2012 Fiber "U" Classes

CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE LIST OF CLASSES

(Pre-registration is required to take any classes. All students pay a flat registration fee to take up to 6 classes. Class fees are the instructor’s charges for materials and teaching.)

Advanced Rigid Heddle Weaving
Instructor: Leslie Carroll-Bartlett
Add new techniques to your rigid heddle weaving. Learn finger controlled weave, pickup designs and warped weft faced fabrics. Put some pizzazz into your fabric. Also learn to warp with 2 heddles and a start at weaving 4 harness designs. Bring your loom and 8-10 epi heddle or you can rent a loom for $10.00.
Time: 4 hours
Class size limit: 10
Fee: $40.00/ $50.00 w/ loom
Sat: 1-5pm

Beads, Buttons, Fiber & Fabric
Instructors: Ginger Hayes and Lily Kerns
This is a two part class- 2 hours each. In the first part you will learn how and make two small polymer clay embellishments of your choosing (i.e. beads, pendant, buttons or bangles) that will be baked between the sessions. For your second 2hr. session, you will design a needle felted personal accessory and then accent it with your polymer clay creation. Bring a felting tool and brush or foam (found at craft stores or on-line (i.e. www.clover-usa.com). Basic supplies will be available, but if you want a specific color or material, bring additional fibers of any type.
Time: 4 hours
Class size limit: 15
Fee: $25.00
Sat 3-5pm (Part I) AND Sun: 10am-noon (Part II)

Beginning Crochet
Instructor: Judy Allread
Learn how much fun you can have by learning how to crochet, read a pattern and make something you can build on. Students will be provided with instructions, crochet hook and yarn.
Time: 2 hours
Class size limit: 10
Fee: $10.00
Sun: 1-3pm

Beginning Knitting
Instructor: Janet Wray
Beginning knitting is for those who have never handled needles and yarn, and/or for those who want a refresher. Both “English” and “Continental” techniques demonstrated. Learn the basics- cast on, cast off, knit and possibly purl. Bring your own needles (size 7 or 8 or circular), or there will be needles available to use at class. Yarn provided.
Time: 2 hours
Class size limit: 8
Fee: $10.00
Sat: 9-11am

Beginning Kumihimo Braiding
Instructor: Tammy Taylor
Learn the basics of Kumihimo using a portable foam disk. Kumihimo (“gathering (kumi) of threads (himo)”) is the ancient art of Japanese braiding. Beautiful, durable braids were used for ties, belts and closures on Samurai armor as well as many other household needs. Traditionally made on a wooden stool called a “marudai” pairs of threads were moved in sequence to create braids of many colors and pattern variations. Students will leave with a braided sampler. No experience necessary.
Time: 2 hours
Class size limit: 10
Fee: $25.00
Sat: 8am-10am or Sun: 1-3pm

Beginning Rigid Heddle-Quick Warp
Instructor: Leslie Carroll-Bartlett
Learn a quick method of warping your rigid heddle loom. Create a 6 inch wide scarf in class. Yes, it is possible for an intermediate weaver to finish a project in 4 hours on your rigid heddle loom. Yarn provided in fee. Bring your own loom or rent one for an additional $10 fee.
Time: 4 hours
Class size limit: 15
Fee: $40.00 or $50.00 w/ loom rental
Sun: 8am-noon

Beginning Spinning
Instructor: Judy Crouch
Want to make your own yarn? Come learn with us. You will learn the basic parts of a wheel, how it works, how to care for it, and then how to spin on it. No experience necessary, you don’t even have to own a wheel yet! All fibers will be provided, either Corriedale or Romney wool. If you have a wheel, it must be in good working order and well oiled. Practice treadling, stopping and starting, and keeping the wheel going in the same direction. If you don’t have a wheel you can rent one for class for $10.
Time: 4 hours
Class size limit: 10
Fee: $45.00 or $55 w/wheel rental
Sat: 1-5pm or Sun: 8am-noon

Blending Fibers with a Hackle
Instructor: Diana Armes Wallace
Want to blend different fibers but don’t have the resources for a carding machine? Or maybe you would like a bit more of a novelty blending? Possibly you prefer spinning from a SLIVER-type of rovings created with a diz? No matter what your reasoning, come and experience the pure, simple pleasures of blending those fibers with a hackle. Bring a hackle if you have one. There will be some hackles provided. Instructor will provide each student an assortment of fibers to blend into roving that will be ready to spin and a cardboard diz to take home.
Time: 2 hours
Class size limit: 10
Fee: $35.00
Sat: 10am-noon or Sun: 8-10am

Build Beautiful Boucle Yarns
Instructor: Lorry McDonald
Creating boucle is easy once you understand how it is structured. Students will learn to spin fancy, boucle yarns using several types of fibers for the loops, core and binding. Beautiful bouncy Boucle is within your reach. Step by step instructions will be given and all materials will be provided. Bring your spinning wheel, at least 4 bobbins, a lazy kate, knitty knotty or yarn skeiner, ball winder, small pair of scissors and note taking materials.
Time: 3 hours
Class size limit: 10
Fee: $35.00
Sat: 1-4pm or Sun 8-11am

Camelid Fiber for Insulation
Instructor: Tao Weilundemo
Don’t discard your coarse or short Alpaca or Llama fibers anymore! Camelid fiber is not just warmth for clothing anymore but is a great tool for insulating buildings. Learn how using these fibers in “green building” can cut your electric bills as he shares how they’ve used fiber in their own natural buildings right here in Missouri.
Time: 1 hour
Class size limit: 15
Fee: none
Sun: 10-11am or 1-2pm

Crochet and Felt a Roving Rug
Instructor: Ann Mayes
Crochet a super soft rug from roving. Take it home and felt it in your top loader washing machine. All material furnished in the fee including alpaca/wool blend roving, detailed instructions, net bag for felting and crochet hook.
Time: 2 hours
Class size limit: 15
Fee: $35.00
Sat: 1-3pm or Sun 8-10am

Curls, Curls, Curls
Instructor: Nancy Barnett
Learn to spin a “tail spun” yarn of colorful dyed curls which you can later knit up on large needles to make a novelty scarf. Using a commercial yarn to spin the curls on you will then bind them onto this yarn with a metallic yarn to make a razzle dazzle sort of yarn. Note: If you have a spinning wheel with larger hooks bring that one. Drop spindles are not recommended. You must be able to spin.
Time: 3 hours
Class size limit: 10
Fee: $25.00
Sat: 9am-noon or Sun 11am-3pm w/lunch break

Dye your “buns”
Instructor: Liz Mitchko
Learn how to create colorful cinnamon-bun like creations from your roving or yarns with acid dyes and items found in just about any kitchen. We’ll dye both roving and yarn samplers for you to take home along with instructional handout. Students should wear clothes appropriate for dyeing or bring an apron and a pair of dishwashing gloves.
Time: 2 hours
Class size limit: 12
Fee: $20.00
Sat: 10am-noon or Sun: 10am - noon

Felting with the Electric ‘Feltloom’
Instructor: Janice Robinson
You will create approximately a 24”x30” one of a kind felted fabric. This can be made into a purse, wall hanging, ipad/ipod cover, vest fronts, etc. You will have a selection of backing from polar fleece thru fabric. The primary fleece will be alpaca with other fibers available as embellishments. Although you will be working on the felt loom, the same techniques would apply to single needle or multiple needle hand needle felting. Let your creative side explore.
Time: 2 hours
Class size limit: 10
Fee: $25.00
Sat: 1-3pm or Sun: 8-10am

Fine Felted Nuno Scarf
Instructor: Bonnie Ahrens
This class involves the bonding of fine wool to a woven fabric The amount of wool used and the type of woven fabric will determine the texture, weight and suppleness of the finished product; resulting in a very sheer, supple accessory. You can bring small bits of lightweight fabric (fine laces, sheer open weave, chiffon, etc.) glitz and/or woolen yarns to be added for embellishment if you wish. Students need to bring cheap plastic drop cloth, bath towel, Soap & Shaker bottle (Ivory or Dawn Dish Soap or your favorite) bubble wrap for rolling (12” x 7’ minimum) small bubbles not a swimming pool cover- you can get bubble wrap at Wal-Mart or office supply stores. Silk fabric and merino wool provided
Time: 4 hours
Class size limit: 10
Fee: $40.00
Sun 10am-3pm w/ lunch break

Fingerwoven Fourth Forever!
Instructor: Susan Wilson
By the time you take this class the 4th will have passed, but there are other holidays when you can show your patriotic spirit. Get ready for the festivities by fingerweaving this scarf in the Chevron weave. Fingerweaving is the American Indian art of weaving without a loom-no needles, no hooks, just your fingers. The Chevron weave is one I have not taught at Fiber “U” before. This weave creates a series of concentric red, white and blue “V”’s. We will be using an original pattern, original instructional booklet and wool yarn dyed with natural dyes. Everything is included.
Time: 3 hours
Class size limit: 10
Fee: $20.00
Sat: 9am-noon or Sun: 11am-3pm w/ lunch break

Fly Tying with Fiber
Instructors: MO Trout Fisherman Assoc. KC Chapter
Learn the basics of making your own fishing flies with fiber and other material. This is truly an art and you’ll make them and take them home to use!
Time: 1 hour
Class size limit: 8
Fee: none
Sat: 9-10am, 11am-noon or 1-2pm or Sun: 9-10am or 11am-noon

How to Get the Best from your Harvested Fiber
Instructor: Gail White
What the producer needs to know to get the best from their harvested fiber. We will discuss what needs to be done to the animal and fiber from the farm to the mill. Videos of running mill equipment and discussion of what happens to your fiber on each piece. Students will take home samples of fiber and yarn- good, bad and problem fibers and a CD of the class for reference. Students should bring pen and paper to take notes.
Time: 3 hours
Class size limit: 20
Fee: $25.00
Sat: 1-4pm or Sun 8-11am

Intermediate Crochet
Instructor: Judy Allread
Learn how to read charts, work with thread rather than yarns to make intricate patterns from doilies to tablecloths, christening gowns and more! Crochet hook and thread provided.
Time: 2 hours
Class size limit: 10
Fee: $20.00
Sat: 1-3pm

Knit Like the Irish
Instructor: Daryl Bergman
Everyone loves Irish/Fishermen knit sweaters. Come learn the technique used to create these masterpieces. Students will learn to knit a scarf using a Saxon Knot pattern. Instructor will provide yarn, knitting needles, hook and pattern.
Time: 2 hours
Class size limit: 20
Fee: $15.00
Sat: 1-3pm or Sun: 8-10am

Knitting on the ‘Net
Instructor: Tammy Eastburn
With all the knitting information on the internet, it can be overwhelming to keep track of everything. In the first hour, you’ll learn the in’s and out’s of Ravelry, lesser known tips for finding and purchasing yarns on Destash, how to keep up with your favorite blogs, and how to organize and store your electronic patterns and other documents. In addition, you’ll learn about helpful apps for your mobile devices, and how to navigate online shopping sites like Etsy and Big Cartel. In the second hour, we’ll discuss how to maximize social networking opportunities such as Ravelry, Facebook, Twitter, Plurk and podcasts for marketing your own products and designs, as well as inexpensive ways to start your own blog or website. We’ll also compare the pros and cons of the different options you have for setting up your own online shop. This class is not only for small business owners but for anyone who is interested in utilizing technology for their fiber addiction. Students will receive a detailed handout summarizing the class.
Time: 2 hours
Class size limit: 12
Fee: $15.00
Sat: 10am-noon or Sun: 8am-10am

Knitting Socks Two at a Time
Instructor: Tammy Eastburn
Do you suffer from DSSS, otherwise known as Dreaded Second Sock Syndrome? Find the cure by learning to knit both socks at once! This is an advanced class. Students must be familiar with sock construction. Students will learn the Magic Loop technique of knitting socks, dividing a single skein of sock yarn to make matching socks, and knitting two socks at the same time. Students should bring a 40” circular needle size 0-2.5mm, and 400 yards of fingering weight yarn to start a pair of socks. Additional supplies: scissors, locking stitch marker or safety pin, tapestry needle, and tape measure. A detailed handout is provided.
Time: 4 hours
Class size limit: 6
Fee: $30.00
Sat: 1-5pm

Knitting with Art Yarn
Instructor: Christine Long Derks
Create a fabulous and fun hat while learning techniques for knitting with coils art yarn! Students learn three techniques for knitting with various art and textured yarn. Pattern, art yarn and a booklet with additional pattern ideas is yours to take home.
Time: 3 hours
Class size limit: 15
Fee: $30.00
Sat: 1-4pm or Sun 9am-noon

Knitting with Beads!
Instructor: Dawn Flickinger
Learn to add the “wow factor” to your knitted items. You will learn two techniques to add beads and other holey item to your projects. Basic knitting knowledge is helpful. Students receive 220 yards of yarn, beads pattern, hooks, needles and a container.
Time: 2 hours
Class size limit: 15
Fee: $35.00
Sat: 10am-noon or Sun 1-3pm

Knooking Knacks
Instructor: Kay McCoy
Learn to use a crochet hook to knit. Great for those who love to crochet but aren’t thrilled with knitting needles. Knitters will find it amazing for cables and knitting in the round as well. Class will focus on basic knit and purl and students will take home a Knooking Starter Kit. Basic crochet or knitting skills are a plus.
Time: 3 hours
Class size limit: 6
Fee: $15.00
Sat: 1-4pm or Sun: 9am-noon

Make Your Own Lace- Beginning Needle Tatting
Instructor: Marian Bounds
Learn the basics of tatting lace using a needle instead of a shuttle-the results are the same, just the tools are different! Students will learn the basic double-stitch, picots, loops, and chains via making flowers, a bookmark, and a sachet cover, all which will be started in class and can then be completed at home. Students will also get a beginning lesson on reading tatting patterns. Material provided include a #5 needle, thread for the three projects, an instruction leaflet, and a pattern for learning to read tatting patterns.
Time: 3 hours
Class size limit: 12
Fee: $25.00
Sat: 9am-noon or Sun: 8-11am

Natural Dye “Makings”
Instructor: Jerry Wilson
Six locally available natural dyes will be identified and their use discussed. Students will receive syllabus and small samples of the color available from these dyes and take home a sample of a dye or two to try at home. Common “exotic” dyes will also be discussed. These exotic dyes are not available in our area but are grown usually in warmer latitudes.
Time: 2 hours
Class size limit: 10
Fee: $25.00
Sat: 10am-noon or Sun: 8-10am

No Right Way to Knit
Instructor: Janet Wray
There is more than one way to knit. Continental, English (Throw), Portuguese, Andean, Shetland, etc. so there is something for everyone. Each will be demonstrated, then folks can try any or all. For those who don’t know how to knit, this will provide an opportunity to find which works for you and instruction will be provided. Bring a size 8 straight needle. There will be some needles available if you are unable to bring one. Yarn will be provided along with written and illustrated information.
Time: 2 hours
Class size limit: 8
Fee: $10.00
Sun: 1-3pm

Rags to Rugs with a Twining Frame
Instructor: DeAnna Neale
Learn to use a twining board (a simple loom) to create placemats and rugs. Twining is a weaving technique which totally encloses the warp string/thread. It’s a great way to use up old or ugly fabric! This is a beginner weaver class but all are welcome. We will be working with a placemat size loom and old sheets, pillowcases, T-shirts, etc. Materials to make your first placemat are provided along with a loom you get to take home to keep and make more! Written instructions will also be provided. Please bring scissors and about 6 large rubber bands.
Time: 3 hours
Class size limit: 12
Fee: $40.00
Sat: 9am-noon or Sun: 10am-2pm (w/lunch break)

Sorting and Grading Alpaca Fiber-Why?
Instructor: Jeanette Campbell
This is an introduction to making the most of your annual clip. Learn about fiber structure, histograms, assessing your fleece and why and how to sort and grade. This will be a “hands-on” class. Participants may bring a fleece to sort and grade.
Time: 3 hours
Class size limit: 10
Fee: none
Sat: 9-noon or Sun 8-11am

Spinner’s Basket
Instructor: Barbara Johnson
The Spinner’s Basket has been developed especially with Fiber “U” participants in mind. This handy and unique reed basket has a long shaker type handle, so you can hang it across your body to hold your fiber while you spin, weave, knit or crochet. The handle length can be altered to suit your needs – long to carry across your chest, shorter for a shoulder basket, and shorter still for a purse, tote or to hang from a chair. Size is approx. 4” wide x 8” long x 8” deep.
Time: 3 hours
Class size limit: 12
Fee: $30.00
Sat: 9am-12 or Sat: 1-4pm

Spinning Woolen & Worsted Yarn
Instructor: Darlene Megli
This is a class for intermediate spinners. If you can spin a basic yarn, you are now ready to learn how to take more control of what you spin. Learn to prepare the fiber and spin the yarn that you want for your project. You will learn the difference between woolen and worsted, how the fibers are prepared, how they are spun and the best type of fleece to use for each one. We will also discuss the most appropriate end use of the yarn you’ve spun. You will need a spinning wheel in good working order and the usual- oil, hand cards, flick carder, lap cloth. You will learn how to Andean ply, or to ply from a center pull ball so you will only need the one bobbin. You will be provided all fibers for spinning and cards to put your finished samples on.
Time: 4 hours
Class size limit: 12
Fee: $45.00
Sat: 8am- noon

Suri Fiber Secrets from the Fiber Mill
Instructor: Shawn Malloy
Having trouble finding a mill to properly process your Suri alpaca or llama fiber to bring out its unique properties? Learn right from a mill owner what questions to ask of mills when researching where to send it from equipment size to ability to blend with complimentary fibers. A must take class for the Suri fiber enthusiast.
Time: 2 hours
Class size limit: 15
Fee: None
Sun: 8-10am

Triangle Loom Weaving
Instructor: Carol Leigh Brack-Kaiser
Learn continuous strand weaving method on a triangle, square and/or rectangle loom. You will be using small mini-models in class so that you’ll be able to complete a small project in class. Loom rental and yarns provided in fee.
Time: 4 hours
Class size limit: 15
Fee: $30.00
Sat: 1-5pm

Weaving on the “New” Pot-Holder Loom
Instructor: Donna McFarland
Students will learn to weave a square, triangle and rectangle on the pot-holder loom. Students will make a small bag to take home. In addition, discussions, demonstrations resources and pictures will be discussed for future project ideas. Other techniques will be taught such as assembling pieces and special weaving techniques. Looms provided for use in class along with yarns. Class participants can apply class fee toward loom purchase.
Time: 4 hours
Class size limit: 12
Fee: $15.00
Sat: 1-5pm

Wild & Wacky Wet Felting (without the mess!)
Instructor: Stacy Heydt
Learn the basics of felting by creating your own unique business card holder. You will be amazed at your results and how easy this process can be! Our NO MESS technique makes felting quick, easy and fun. Techniques learned can be used in larger felting projects making the possibilities endless.
Time: 1 hour
Class size limit: 20
Fee: $25.00
Sat: 4-5pm or Sun 1-2pm

Wonders of Wools
Instructor: Elyse Hargis
Have you ever heard of other breeds of sheep and wondered what these wools are like? What are these wools best used for? Come join us for this class. Let’s think out of the “box” that we sometimes get ourselves into. Sometimes we are afraid to spend the money or to venture out into and “unknown” breed (to us). We will explore other lesser known breeds and discuss the pros and cons of each and their best uses for them spending time spinning and felting with them to see if we might develop a “new” fleece we love to spin or felt. We will look into breeds as Wensleydale, Cotswold, Karakul, CVM and others. If you have a type of wool that you would like to try, please let me know and I will try and procure it if there’s enough time before the class. Bring your spinning wheel- there will time to spin some of these up. If you don’t have one, you can still enjoy learning about these breeds. Fiber samples will be provided for taking home to finish a project.
Time: 4 hours
Class size limit: 12
Fee $55.00
Sat: 8am-noon