The FiberNet Workshop FAQ

from Holly Shaltz

Below is the Workshop FAQ. New items, or items which have been updated since the last posting are highlighted using *** beside the date/location heading. (Remember: You can search for *** to find new entries.) At the bottom is a section with a list of workshop locations.

If you have any items you would like added to the FAQ, please send the information (subject, date, place, teacher, basic cost and contact person) to me, Holly Shaltz, at holly@shaltzfarm.com. Please keep each listing to 10 lines or less. Otherwise I will have to edit, and you may lose something important to you. The FAQ is updated on the first of every month.

All inquiries about workshops should be sent to the contact person. I have posted all the information I have.

NEW AND UPDATED THIS EDITION:

-- update, Heart of Texas Spinners and Weavers Guild meetings

-- Salem, OR spinning meetings, once a month

-- Sacramento, CA International Wool Show and Sale, May

-- Auckland, New Zealand fiber updates

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Special events by state or country

Saturday and Sunday, May 10 and 11, Washington County Fairgrounds, Lake Elmo, MN

9:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m. Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday, free admission, free parking. Numerous classes are offered in the fiber arts geared for all levels of experience. Many vendors of fiber and fiber animal related products show their wares at the Festival through a juried selection of vendors of unique products. To add to the fun of the Festival, there is live entertainment each day. Demonstrations are ongoing for sheep shearing, herding dogs, rabbit agility, spinning and knitting. Judging, showing and selling of fiber from sheep, angora rabbits and alpacas. For more info, see www.shepherdsharvestfestival.org

Saturday & Sunday, May 10 & 11, Contoocock, NH

32nd NH Sheep and Wool Festival. Wooly good time for all! Family oriented. Youth sheep and camelid shows for all ages, fleece judging and sale, sheep dog trial, 40 free speakers/demontrations, other events, plus vendor booths galore. May 10/11. $5 entry fee. Hopkinton Fairgrounds, Contoocock, NH. For more information go to: www.nhswga.com

***Thursday-Monday, May 22-26, Sacramento, CA

International Wool Show and Sale, Sacramento County Fair, Sale preview Thursday May 22 through Saturday May 24, at approximately 4:40pm. Sale starts after the completion of the Sheep-to-Shawl Contest (approximately 4:30pm). Sheep-to-Shawl Contest - Saturday 10am to 3:35pm. Spinning Contest - Sunday 10am. Entries on day of contest will be accepted. International Cashmere Show - May 22 10am National Pygora Breeders Association Show on exhibit throughout fair. See: www.sacfair.com

Friday and Saturday, June 6 and 7, Franklin, IN

Hoosier Hills Fiber and Arts Festival is accepting vendor applications for the HHFF held June 6 and 7 in Franklin Indiana (just south of Indianapolis). They are also having a fiber arts competition with 2 divisions: Art and Craft, and a skein competition. For more information, visit www.hhfiberfest.com

By Appointment - listings by state

By Appointment; California

Spinning classes are available at Carol Todd's studio (San Luis Obispo county, CA) on a one-to-one basis. The cost is $10/hour. How to prepare wool for spinning, the spinning process, and how to set the spin are covered. Materials are included in the price of the class.

Weaving classes are available at Carol Todd's studio (San Luis Obispo county, CA) on a one-to-one basis. The cost is $75 for a 2-day class, where you will learn how to calculate the yarns needed for a project, how to prepare a warp, set up a loom, read a draft, and the weaving process itself. Materials are included in the price of the class.

For more information contact Carol at: crowland@slonet.org or visit her website at http://www.slonet.org/~crowland/ and click on the link to Carol's Weaving, Spinning & Natural Dyeing Workshops.

Spinning classes at Randy Chelsey's studio in Davenport, CA. This is on the central coast of California one hour south of San Francisco, 10 miles north of Santa Cruz. I've taught spinning for 20 years. You decide what you want to learn and I'll work up a lesson plan for you. The cost of a private class is $30/hr. Contact Randy at 831-423-5751. email rchelsey@aol.com. Website in progress is http://arachnespins.com. 

Classes in spinning, weaving, and rainbow dyeing at Meridian Jacobs, near Vacaville, California. Check website for class descriptions and scheduled dates.www.meridianjacobs.com Classes are small, so there is a lot of individual attention. Enjoy the country atmosphere and visit the Jacob sheep as well. Questions are welcome: Robin Lynde, 707-678-5750, rlynde@onramp113.org

By Appointment; Conneticut

Spinning and knitting lessons. All levels of experience welcome. Contact janet_lynn@sbcglobal.net Reasonable rates, supplies available as well as wheel rentals.

By Appointment; Iowa

Margie Meehan, Tipperary Fiber Studio, Hopkinton, Iowa. A teacher of fiber arts at several Midwest Festivals. Available to teach Felted "Tipperary Bears", Braided Wool Rugs, Wool Roving Baskets, and several other fiber related classes. Please contact 563-926-2573 or email tipperaryfiberstudio@yahoo.com for prices and information.

By Appointment; Michigan

Spinning, dyeing, knitting, weaving lessons by fiberist Holly Shaltz; private or small group instruction; overnights available. Located on a small farm in the rolling, wooded hills of northwest lower Michigan, within an easy drive of Lake Michigan, Lake Charlevoix, skiing, golfing, boating, and other non-fiber activities for the rest of the family. Studio site: http://www.hjsstudio.com, farm site: http://www.shaltzfarm.com. Email holly@shaltzfarm.com for more information.

By Appointment; New Jersey

By Appointment - Portland, Oregon/Southern Washington:

Learn to needle-felt by creating your own curly fleece critter. Classes scheduled for one to 10 folks, from ages 8 to 800. Prices range from $40/person to $30/person, depending on number in class. My standard classes are for the Curly White Dog, Bearskin Rug, or the Sea Otter, but visit my Web site www.whitedogwoolies.com for more critter ideas, or tell me what you'd like to make! At the end of a three hour class you go home with the critter, needles, and a foam work pad. For more information, contact Sandoval McNair at or call me at 503.598.0122.

By Appointment; Vermont

Beginning Spinning. $30 per private session. Hunt Country Yarns, Middleburg, VA. Phone 540-687-5129. E-mail: Bob_Kelly@skeins.com

Continuing Events

California - Once a Month

Spin-In one Sunday afternoon a month in Davenport at Randy Chelsey's house. Bring your spinning, knitting, crochet, whatever. Here's your chance to spend an entire afternoon doing nothing but what you love best in like company. I'll put on the teapot, you bring the cookies. The date changes, so call Randy at 831-423-5751 or rchelsey@aol.com for next date.

California - Once a Month

Fresno Weavers and Spinners Guild, second Saturday of the month, 9:30am - 1pm. Contact Barb Hix barbix@aol.com or Sande Francis sandeleh@earthlink.net

California - Once a Month

San Diego Knitting Guild, fourth Monday of the month, 1-3 p.m. Eastview Country Club Community Room, Rancho Berbardo section of San Diego, CA. For more information, contact knitter@cts.com.

California - Once a Month
Serendipity Spinners, San Jose, California. We meet from 10.00 am to 4.00pm every third Saturday of the month, usually under the trees unless the weather is inclement. Then we meet in the Hotel. Our meetings are in the Historical Museum of San Jose. All fiber pursuits welcome. It is usually quiet and peaceful. Children are welcome. Bring a lunch or be prepared to buy one. All fiber pursuits welcome. More information - call Chris Wallace at 408/264-8569 or crspinner@earthlink.net

California - Once a Month

Lunatic Fringe, third Monday of the month, 5-9 p.m., potluck, Common Threads, Encinitas, CA (north of San Diego). For more information, contact email to blevin7751@aol.com.

California - Once a Month

North Coast Knitting Guild, first Tuesday of the month, 1-3 p.m., La Colonia Community Center, Solana Beach, CA (just north of San Diego). For more information, contact knitter@cts.com

California - Once a Month

Knit Together, second Saturday of the month, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All fiber pursuits welcome. Until further notice we are meeting in the northwest corner of Balboa Park, 6th and Upas, San Diego CA. For more information, contact :gloriamarie@gmail.com or go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SanDiegoFiberFolk.

Florida - Once a Month

Intercoastal Weavers, first Monday of the month, 9:30 a.m. We meet at Police Station, West Palm Beach, FL. (Okeechobee exit off I-95 past Performing Arts Center and Amtrak station to Rosemary and Clematis.) Hands-on workshops every meeting. No charge except workshop costs if participating. E-mail xlntthreadz@aol.com for workshop details.

Massachusetts - Once a Month

Parallel Plyers meet the first Tuesday of each month, 7 pm to 9 pm, mostly spinning. Location: WEBS, Northampton MA. Contact: Diane Roeder diane@sojournersheep.com

Michigan - Once a Month

Spinner's Flock meets 10 am to 2 pm, second Saturday monthly in Chelsea at Beach Middle School, just west of Freer Road on Mayer Drive. Spinner's Flock is a group of dedicated fiber artists (200+) committed to improving and teaching the craft of handspinning and using Michigan fibers for all types of clothing and crafts. Visitors of all experience levels welcome and are welcome to join the spinners learning circle or knit, needle felt or just watch, as something will surely pique your interest. info: spinfarm@aol.com

Michigan - Once a Month

Monthly Open House, April through November, 9am - 5 pm, on the 2nd Saturday of each month at HJS Studio, near Boyne City, Michigan. We might dye fiber, shear sheep, watch the lambs, talk organic gardening, or sit and spin by the fire, depending on weather and season. Homemade bread, soup, and salad in season provided for lunch; bring a dish to pass if you'd like to eat. Cost: $5/person to cover my expenses. A schedule of dates will be up on the studio site shortly. More information or directions, call 231 582 3206; email holly@shaltzfarm.com, visit www.hjsstudio.com

Michigan - Once a Month

Heritage Spinning and Weaving, Lake Orion, 47 E. Flint Street (3 blocks east of M-24 in the Classic Printers Building),www.heritagespinning.com, 248-693-3690:

-- Girls Nite In, first Friday of the month, September through June, 7 to 10 pm. An informal working session. Bring any project you are working on (spinning, knitting, crochet, cross stitch, embroidery, etc.) Skill levels: All. Equipment: Whatever you need to work on your project! Cost: $10 per night (no charge with $50 purchase). Advanced reservations requested, but not required. No cost at all. Dessert provided.

Michigan - Once a Month

9am to Noon, second Saturday of the month. Hosted by Yvonne Uhliahuk at her Mt. Bruce Station (www.sheepstuff.com), we sit and spin or knit in the Farm Wool Shop during the winter and under the shade trees in the summer. A truly delightful way to connect with fellow spinners and knitters. Skill levels: all. No fee to participate. No reservations required. (Also 248/693-3690; www.heritagespinning.com.)

Michigan - Once a Month

Far Flung Fiber Artists (spinning, knitting) and Lake Charlevoix Area Weavers Guild (weaving) meet monthly in NW lower Michigan. Call Holly 231 582 3206 or email holly@shaltzfarm.com for more info.

New Jersey - Once a Month

North Country Spinners is a spinning guild that usually meets on the first Friday of each month (check web site to be sure) from 9:30 am to about 2:00 pm. Our meetings takes place at the Givens-Belet Memorial Hall on Route 521 in Blairstown, NJ, easily accessible from Rt 80 and just south of Route 94. Visitors are welcome. Bring along your lunch and your fiber show and tell. We also sponsor a weekend fiber retreat every two years (even years) where we have well known fiber artists presenting workshops in many areas of the fiber arts. For more information and exact dates of our meetings please check our web site at www.northcountryspinners.org.

***New Zealand, Auckland - Once a Month

www.handweavers.org.nz web home to Auckland Handweavers & Spinners Guild Inc in New Zealand. Click on links for the national organisation Creative Fibre and within CF you will find details of the next Festival held annually around the country

Tauranga, New Zealand - weekly, bimonthly

Tauranga Spinners and Weavers meet every Monday from 10.00am at the Arts Centre, Elizabeth St, Tauranga. The Night Spinners group meet on 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7.00pm at the Arts Centre. All are most welcome to visit us. When in Tauranga visit our Fibre Gallery at the Compass Village 17th Ave. For more information, contact Glynis Poad, support@majacraft.co.nz, phone +64 7 543 3618.

Oregon - Once a Month

Mac Spinners - Yamhill County, Oregon. Open to all interested spinners. An informal time to spin and enjoy the company of other spinners. Meeting the second Monday evening of the month at Alterra Villas Of McMinnville, 775 NE 27th St, (503) 472-3130, in the downstairs lobby, from 7 to 9 PM. Also, the second Tuesday of the month in Sheridan from 10 until Noon. For more information contact Carol at: suzukawa@direcway.com

Oregon - Once a Month

Mac Spinners - Yamhill County, Oregon. Open to all interested spinners. An informal time to spin and enjoy the company of other spinners. Meeting the second Monday evening of the month at Alterra Villas Of McMinnville, 775 NE 27th St, (503) 472-3130, in the downstairs lobby, from 7 to 9 PM. Also, the second Tuesday of the month in Sheridan from 10 until Noon. For more information contact Carol at: suzukawa@hughes.net

Oregon - Once a Month

Klamath Spinners and Weavers Guild, second Tuesday of the month, 10am -noon, excepting July & August. Credit Union Building, 3737 Shasta Way, Klamath Falls, OR. For more information, contact Karla Lockwood 541-545-6263.

***Oregon - Once a Month

Northwest Regional Spinners Association, Area 6040 (Salem), meets the first Saturday of each month at Mission Mill Museum, starting at 10 am.For info please contact Helen Burros woolspinnr@aol.com, all spinners are welcome, NwRSA or not

***Texas - Once a Month

Update to meeting times for HOT Spinner's and Weaver's Guild, Waco, Texas. Project Meetings are now the 1st Thursday of the month at the RB Hoover Library, Waco at 7-9pm in the LARGE (!) meeting room. The Spinning Meetings are now the 3rd Monday at Books-A-Million at the Central Texas Marketplace in Waco, TX from 7pm until we leave (they are open until 11pm). As always, contact BJ Heeke at nwspinner@txwi.net for more info.

Vermont - Once a Month

The River Spinners Guild meets the first Thursday of the month from 7-9 pm at the Brattleboro Savings and Loan in Brattleboro, Vermont. Membership in the guild is $20 per year. For information on the guild, folks can email Elizabeth Szczesniak-Johnson at purple@svcable.net.

Workshop Locations

Adams Farm

Every Saturday, 1:00 pm -4:00 pm, Spinning Bee and Knitting Circle workshops. Mini-topic each week - please check our website for weekly topics. Most topics are free, all experience levels are welcome. Adams Farm, 15 Higley Hill Road, Wilmington, VT, 05363, www.adamsfamilyfarm.com For more information, contact by email farmfun@sover.net or phone 802-464-3762

Creative Fibre Website, Auckland, New Zealand

If you are planning a trip to New Zealand and you would to be linked to a class/workshop/event then either contact me Cathy dseton@ihug.co.nz or look at the Creative Fibre website www.creativefibre.org.nz

The Academy of Spinsters

The Academy of Spinsters. We are located in the small town of Encampment, Wyoming. The town is located in a high (7400') mountain valley. The school offers classes in Spinning, Dyeing, and Fleeceweaving. Carol Lee is the owner and instructor, teaching fiber crafts for the past 28 years. Lodging and all material provided in a daily fee of $40. per person. We are available for groups up to 30 persons, with discounted rates applying. Ms. Lee is also available for Workshops, Seminars and SuperSeminars. Contact: Box 731, Encampment, Wyo., 82325 or clee@union-tel.com. Come on out for a WOOLY WEEKEND or a FIBER VACATION. Classes and Workshops are available also.

The Boll Weaver

Boll Weaver is located in Northern California in the coastal town of Eureka. Owner Crystal Dobbs has been spinning, knitting, dyeing and weaving for over 25 years and loves to share her experience and knowledge. You'll always leaves her classes with all questions answered and the skills to continue on your own.Available at Boll Weaver are classes in beginning knitting and crocheting. Contact Crystal Dobbs via private email at bollweaver@humboldt1.com or call 707-443-8145 M_F 11-6 or SAT 10-4 Pacific Time.

Brigid's Farm

Classes and workshops in our studio/shop located on our farm in Peacham, Vermont. Fall classes include Beginning Knitting, Sock Knitting, Dyeing to Knit, and Introduction to Spinning. A two day Natural Dye Intensive will be held Nov. 22/23. Students will receive a comprehensive dye notebook with instructional materials and approximately 150 dye samples produced in the workshop. Our studio is committed to the fiber arts. Future classes in spinning, knitting, dyeing, weaving, and surface design from beginning to advanced levels. Classes are taught by Jane Woodhouse as well as visiting artists. For more information brigidsfarm@charter.net or call 802-592-3062.

Countrywool

A wide selection of spinning and knitting workshops this year, including Wool to Wear and Shearing Rabbits. Go to countrywool.tripod.com/classes.htm for full information. Also, Rip Van Winkle Spinning Retreat and Rip Van Winkle Knitting Retreat, countrywool.tripod.com/retreats/rpsp_f5.htm.

Creative Hands in Connecticut has workshops almost every weekend ranging from pottery, knitting, spinning, rug hooking and more to be added. For a schedule, email Janet Lynn at jhly@javanet.com.

Heritage Spinning and Weaving

47 East Flint Street, Lake Orion, MI USA 48362 "Exploring Victorian Knitting" hands-on workshop with Deborah Pulliam. Using original patterns, we'll look at how to decipher them and adapt them for contemporary use. Three patterns/projects available. Tuesday, October 3, 9 am - 4 pm "Finding and Examining Historic Textiles" seminar with Deborah Pulliam. How to find and gain access to textiles for studying, and how to examine them when you find them. Wednesday, October 4, 9 am - 4 pm For more information, call (248) 693-3690 or email info@heritagespinning.com. The website is www.heritagespinning.com

Hillcreek Fiber Studio

Hillcreek Fiber Studio, 7001 Hillcreek Road, Columbia, MO 65203. Phone 1-800-874-9328 (TRI-WEAV); web www.hillcreekfiberstudio.com. For further info contact Carol Leigh Brack-Kaiser, owner/instructor, MA in Textiles and 20+ years of fiber experience hlcrkfiber@aol.com. Weekend and longer classes offered throughout the year in spinning, natural dyeing, and weaving of various forms, including four and more-shaft weaving, tartans, Navajo, Triangle weaving, knitting and more. Hot lunches provided. Bed & breakfast and airport shuttle from St.Louis and Kansas City. Equipment available for rent. All materials, supplies and books are available through HFS. See www.hillcreekfiberstudio.com/Workshops.html for 2005 workshop listings.

Hope Hill Farm

36 Little Mingo Rd.; Finleyville, PA 15332; hopehill@wpol.com. Classes in spinning, weaving, dyeing, knitting, weaving, and felting. Contact us for the current class schedule. We are 20 miles south of Pittsburgh, PA.

Knit Wit Shop Knitting Retreats

All retreats held at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. For more information, contact Knit Wit Shop, Byron St., Smethport, PA. 16749 or e-mail at knitwit@penn.com.

The Legacy Farm

How to prepare wool for spinning, the process from raw fleece to yarn. Private and small group instruction in our fiber studio for spinning, dyeing, weaving, wet felting, needle felting, and Circular Sock Knitting Machines by Katy Abbas. All materials included with the class. We are located in the beautiful heartland of NE Iowa just 2 miles outside of New Hampton. Our farm is on a paved road and only minutes away from Hwy 63 and 18. Just a 10 minute drive to golf courses, mini golf, swimming pools, restaurants, nice motels, museums, and historic sites for our non fiber friends and family. By appointment and schedule. 641-394-3627 or visit our website <www.thelegacyfarm.com

Northwest Handspun Yarns

Classes for small groups (2-5 individuals) held in Lynden or Bellingham, WA. All materials, equipment, patterns, and handouts provided. Classes include Spinning on a Wheel ($50), Spindle Spinning ($12), Beginning Knitting ($40), Knitting Socks ($30), Spinning Exotic Fibers ($35). Contact Nancy via e-mail at Nancy@PacificContinentRealty.com or call 360-398-1402 for scheduling information.

Springsberry Farm

Classes and workshops in our studio/shop located on our farm near Gettysburg, PA. Winter classes include Beginning Knitting, beginning Sock Knitting, Introduction to Circular Sockknitting Machines, and Introduction to Spinning. Other customized classes available on request, including The Modern Day Shepherd/ess ---shepherd's workshops for fibercritters ranging from the mundane to the exotic. For more information springsberry@pa.net or call 717-398-9317 9pm-10pm weeknights, Saturday and Sundays, from 8:30 am -9:30 pm. Retail shop hours currently by appointment only.

Twist Fibre Craft Studio

We have a small fibre studio here in Newburgh in Fife, Scotland. We teach workshops as well as sell supplies. Laura and Peter Beaven Twist Fibre Craft Studio Fife, Scotland Workshops, equipment and supplies Spinning, natural dyeing, felt making, weaving and knitting. Visit us on the web at twistfibre@yahoo.co.uk or email enquiries@twistfibrecraft.co.uk

All courses and workshops meet at Webs, Service Center Rd., P.O. Box 147, Northampton, MA 01061. There is a fee for all courses and workshops and advance registration is required. A course brochure is available. Phone: 413/584-2225; 800/FOR-WEBS; FAX 413/584-1603; email: webs@yarn.com

Woodland Woolworks is located about 35 miles southwest of Portland, Oregon, in the center of Oregon's Wine Country. Woodland Woolworks is a retail store and mail order supplier of yarns, fibers, books, videos, tools, equipment and classes. We help knitters, spinners, weavers and felters enjoy their craft!

Woolgatherers, Wisconsin

Spinning, weaving or knitting classes at Sara von Tresckow's shop and studio - The Woolgatherers, 35 N. Main St., Fond du Lac, WI. (Fond du Lac is on Hwy 41 a little over an hour from Madison, Milwaukee or Green Bay.) Twenty-plus years experience. Emphasis on basic skills. Customized instruction to fit your skill level. Special areas of instruction - weaving on countermarche looms, working with linen and drawloom/damask weaving. Private 2 hour lesson $30. Presentations or workshops for your guild also available. Contact Sara at 920-929-9503. Email . Website >

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