.

Level: Beginner

Instructor: Kirsten Bonanza (Read Kirsten's bio)

Members: $50

Non Members: $60

Materials fee: $10 cash, check, venmo, or zelle  (to be paid day of the workshop)

Materials provided by instructor:  All materials

Students should bring: N/A

Interested in applying for a scholarship? Apply here!

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

Step into the quiet intelligence of the forest and learn the intuitive art of branch weaving. In this hands-on class, we’ll work with fallen branches and natural fibers to create simple woven forms—sculptural, functional, or symbolic—guided by the materials themselves. This is not about forcing nature into a design, but about listening: noticing the curve of a branch, the tension between fibers, and the way the forest already knows how it wants to be woven. You’ll learn basic branch-weaving techniques, how to select and prepare materials, and how to let structure emerge organically rather than from a rigid plan. Expect a slow, grounding experience that blends craft, mindfulness, and relationship with place. No prior weaving experience is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to work with what’s present.

Level: Beginner

Instructor: Kirsten Bonanza (Read Kirsten's bio)

Members: $50

Non Members: $60

Materials fee: $20 cash, check, venmo, or zelle  (to be paid day of the workshop)

Materials provided by instructor:  Branches, yarn, and tapestry needle

Students should bring: Scissors, and any yarn scraps that you might want to include (optional)

Interested in applying for a scholarship? Apply here!

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

Discover the speed, comfort, and fluid rhythm of Continental knitting in this comprehensive full-day beginner workshop. Whether you’re completely new to knitting or looking to switch from English (throwing) style, this class will guide you step-by-step through the fundamentals of efficient, ergonomic knitting.

What You’ll Learn

• Over the course of six hands-on hours, you will learn:
• How to comfortably tension yarn in your left hand
• The Continental knit stitch (“picking” technique)
• The Continental purl stitch
• How to combine knit and purl stitches to create basic stitch patterns
• Casting on and binding off
• Reading simple knitting instructions and abbreviations
• How to correct the most common beginner mistakes

Class Structure

This workshop is paced for absolute beginners—no prior knitting experience required. We’ll work in short guided segments with plenty of time for practice, troubleshooting, and individual help. By the end of the day, students will complete a small sampler project using both knit and purl stitches.

Who This Class Is For

Perfect for brand-new knitters, crocheters exploring knitting, or experienced English-style knitters interested in learning the Continental method.

Takeaway

Students leave with a completed sampler swatch, strong foundational skills, and the confidence to tackle beginner patterns using Continental techniques.

Level: Beginner

Instructor: Lisa Sandberg (Read Lisa's bio)

Members: $100

Non Members: $120

Materials fee: $10 cash, venmo, zelle, paypal, or cashapp (paid the day of workshop)

Materials provided by instructor: 

25 grams of yarn per knitted sampler. (1 required, additional available for further home practice)

Students should bring: One set of size US 7-9 (4.5-5.5mm) circular knitting needle with a cord at least 12in. Scissors, tapestry needle and glasses if needed. Optional: stitch markers.

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

Interested in applying for a scholarship? Apply here!

Kugurizashi is a fascinating variation within the tradition of Sashiko. Instead of creating pattern solely through running stitches, kugurizashi adds a second stage in which thread is woven through an existing stitched grid, producing richly dimensional designs that can resemble braids, beads, or interlaced cords. In this 6-hour workshop, fiber artists will learn how a simple stitched grid becomes the foundation for layered patterning. After a brief introduction, students will mark and stitch a base grid using traditional sashiko running stitch, focusing on rhythm, spacing, and stitch consistency.

Participants will then explore several weaving pathways that transform the same stitched structure into different decorative motifs.

During the class, students will complete two stitched samples: a foundational kugurizashi pattern and a second variation that demonstrates how multiple designs can emerge from the same grid. Students will leave with two finished studies, practical techniques, and inspiration for incorporating kugurizashi into their own textile work.

Level: Intermediate

Members: $110

Non members: $132

Instructor: Gail Clement (Read Gail's bio)

Materials fee: $40 cash or venmo (to be collected day of workshop)

Materials supplied by teacher: Detailed Handout with Exercises; ironing equipment

Materials students should bring: Embroidery snips, Sashiko palm thimble, needles & threader, needle minder or pin cushion

Learn about our cancellation & COVID policies here: Workshop Policies

Interested in a workshop scholarship? Apply here!

This introductory class provides an overview of Sashiko, the Japanese stitching and mending practice. Through both structured demonstrations and individual stitching guidance, beginners gain basic skills and knowledge to apply this practice to both functional and decorative goods. Participants will explore the historical and geographic origins of Sashiko and also gain hands on experience stitching with Japanese needles, threads, and palm thimbles. This class is a prerequisite to the other classes in the series. After three practices exercises designed to cover basic skills, participants will gain confidence by stitching a preprinted Sashiko textile project that can be finished at home.

Level: Beginner

Members: $110

Non members: $132

Instructor: Gail Clement (Read Gail's bio)

Materials fee: $45 cash or venmo (to be collected day of workshop)

Materials supplied by teacher: Practice materials including 3 samples of various Sashiko fabrics, 3 samples of various Sashiko thread, and a project kit containing Sashiko needles, thread and preprinted fabric. Shared tools and notions for classroom use include Palm thimbles, stencils, metric rulers, marking tools.

Materials students should bring: Embroidery snips

Learn about our cancellation & COVID policies here: Workshop Policies

Interested in a workshop scholarship? Apply here!

Are you a bit more colorful than the rest? Or quietly different in a way that only you notice?

In this beginner-friendly rug hooking class, we’ll create an **8" square trivet** featuring a cozy cluster of sheep — with **one unmistakably neon sheep** nestled among the flock. Bright or subtle, bold or barely-there, that sheep gets to be *yours*.

You don’t have to be loud to stand out. And you don’t have to stand out to belong.

We’ll walk through:

* Rug hooking basics (perfect for first-timers)

* Some more intermediate techniques for those who are curious

* Working simple shapes and fluffy textures

* Choosing colors that feel right for *you* — classic neutrals **or** a pop of neon

* Finishing a functional trivet you’ll actually use (or gift)

If being bright isn’t your thing, no worries — keep your palette soft and traditional. If you’re craving a little glow? We’ve got that too.

This class is less about perfection and more about permission: to be different, to be subtle, to be exactly as colorful as you want to be.

Come hook, laugh, and make something warm, useful, and quietly (or wildly) rebellious. ✨

Level: Beginner

Instructor: Kirsten Bonanza (Read Kirsten's bio)

Members: $110

Non Members: $132

Materials fee: $25 for the materials, if you need a rug hook those will be available for $19 cash, check, venmo, or zelle  (to be paid day of the workshop)

Materials provided by instructor:  All materials (backing, wool strips, thread & needle)

Students should bring: Scissors, A Rug Hook (optional)

Interested in applying for a scholarship? Apply here!

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

This hands-on workshop introduces knitters to working in the round using the magic loop method while reinforcing Continental-style knitting. Students will knit a brim-up hat using a simple, structured pattern designed for skill-building and confidence. The class covers circular needle setup, magic loop mechanics, joining in the round, knitting and purling in the round, and crown shaping using the k2tog decrease, which is taught as part of the workshop. Emphasis is placed on managing tension, avoiding ladders, and reading a basic knitting pattern. Students will practice decreases on a small swatch before applying them to the hat.

This course is an ideal next step for students who have completed the Beginning Continental Knitting workshop, and it is also appropriate for knitters with equivalent experience. By the end of the workshop, students will understand how and when to use magic loop for small-circumference projects and will leave with a nearly completed or finished hat. 

Level: Beginner (students must know how to cast on, knit, and purl using Continental style)

Instructor: Lisa Sandberg (Read Lisa's bio)

Members: $110

Non Members: $132

Materials fee: No Materials fee for this workshop.

Materials provided by instructor: None for this workshop.

Students should bring: 100 grams worsted-weight yarn 30-40" circular needle, US 7 or US 8 Notions: stitch markers, tapestry needle Glasses, if needed

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

Interested in applying for a scholarship? Apply here!

Sewing patterns can be intimidating to many people, even those who have sewn for years. In this class I hope to demystify cutting layouts, teach you how to find the key information and to generally feel more comfortable with your patterns. You're also welcome to bring a particular pattern that you have a question about and I will do my best to answer them.

Level: Beginner

Instructor: Sam Green (Read Sam's bio)

Members: $55

Non Members: $66

Materials fee: No fee for this workshop

Materials provided by instructor:  Examples of sewing patterns to aid explanations

Students should bring: Specific patterns they have questions about

Interested in applying for a scholarship? Apply here!

Learn about our cancellation & COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

This class is for anyone interested in painting their botanical drawings or learning a new skill…from beginner to experienced Artists. All levels are welcome. I will teach you how to use watercolors, different brushes, paper and painting techniques. I will demonstrate each one, show examples of completed work and give you ‘one on one’ help. In just a few hours you will complete basic painting techniques, botanical samples and a completed painting using branches, leaves, birds and flowers. Explore the Artist in you, create your own piece of Art and learn skills that will enhance whatever field you choose to work in.

This class will be hosted off-site at the home of the instructor. Directions to the home will be provided after registration.

Skill Level: Beginner/All Levels

Age Range: Adults & Teens (13-18)

Instructor: Camille Daunno (Read Camille's bio)

Members: $110

Non-members: $132

Materials Fee: $20 cash or venmo (collected at time of workshop)

Materials Provided by instructor: Watercolor paper, brushes, set of watercolors, practice paper, a small watercolor journal, pencils, eraser, water container and resource.

Student should bring: Lunch as there will be a break. 

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

Interested in applying for a scholarship? Apply here!

This introductory class provides an overview of Sashiko, the Japanese stitching and mending practice. Through both structured demonstrations and individual stitching guidance, beginners gain basic skills and knowledge to apply this practice to both functional and decorative goods. Participants will explore the historical and geographic origins of Sashiko and also gain hands on experience stitching with Japanese needles, threads, and palm thimbles. This class is a prerequisite to the other classes in the series. After three practices exercises designed to cover basic skills, participants will gain confidence by stitching a preprinted Sashiko textile project that can be finished at home.

Level: Beginner

Members: $110

Non members: $132

Instructor: Gail Clement (Read Gail's bio)

Materials fee: $45 cash or venmo (to be collected day of workshop)

Materials supplied by teacher: Practice materials including 3 samples of various Sashiko fabrics, 3 samples of various Sashiko thread, and a project kit containing Sashiko needles, thread and preprinted fabric. Shared tools and notions for classroom use include Palm thimbles, stencils, metric rulers, marking tools.

Materials students should bring: Embroidery snips

Learn about our cancellation & COVID policies here: Workshop Policies

Interested in a workshop scholarship? Apply here!

Learn the magic of eco-printing on paper with the use of mordants and modifiers. Then explore book binding and make simple stitched books with eco-printed or plain pages, cards and frameable pictures. This is a two day class. On day one we will eco-print all the papers for our projects and on day two we will make several simple book structures: two versions of the Japanese stab binding, the star book and several versions of the pamphlet book.

Level: Beginner

Instructor: Joyce Tromba (Read Joyce's bio)

Members: $220

Non Members: $264

Materials fee: $25 cash (to be paid day of workshop)

Materials provided by instructor:  all paper, cards and envelopes, a double mat, mordants and modifiers, book making tools, linen thread, leaves

Students should bring: Students should bring: Gloves thin medical exam gloves, Dusk mask, Apron, Plastic spray bottle with 50% vinegar and 50% water. Two old small kitchen towel sized rags, scissors. Leaves will be provided; however bring some of your own to experiment and share.

LEAVES THAT PRINT WELL Maple(especially Japanese maple),oak, any hard wood tree leaves ,fruit tree leaves, rose, marigold petals, oak leaf hydrangeas, smoke bush, coreopsis, sassafras, cranesbill geranium, eucalyptus. chrysanthemum, eucalyptus and dyer's chamomile can also be found at Trader Joes all of which print very well.

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

Interested in applying for a scholarship? Apply here!

Have you ever wanted to duplicate a favorite garment? This course demystifies patternmaking from garments, teaching you how to capture the fit and style of existing garments while keeping them intact. Moving sequentially from simple to complex, we first master the fundamentals with a basic T-shirt before diving into shaping and intricate details with a classic woven shirt. We will cover replicating collars, sleeves, and darts, all of which teach essential skills to replicate items like pants, coats, and dresses. You will leave with a finished pattern and the confidence to turn your closet into a library of sewing patterns.

Level: Intermediate (Students must be familiar with sewing garments. A knowledge of grainlines and construction techniques is a must.)

Instructor: Mary Earle-Sigler & Sam Green (Read Mary and Sam's bio)

Members: $220

Non Members: $264

Materials fee: No Materials fee for this workshop.

Materials provided by instructor: Detailed handouts provided. If you cannot bring an item on the supply list, contact instructor ahead of time, to see if extra can be provided. If so, materials fee will be cost of items requested.

Students should bring: Student's own T-shirt & classic woven shirt, 18” to 48” wide roll or sheets of paper, Fabric chalk or chalk pencils, Pencils (different colors helpful) and pens, eraser, paper scissors, tape, ball-head sewing pins matching the weight of your garment (fine pins for fine fabrics), magnetic pin holder, Rulers; straight, curved, quilting etc, Dressmaker’s tape measure, Cardboard or foam core board min. size 18" x 24"

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

Interested in applying for a scholarship?Apply here!

This beginner's patternmaking class will provide an opportunity for students to learn about using front and back bodice blocks, along with patternmaking techniques to manipulate the blocks to draft a sleeveless top of your design. We will cover button and buttonholes, facings, seams, pleats, shirring and dart manipulation. Intermediate sewing skills are required for this class as you will cut and sew the finished pattern in muslin.

Level: Intermediate

Instructor: Giovanni Daina-Palermo (Read Giovanni's bio)

Members: $440

Non Members: $528

Materials fee: None for this workshop

Materials provided by instructor:  Drafting paper

Students should bring: A detailed list will be emailed to registered students closer to the event. Student will need: pencil, eraser, L square, 2x18 clear ruler, French curve, scissors, awl, pins, pattern weights.

Interested in applying for a scholarship? Apply here!

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies

Start where it actually begins — with freshly shorn (dirty) wool.

In **Fleece to Fiber**, we begin with raw, unwashed fleece and walk step-by-step through the transformation into usable yarn. This is a hands-on, practical class designed to build real confidence working with wool in its natural state.

You won’t just hear about the process — you’ll do it.

We Begin With Cleaning

Each participant will receive**raw, unwashed wool** to practice

* Cleaning

* Washing/scouring techniques that clean without felting

* Proper temperature control and handling

* Drying methods

Spinning in the Grease

Before everything is perfectly washed and fluffy, we’ll briefly explore **spinning in the grease**: This gives you a real understanding of fiber behavior at different stages.

Carding Clean Wool

You will also receive **cleaned wool** to practice:

* Opening and fluffing fiber aka picking & flicking

* Combing & Hand carding

You’ll feel the difference between raw, washed, and fully prepared fiber — which is the key to discovering what kind of yarn you want to create.

From Fiber to Usable Product

We’ll finish by drafting and spinning prepared fiber into yarn using:

* Drop spindle (great for beginners)

* Spinning wheel (bring your own)

What You’ll Leave With

* Hands-on experience cleaning raw fleece

* Practice spinning both in the grease and from fiber you prepare

* Carded wool ready for spinning

* Confidence to process those fleeces you've been eyeing on your own

No prior experience required. All materials provided.

There is something deeply satisfying about working from fleece to finished fiber. Once you understand the whole process, you’ll never look at yarn the same way again.

Level: Beginner

Instructor: Kirsten Bonanza (Read Kirsten's bio)

Members: $110

Non Members: $132

Materials fee: $40 cash or venmo (to be paid day of the workshop)

Materials provided by instructor:  Unwashed fleece, Washed fleece, soap, a mesh bag, a variety of carders and combs (to borrow)

Students should bring: Please bring drop spindles, and/or cards/ combs if you have them

Interested in applying for a scholarship? Apply here!

Learn about our COVID policy here: Workshop Policies