Workshops

Sustainable Fiber: Natural Fiber Knitting Workshop with Ygraine Willmott at the North Water Street Gallery, 257 N. Water St., Kent, Ohio

As part of our Earth Day activities planned for the month of April, we are offering the following workshop to those interested. This workshop is well suited for the City of Kent's Bicentennial because it allows participants a chance to experience natural fibers the way an early pioneer may have experienced them.

-discuss knitting and natural fibers in Pioneer times.
-discuss the history of knitting
-discuss the fibers and techniques used
-discuss issues of clothing and sustainability
-create knitted items

GOALS:
-To learn the difference between plant and animal fibers.
-To produce a purse and/or pouch.
-To produce an eyelet washcloth

COST: $15 Per Class. $50 for all four sessions.
(Arrangements can be made for low-income families.)

MATERIALS: Materials can be provided for an additional $25.
-one skein of animal fiber yarn (wool, mohair, alpaca, etc.)
-one skein of plant fiber (linen, hemp, or cotton)
-No Synthentic Blends
-aluminum kneedles, size 5 to 7.
-size 5 or 6 wooden needles
-Optional Accessories such as buttons, clasps, beads etc.

CONTACT: To learn more or to sign-up, contact Ygraine @
330-554-2644 or Jeff @ 330-673-4970.

Description: Classes meet to learn and practice knitting on Tuesdays in April from 7-8:30pm.

Workshop I: Students will learn the history of knitting in Pioneer America. Students will also learn about natural fibers and the process of dyeing both plant and animal fibers. Finally, the project will be introduced and technique explained.

<Workshop II: Mechanics of knitting including increases and decreases, seams, binding off and pattern drafts.

Workshop III: Finishing techniques, Design Features, Buttons and Fastners, and Care of the Product. (such as repairing moth damage)

Workshop IV: Intermediate pattern reading, Project planning and materials calculation, the Gauge swatch, Combining knitting with crochet, project show and tell.

Ygraine Willmott is an eco-spiritualist who lives in Kent, Oh. She hopes to foster stronger community by creating a knitting culture. She has been knitting for 17 years. She gained her natural fiber experience through private lessons with Mary Germaine in Milwaukee, Wisconsin who owned the Woolworks, a fiber shop that sold exclusively natural fiber products. She has taught many classes on technique and design in Wisconsin and Ohio. She also is a weaver, felter, and spinner, with special expertise in the area of fisherman sweaters.

STANDING ROCK CULTURAL ARTS is dedicated to providing quality art and educational activities for low-income persons. Consequently, we are always looking for funds to help us offer scholarships to those who are economically challenged. Your contribution is tax deductible and no amount is too small.

* Mark SCHOLARSHIP FUND in the memo line of the check to fund a Workshop for an underpriviliged student.
THANK YOU