EXPANDING OUR TEXTILE HORIZONS

JUNE 5 - 10, 2015
SUMMER CONFERENCE AND SEMINARS:
FRIDAY, JUNE 5 - SUNDAY, JUNE 7
SUMMER WORKSHOPS:
MONDAY, JUNE 8 - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10
www.mlhguild.org
HOPE COLLEGE | HOLLAND, MI
EXPANDING OUR
TEXTILE HORIZONS
2015 MICHIGAN LEAGUE OF HANDWEAVERS
SUMMER CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, AND WORKSHOPS
The Michigan League of Handweavers invites you to attend its biennial conference and
workshops: MLH 2015: Expanding Our Textile Horizons. The theme is intended to encourage
each of us to step beyond our artistic comfort zones, either by exploring a new technique
or developing new ways of using those skills we have already perfected. Whether you are a
beginner or an expert, the goal is to encourage you to raise your skill level, increase the quality of
your work, explore new creative ideas, and share with other fiber artists. Join us as we continue
walking our own fiber pathways.
“A LONGING FOR EXCITEMENT CAN BE SATISFIED WITHOUT
EXTERNAL MEANS; FOR CREATING IS THE MOST INTENSE
EXCITEMENT ONE CAN COME TO KNOW.”
ANNI ALBERS
DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS OPPORTUNITY!
Workshops
Seminars
Keynote Speaker
Fashion and Accessories Show and Exhibit
Fiber Art Exhibit
Functional Fiber Exhibit
Guild Exhibits
Instructor Exhibits
Special Interest Groups
Vendors
Internationally Known Fiber Teachers
SUMMER 2015
1
2015 WORKSHOPS AND CONFERENCE COMMITTEES
WORKSHOP AND SEMINAR INSTRUCTORS
Juliane Anderson
STEERING COMMITTEE
JoAnn Bachelder
Margaret Jager - Chairperson, President
Sharon Costello
Madeline Navarro - Workshops and Seminars, Vice-President
Mary Sue Fenner
Sue Vegter - Registrar
Karen Hoekstra
Daryl Webster - Treasurer
Susie Krage
Theresa Henderson, Cindy Greenfelder - Website, Social Media
Kate Larson
Jean Hosford - Secretary
Priscilla Lynch
Karen Folland - Learning Grants
Rebecca Mezoff
Jennifer Gould - Membership
Chiaki O’Brien
Heather Roden - Hope College
Cheryl Rezendes
Amy Tyler
Kathrin Weber
Sadelle Wiltshire
THE CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
FRIDAY, JUNE 5
At approximately 2:00 p.m. vendor booths will be open and guild and fiber exhibits will be
set up.
Participants will be moving into Cook Dormitory or the Haworth Center.
In the evening, the Conference kicks off with the Fashion Show and the Dessert Buffet
that follows it.
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
The quarterly MLH Board meeting will be held during breakfast.
Whole and half-day seminar sessions will be held during the day.
Vendors and exhibits will be open during the day.
The MLH Annual Meeting will be held in the evening, followed by the Keynote Address
by Cheryl Rezendes at 7:30 p.m. and the presentation of awards to winners of the
fiber exhibits.
SUNDAY, JUNE 7
Whole and half day seminar sessions will be held during the day.
Vendors and exhibits will be open until after the lunch hour.
Exhibitors will be able to pick up their entries in the afternoon.
THE CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
MONDAY, JUNE 8, THROUGH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10
Eight three-day workshops are scheduled for this time.
Instructors’ presentations will be Monday evening
Classrooms will be open for participant viewing Tuesday evening.
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MICHIGAN LEAGUE OF HANDWEAVERS
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOPS
DESSERT AND FASHION SHOW
Please join us on Friday evening, June 5, in the Graves Auditorium for our Dessert and Fashion Show. This is the
official beginning for this year’s Conference. You may register online for tickets to this event for $18 when you register
for classes. Tickets will also be available at the door for $20.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Cheryl Rezendes will be our keynote speaker on Saturday, June 6, at 7:30 PM in Graves Auditorium. Her speech will
be followed by the presentation of awards to the winners of the MLH fiber exhibits and a reception.
MLH BOARD MEETING
Guild representatives, officers, and chairs of committees are asked to attend this quarterly board meeting, but all
are welcome. At the Board Meeting you will hear committee reports and discussion on projects and issues involving
MLH. During the year we report back to the membership through guild representatives and the newsletter, but
here you can see firsthand the inner workings of your organization. Our MLH Breakfast Board Meeting is Saturday
morning, June 6, at 7:15 AM. in a designated area of the Phelps Cafeteria.
MLH ANNUAL MEETING
At the annual meeting, members vote for officers, changes to our by-laws, and listen to year-end committee reports.
A new vice-president will be elected this year. The MLH Annual Meeting is Saturday, June 6, at 6:30 PM in Graves
Auditorium. It will be followed immediately by the Keynote speaker at 7:30 PM. Awards will be presented for the
MLH Exhibits at the end of the Keynote address. A reception will end the evening’s activities.
GUILD EXHIBITS
Each MLH participating guild and their members are encouraged to enter the Guild Exhibits (non-juried). These
displays show our audience the extent of the various fiber talents of our members. For those members feeling they are
not in a guild large enough to participate, or for MLH members not belonging to a local guild, please know there is
exhibit space for your entries as well.
JURIED EXHIBITS
There are four MLH exhibits judged for prizes: Fashion (garments), Fashion Accessories, Fiber Art, and Functional
Fiber. Detailed information regarding these exhibits and entry forms are on the MLH website: mlhguild.org.
VENDORS
Yarn, threads, ribbons, fabric, dyes, beads, embellishments, roving, equipment, tools, books, and more are here to
tempt you. Vendors will be open Friday: 2 P.M. to 6:30 P.M.; Saturday: 10:00 A.M. to 6:30 P.M.; and Sunday: 10:00
A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
The public is welcome to visit the MLH Exhibits, Vendor Hall, Workshop Walk Around, Board Meetings, and Keynote
Address at no charge. All other events require a paid admission.
SUMMER 2015
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GENERAL INFORMATION
REGISTRATION PROCEDURES
All registration will be done on line. When you start the registration process, you will be registering directly with Hope
College. This will give you more flexibility and more choices than in previous years. Fees may be paid via credit card
or personal check. Registration is complete when payment is received. Registrants will receive email confirmation after
registration is complete.
Because registration is done on line, and because you will have created a password when you register which will let you
modify your choices, changes may be made without penalty to your class registration until April 15 and your housing
until May 15. Refunds will be prorated for class registration after April 15. There will be no refunds after May 15.
Registration will begin February 1, 2015. After April 15, registrations will be accepted on a space-available basis. (While
there is not a penalty for late registrations, it is extremely helpful to the Steering Committee to have registration
commitments early for planning purposes.)
All registrations this year will be on-line through the web site: mlhguild.org. You may still send a check for payment to
the MLH treasurer (Daryl Webster, 6606 Mathison Road S, Traverse City, MI 49686) if you are uncomfortable with
on-line payment. If you have questions about registration you may contact Sue Vegter at [email protected] or
616-990-0429.
Classes will be filled in the order of receipt of application.
Additional information will be emailed to participants by mid-May
including details about classes, seminars, dormitory and roommate information, workshop/seminar instructor’s class
instructions, and directions to the college.
MEMBERSHIP
You must be a member of MLH to attend the conference sectionals and workshops. You may include your
membership payment in your registration. Dues are $20.00 for one year, $37.00 for two years.
(The MLH membership year runs from September 1 to August 31, just as its fiscal year does. All memberships are up
for renewal on September 1 of each year.)
FEES /TUITION COSTS
Seminar fees are determined by the length of each session. Half-day sessions are $50; whole-day sessions are $100;
the two-day session is $200.
The fee for the three-day workshop sessions is $290.
LEARNING GRANTS
MLH gives several learning grants each year. Details and application information are on the MLH website.
HOUSING
Dormitory-style housing is available in Cook Hall. Hotel-style housing on a more limited basis is available at the
adjacent Haworth Inn.
Cook Hall is set up in suites with two 2-bed rooms connected by a bathroom area. Each suite holds up to four people.
A registrant may choose to stay with a roommate in half a suite, or she/he may stay in half a suite all by herself/himself.
She/he may also choose to reserve the whole suite. Costs for each are prorated by the amount of room reserved. No
meals come with dorm registration, and meals need to be arranged for separately when registering.
Breakfast comes with registration in the Haworth Inn, but other meals will need to be reserved at the dining room.
Both housing locations are within a couple blocks of the buildings where classes will be held.
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MICHIGAN LEAGUE OF HANDWEAVERS
GENERAL INFORMATION CONT.
CHECK IN /CHECK OUT PROCEDURES
The front lobby of Cook Hall serves as the “Information Center” for the conference. Check there for announcements,
lost and found items, or other information.
Check-in both for housing and classes is also in Cook Hall. (Temporary parking in front of Cook Hall is available while
checking in. The only entrance to Cook Hall is on 10th Street.)
Conference and Seminar Registration:
Friday, June 5, 1:00 to 6:00 and after the Fashion Show until 10:00 PM
Saturday, June 6, 7:30 to 8:00 AM
Sunday, June 7, 7:30 to 8:00 AM
Workshop Registration:
Sunday, June 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Monday, June 6, 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM
Those leaving the Conference and Workshops should have checked out by 1:30 p.m. on the day they are leaving.
Meals:
Registrants will be able to sign up in advance for precisely those meals, including Sunday night supper, which they
intend to eat in the newly renovated Phelps Dining Hall. This gives us
ultimate flexibility! In addition, individual meals may be purchased in the cafeteria, but this is more expensive than
planning ahead.
The meal card also provides access to the college swimming pool and recreation facility.
Several restaurants and coffee shops are within walking distance of the college for those who want a break from
college-style food. Hope College is an alcohol free campus. We ask you to respect this.
What to Bring:
It is suggested you bring a sweater or jacket, and an extra blanket as the rooms can be quite cool. You might also
want to include hangers, an umbrella, your own pillow, an alarm clock, a portable lamp for reading at night, soap and
shampoo, and a hair dryer. (Two sheets, a pillowcase, a pillow, a blanket, two towels, and two washcloths per person will
be provided.)
Key Replacement Fees:
Room keys and building access keys cost $25 each if they are lost. Meal card replacement cost is $5.00. Please keep
the envelope containing the keys. We are charged for missing envelopes. All keys/cards/envelopes must be returned
to the college in the same condition in which they are received.
Overnight Parking:
The City of Holland does not allow overnight on-street parking. You may park in any of the College’s parking lots
overnight.
Emergency Phone Number:
Should you need to be contacted in case of an emergency, the college switchboard number is 616.395.7000.
Maps:
Maps of Hope College and Downtown Holland will be available at the information desk in Cook Hall.
REGISTRATION QUESTIONS
Feel free to contact Sue Vegter ([email protected]) 616.786.3441 or 616.990.0429
SUMMER 2015
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2015 MLH SCHEDULE FOR SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS
SEMINARS (SATURDAY, JUNE 6, AND SUNDAY, JUNE 7)
Two Day Seminar (Both Saturday and Sunday, 8:30-11:30 / 1:30-4:40)
300
Kathrin Weber
Not Your Grandma’s Dye-Pot!
All Day Saturday Seminars (8:30-11:30 / 1:30-4:30)
101
Rebecca Mezoff
An Introduction to Tapestry Weaving
102
Amy Tyler
Spinning with Silk Hankies
103
Susie Krage
Think It; Print It
104
Sadelle Wiltshire
Tapestry Weaving on an Inkle Loom
105
Chiaki O’Brien
Weaving on a Saori Loom
106
Karen Hoekstra
Creating Fiber Art with Overlaid Materials and the
Sewing Machine
Saturday Morning (8:30-11:30)
110
Kate Larson
Dorset Buttons: A Needlework Tradition
111
Mary Sue Fenner
A Fashion and Fabric Store Showcase
112
Cheryl Rezendes
Gelli Mono Prints
113
Priscilla Lynch
Painting with Wool
Saturday Afternoon (1:30-4:30)
120
JoAnn Bachelder
121
Sharon Costello
122
Kate Larson
Diaper: Noun, Verb, or Adjective
Embed and Embellish
Creative Focus: Building a Spinner’s Idea Notebook
All Day Sunday Seminars (8:30-11:30 / 1:30-4:30)
201
Cheryl Rezendes
Hand Painted Fat Quarters
202
Sharon Costello
Go-Felt-a-Fish
203
Rebecca Mezoff
The Mobile Tapestry Weaver: Weaving on a Hokett loom
204
Kate Larson
Spinning the Three Leicesters
205
Amy Tyler
Spinning and Knitting Goat Fibers
206
Susie Krage
Transforming Fabric
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Sunday Morning (8:30-11:30)
210
JoAnn Batchelder
211
Juliane Anderson
212
Sadelle Wiltshire
213
Chiaki O’Brien
Dimity: From the 15th Century to the New Millenium
Freeform Knitting
Discover Zentangle®
Using Bengalia Dyes
Sunday Afternoon (1:30-4:30)
220
Mary Sue Fenner
221
Sadelle Wiltshire
222
Chiaki O’Brien
Using Your Serger Creatively and Effectively
Tangled Pendants
An Introduction to Saori Weaving
MICHIGAN LEAGUE OF HANDWEAVERS
2015 MLH SCHEDULE FOR SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS
WORKSHOPS
MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY (JUNE 8, 9, 10)
501
502
503
504
505
506
507
508
JoAnn Bachelder
Mary Sue Fenner
Cheryl Rezendes
Sharon Costello
Sadelle Wiltshire
Rebecca Mezoff
Kate Larson
Kathrin Weber
Towels: A Gamp that Transcends Tradition
Creating a Jacket: Sewing for All Fiber Artists
Unconventional Silk Screen Printing on Fabric
Illuminating Ideas in Felt
Handwoven Tapestry Jewelry
Predicting the Unpredictable: Color in Tapestry
Spinning Nordic Wools
Focus on the Warp: Controlling Creative Chaos
SUMMER 2015
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SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS
TWO DAY SEMINAR (BOTH SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, 8:30-11:30 AND 1:30-4:30)
300 Not Your Grandma’s Dye-Pot!
Kathrin Weber
Class limit: 12
Skill level: Appropriate for all Materials fee: $25 dye kit/per student plus handouts. Students will have sufficient dye to use
in the dye workshop as well as dye for future projects.
The goal for this workshop is to learn the basics of dyeing: dyeing safely, traditional as well as non-traditional application
of dyes, and processes needed to set the dyes for color fastness. Beyond that, students will learn to dye with personal
fearlessness and intention. Students will learn fundamentals for dye application to produce one-of-a-kind, technically
sound and colorfast hand-dyed cotton yarn and fabric. This is not a “recipe” class. Using 7 hues of Fiber Reactive MX
dyes, students will begin to develop insight into the essence of color that allows them to blend, shade and produce a full
spectrum of color. Students will learn techniques for space-dyeing skeins and warps including resist dyeing yarn and fabric,
how to use dyes safely, and how to set up a basic dye kitchen. This is an approachable dye class particularly good for
people who want to dye as if they are painting--not as a chemist in a lab. Although the instructor will bring a few simple
recipes, this is not a “recipe” class. We approach the dyeing process with a spirit of experimentation and creative license
while learning technical aspects that make cotton yarn vibrant and colorfast. My intention for students is to leave the class
being able to understand the dynamics of dye and what colors are made of. That will allow them to dye without recipes – as
a musician plays by ear or a watercolorist paints from knowledge of color and blending. This is a dye class for fiber artists
who approach (or would like to approach) dyeing with confidence in using color intentionally and effectively.
Students should bring cotton yarns of their choice to dye. (Up to 6 warps or skeins of the size you enjoy working with.) Dust
mask (paper will do unless you are especially sensitive), rubber gloves, measuring cups, measuring spoons (never to be used
in food preparation again), metal or plastic kitchen whip (as used to beat up eggs), spray bottle, a few plastic containers
(large yogurt or deli quart size), several inch stack of newspaper to absorb dye (mandatory), plastic garbage bags to take
wet yarn home. Notebook for handouts and personal notes, plastic sleeves for pages in notebook to hold samples and to
keep paperwork dry, dye apron or old clothes. When possible, stick with clear or white tools. Colorful bowls confuse the eye
when dyeing.
Teacher will bring dyes, soda ash, personal dye kits, handouts in dye safety and use. Optional: I will bring pre-wound and
scoured warps students may purchase instead of providing their own or in addition to their own. (8/2 unmercerized cotton
warps 4.5 yards/400 threads $30 each.) Please alert me 2 or more weeks before the scheduled class for warps to dye.
WHOLE DAY SEMINARS (SATURDAY, 8:30-11:30 AND 1:30-4:30)
101 An Introduction to Tapestry
Rebecca Mezoff
Class limit: 12
Skill level: Absolute beginners
Materials fee: $15
Ever want to try tapestry weaving but weren’t sure you were really going to like it and didn’t want to buy new equipment
until you were sure? In this one-day class we will explore all your basic questions about tapestry weaving. The morning
presentation and discussion will be about tapestry weaving as a practice, what it entails, what looms work for tapestry, and
warp and weft yarns to consider. We will look at examples of tapestries and talk about how to use this medium for creative
expression. In the afternoon we will try some beginning tapestry techniques, look at ways to warp various looms, and learn
why certain looms are great for this weave structure and others are not so good. This class is intended for people who have
no experience with tapestry weaving. Rebecca will bring some small looms to borrow and a Mirrix you can try. If you have a
portable loom of some kind, please bring it!
Participants should bring note taking materials and an open mind. Weaving tapestry is a lot of fun.
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MICHIGAN LEAGUE OF HANDWEAVERS
SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS
102 Spinning with Silk Hankies
Amy Tyler
Class limit: 12
Skill level: Intermediate spinning skills
Materials fee: $15
Silk hankies are a “mawata” silk that consist of very thin layers of silk squares. We will learn strategies for preparing these
hankies for spinning, and then we will spin them using various strategies, including Navajo plying. We will cover strategies
for making your hands smooth to minimize snagging of silk on your hands, and various uses of silk hankies and yarns spun
from them.
Participants should bring a spinning wheel in good working order and the equipment needed for using it.
The instructor will provide samples for examination, fibers for spinning, and a notebook with handouts
103 Think It; Print It
Susie Krage
Class limit: 12
Skill level: Appropriate for all
Materials fee: $15
This class is geared for success, even for those with little experience. Improvisational printing on fabric is fast and fun. Once
printed, we will enhance the design with personal mark making using water soluble media such as pastels, charcoal, and
color briques. No two people make marks in the same way, so each piece is unique to its maker. The last step will be to seal
the finished work to make it permanent. The finished piece will have a layered and complex look.
104 Tapestry Weaving on an Inkle Loom: An Introduction to Miniature Tapestry Techniques
Sadelle Wiltshire
Class limit: 12
Skill level: Students should be able to warp an inkle loom
Materials fee: $15
Don’t have time for a full-blown tapestry weaving project? Perhaps you just like to work in small scale? This is a great way
to learn some basic tapestry techniques and how to adapt a simple inkle loom for tapestry. With this technique, you can
easily do a whole series of miniature projects, all on the same continuous warp. You can make jewelry pendants, pouches or
miniature tapestries for mounting on your wall! This is a great class for using small bits of handspun! It is fun and easy
weaving!
Students should bring an Inkle loom, various weights and colors of wool yarns, including a neutral color rug warp yarn. Also
bring tools including scissors, tapestry needles, small tapestry shuttles if available.
The instructor will provide graph paper, colored pencils, pipe cleaners.
SUMMER 2015
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SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS
105 Weaving on a Saori Loom
Chiaki O’Brien
Class limit: 9
Skill level: Appropriate for everyone
Materials fee: $30
SAORI is very different from traditional weaving: placing more importance on free expression and creativity than on
technical skills or the regularity of the woven cloth. This is a therapeutic/healing weaving technique. Students in this
class will relax, enjoy, explore, and develop positive thinking through weaving. Even though there are only two harnesses,
students can still enjoy weaving with many colors, textures and utilizing the inherent sense of exploration we all possess!
Students will be amazed how much they can do with two harnesses. The warp will be set for students, so they can start
weaving right away. Students will take home whatever length they weave.
We always try to do what only human beings can do, without imitating machine-made products. No two weavers are alike,
so it is very natural that every single cloth, freely woven by people with different personalities, is beautiful in a unique
way. Irregular selvages and accidental skips of thread add to the unprogramed beauty of SAORI cloths. We admire this
irregularity as the unintentional beauty resulting from our natural creativity.
Students should bring: Nothing is needed, though if students have materials that they would like to use for a project such as
home spun yarn, ribbon, your own animals’ fleece…. That is welcome.
106 Creating Fiber Art with Overlaid Materials and the Sewing Machine
Karen Hoekstra
Class limit: 12
Skill level: Appropriate for all
Materials fee: $10
Karen’s art might fall in the genre of embellished art quilt work, but what she creates are pieces that are unique in both
technique and presentation. Participants will learn and practice some of the techniques used to create depth and design
sophistication on a pieced fabric base. After an introduction and demonstration of these techniques, participants will play
with fabric collages that they will quickly create in the class. By the end of the day, they will have a new appreciation for
fabric embellishment, and they will have practiced some new techniques on which to build their own artistic work.
Karen will bring a variety of quilt-type fabrics, fusible web, and muslin backing for this class. She will also provide sheer
and semi-transparent overlay fabrics in a variety of colors, additional threads, and other embellishments.
Each participant needs a sewing machine on which the feed-dogs can be lowered, and the implements traditionally
used in machine sewing: bobbins, scissors, extra needles, etc. The sewing machine also needs a free-motion or darningtype foot for this type of freeform sewing. Participants should bring a variety of sewing machine threads in a variety of
colors and in both light and dark values. Participants who already have them should bring rotary cutters and cutting mats.
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MICHIGAN LEAGUE OF HANDWEAVERS
SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS
SATURDAY MORNING SEMINARS (8:30-11:30)
110 Dorset Buttons: A Needlework Tradition
Kate Larson
Class limit: 14
Skill level: Appropriate for all (Needlework skills unnecessary!)
Materials fee: $5.00
Soft, handmade buttons made from linen thread and bits of cloth were made in Dorset, England, as early as the beginning
of the seventeenth-century. Come learn about the history of these special buttons, how they were traditionally made, and
how we can adapt these buttons for very modern uses. Starting with Blandford Cartwheels, you will learn to make several
ring-style, thread-wound buttons.
All equipment and materials necessary will be supplied during the workshop.
111 A Fashion and Fabric Store Showcase
Mary Sue Fenner
Class limit: 10
Skill level: Appropriate for all
Materials fee: none
This class begins with a trunk show in the classroom featuring many jackets sewn by Mary Sue using materials in unusual
and creative ways. Students may try on garments and make shopping lists. Then the class moves to Field’s Fabrics.
Fabric stores are full of materials designed to start the fiber artist’s creative juices flowing. However, few of usrealize what
treasures the fabric store holds. This seminar will include an in-depth visit to a fabric store where Mary Sue will discuss the
suitability of fabrics and interfacings and embellishments for all kinds of applications.
Students may wish to bring note taking materials or cameras to capture ideas.
112 Gelli Mono Prints
Cheryl Rezendes
Class limit: $12
Skill level: Appropriate for all
Materials fee: To be determined
If you already love monotype printing, you’ll be star struck by this wonderful new technique called gelatin printing! Whether
you make your own plate using a basic ingredient from your pantry or purchase the new Gelli Arts Printing plate you’ll
have fun creating monotype prints that have just a little bit something extra. The gelatin plate allows the paint to stay wet
longer, giving you more time to create amazingly detailed one of a kind prints. What’s more, painting and drawing skills are
not required. In monotype printing the printing plate itself is blank. You create the imagery by adding and removing paint
in various ways before laying your fabric down for printing. Once your fabric is removed, the image is gone from the plate.
Additional new prints can be layered on top of the first one giving your work wonderful depth and nuance.
Use your prints to make pillows, napkins, bags and lovely wall hangings.
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SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS
113 Painting with Wool
Priscilla Lynch
Class limit: 12
Skill level: Appropriate for all
Materials fee: $18 (includes pre-felt base, fleece, a variety of fabrics and yarns, felting kit)
Wool, with its ability to absorb intense dye colors is ideal for creating beautiful imagery. By adding soap, water and
agitation to dry wool fleece, a dense non-raveling fabric can be created. In this mini workshop, using a commercial prefelt as a base, we will use dyed wool fleece, thin fabrics and yarns to “paint” a realistic or abstract picture. After wet felting
to create a cohesive and compact felt fabric, you will later be able to embellish the dry fabric with needle felting, machine
and/or hand stitching and beading. The finished size, up to 12” x 15”, can be used as a small wall hanging or table mat or
fashioned into a book cover or small bag.
Priscilla will bring handouts for students. Additional lists of required supplies will be emailed to students later.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON SEMINARS (1:30-4:30)
120 Diaper: Noun, Verb, or Adjective?
JoAnn Bachelder
Class limit: 20
Skill level: Appropriate for all
Materials fee: none
Finding the answer to the question, “What is Diaper?”, has been a quest spanning several years and it will probably continue
for several more. It has led me down paths I never expected to find, let alone, knew existed. We can find the word used in
art, architecture, fashion, embroidery and weaving. Diaper is about cloth and it’s use as well as the structures and patterns
used to create it. Its history gives us clues to the present definition as well as plans for it’s future use. I hope my journey will
both inform and excite weavers to take a second look at what is now considered cloth for babies’ bottoms!”
121 Embed and Embellish: Felt Amulets with Embedded Stones and Beads
Sharon Costello
Class limit: 14
Skill level: Appropriate for all levels
Materials fee: $10
Students will learn to “set” decorative stones and beads directly into a hand made felt base to create stunning one-of-a-kind
jewelry. In class, we will learn the basics by making amulets, but Sharon will also show samples of how the technique can be
used to create bracelets, rings, earrings or ornamentation for any felted object. Bring along a special stone and/or larger
sized beads (or chose from those brought by the instructor). Use merino wool along with silk and other embellishment
fibers to decorate the felt to compliment your stone. If time allows, we will make felted cords to hang the amulets.
Additional decorative seed beads can be stitched on the surface later.
Student supplies: A piece of (small bubble) bubble wrap 12”x 24”, an old towel, small sharp scissors, a bowl or container for
water. Optional: A large decorative stone (preferably flat on one side and no larger than 2.5” x 2”). Larger sized beads (1/4”
to 1/2” diameter) . Seed beads for sewing on the surface later.
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MICHIGAN LEAGUE OF HANDWEAVERS
SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS
122 Creative Focus: Building a Spinner’s Idea Notebook
Kate Larson
Class limit: 14
Skill level: Beginning spinning experience necessary
Materials fee: $15 (includes notebook and supplies)
Spinning is a creative act. In our craft, we push the boundaries of our creativity within the framework of technical know-how.
Whether we are spinning yarns that are traditional or innovative, turning an idea into a reality depends on our ability to
match a set of learned skills with an aesthetic vision. Kate will share with you how she uses a spinner’s creativity notebook to
capture fleeting color combinations and pattern ideas, keeping no-fuss, yet accurate samples while creating a textile. You
will leave with a spinner’s notebook, several of your own color-texture studies, and a new way to capture your creativity.
Participants should bring several hand spindles or a wheel in good working order, and the equipment necessary for its use.
Hand cards will be used in the class, but some will be available in the classroom.
WHOLE DAY SEMINARS (SUNDAY, 8:30-11:30 AND 1:30-4:30)
201 Hand Painted Fat Quarters
Cheryl Rezendes
Class limit: 12
Skill level: Appropriate for all Levels
Materials fee: $7
Hand painting your own personal, one-of-a-kind fat quarters has never been easier! Learn about the incredible possibilities
of textile
paints from using them for embellishment on your favorite commercial fabric to painting the cloth of your dreams. In this
class students will learn to how to paint background watercolor techniques as well as design, cut, and use their own stencils
and stamps to create unique fat quarters that are filled with depth, nuance and personalized imagery. Along the way we’ll
talk about composition, rhythm, scale and how to create your own fat quarter, designer collections. And best of all, no prior
painting or drawing ability is needed.
202 Go-Felt-A-Fish
Sharon Costello
Class limit: 14
Skill level: Appropriate for all
Materials fee: $10
This is a fun, “everything goes” approach to teaching surface design in felt. Students will learn all about creating surface
design in the felting process while creating a one-of-a- kind, three dimensional fiber fish that can be used as a small bag, or
hanging art piece. We will combine wool, shear fabrics, silks and synthetic fibers, designer yarns, wool locks and beads to
create fantasy fish full of texture and shine!. This class includes mostly wet felting techniques. Participants need a large flat
sponge, a large-eye darning needle, a couple old towels, scissors, a large plastic dish pan.
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203 The Mobile Tapestry Weaver: Weaving on a Hokett Loom
Rebecca Mezoff
Class limit: 16
Skill level: Interesting for all levels including beginners
Materials fee: $15
Experience the joys of tapestry on a loom you can put in your shoulder bag and work on at the coffee shop. Some smallformat weavers even use these looms as their primary piece of equipment. Jim Hokett hand-produces all of these beautiful
little looms in his workshop in Magdalena, NM. I will present several ways to warp the loom including using two setts in the
same piece and there will be a variety of weft yarns for you to experiment with. Bring your ideas and a sense of fun and we
will make some great little projects!
Purchase or rental of a Hokett loom recommended for the class. Rebecca will provide kits for sale (approximately $40/
each), you can get them from Jim himself online, or you can rent ($5) a loom for the day.
Participants should bring scissors and note taking materials.
Rebecca will bring warp and weft yarns.
204 Spinning the Three Leicesters
Kate Larson
Class limit: 14
Skill level: Beginning spinning experience necessary
Materials fee: $10
Bluefaced Leicester, Border Leicester, and Leicester Longwool sheep all share a deep history, but have become very
different breeds. Longwool fleeces create versatile yarns that can be used for the finest, lustrous lace or durable,
hardwearing cloth. Kate will share her experiences in raising Leicesters to help you know what to look for in these special
fleeces—and what to avoid. Learn how the breeds developed and diverged, and what types of fiber preparation, spinning
methods, and yarn designs will make these fibers sing. (You’ll find a photo of one of Kate’s sheep on the cover of the
January/February Issue of Spin-Off.)
Participants should bring a spindle or working wheel, extra bobbins, and lazy kate. You will need handcards for this class.
Some handcards will be available to borrow. Optional: Wool combs or mini combs.
205 Spinning and Knitting Goat Fibers
Amy Tyler
Class limit:
Skill level: intermediate spinning skill/ advanced-beginner knitting skill
Materials fee: $20
Mohair! Cashmere! Pygora! From long & lustrous to short & soft, goat fibers make wonderful yarns. This workshop is
a survey class in which we will spin these fibers as well as blends with wool and silk. There will be some discussion of the
animals themselves. We will also knit swatches of commercial mohair and cashmere yarns, and discuss advantages and
challenges of these fibers for knitting. Participants should bring a spinning wheel in good working order, extra bobbins, lazy
kate, and knitting needles of various sizes. The instructor will provide samples for examination, fibers for spinning, yarns for
knitting, notebook with handouts, sundry supplies
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MICHIGAN LEAGUE OF HANDWEAVERS
SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS
206 Transforming Fabric
Susie Krage
Class limit: 12
Skill level: Appropriate for all
Materials fee: $15
In this fast paced class we will transform cloth from plain to stunning! Using a variety of fabrics, stamps, found objects,
printing plates and textile paints, each student will develop a personal collection of fabric with layered imagery. Techniques
will range from simple to complex. The workshop will focus on making samples and experimenting with techniques.
Developing a set of personal stamps will be encouraged. You will be amazed at the things we can “repurpose” for this!
Techniques used are easy, fun, varied, and suitable for layering.
SUNDAY MORNING SEMINARS (8:30-11:30)
210 Dimity: From the 15th Century to the New Millennium
JoAnn Bachelder
Class limit: 20
Skill level: Appropriate for all
Materials fee: none
This lecture is the results of an intensive study of Dimity through drafts culled from old weaving manuscripts. What was it?
How was it woven? How can it be used today? Enjoy samples and suggestions for their use.
Participants may want note taking materials and a camera to record ideas.
211 Freeform Knitting
Juliane Anderson
Class limit: 20
Skill level: Suitable for all knitters
Materials fee: none
Do you run with scissors? Do you eat raw cookie dough? Have you ever wanted to break all the rules? Think “outside the
skein” to create an original, one-of-a-kind knitted fabric. This technique will challenge the limits of your fiber imagination.
There will be nothing pre-planned or organized about your work, and your fabric will be most intriguing and a joy to create.
Bring an open mind. This is a “NO RULES” kind of knitting, other than having knitting experience. Intermediate knitting
skill is required. You must know how to knit, purl, increase, decrease, cast-on, bind-off and have created some pattern
stitches. The more knitting experience you bring with you, the more skills you will be able to draw upon when you freeform.
We’ll cover approaches to creating flat and shaped work. Lots of tips and hints will help you on your journey, as well as
useful knitting techniques.
Bring a selection of yarn in a variety of weights, nothing larger than worsted weight. You can use small amounts, as small as
1 yard. The best choices include wool, silk, metallics, alpaca, llama, light mohairs, and blends of these fibers. You can use
cottons and linens as well, however they can be less forgiving. Textures are wonderful, but we’ll limit the use of them so we
can see exactly what is forming in your work. Avoid acrylic and other synthetics since they are often disappointing. Bring a
selection of sizes including Size 7 or 8 needles (or sizes appropriate for the largest size yarn in your collection). Needles can
be 2 double points, straights or circular, the usual knitting accoutrement such as stitch holders, stitch markers, scissors etc.
You need not go out and buy anything. Challenge yourself to use what you have, even if you’re not sure of the colors you
have. Nothing here is absolute. We’ll use what you bring and we can share if you are open to this. I will bring a large bin of
odds and ends for you to use as well. I don’t want you to pre-plan anything--this is freeform
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212 The Art Zentangle®
Sadelle Wiltshire
Class limit: 15
Skill level: appropriate for all
Materials fee: $15
Discover Zentangle®, an easy to learn, relaxing and intuitive art method using structured patterns. Whether used as a tool
for improving focus, reducing stress or enhancing your creativity, anyone can create beautiful abstract images. Zentangle
is a drawing technique that explores the potential of pattern, line, and positive and negative space. It is a tool for artists and
non-artists alike, due to its beautiful simplicity that incorporates both the stroke of a pen and the state of relaxation. The
goals of Zentangle are to increase focus, relaxation, and encourage deliberate mark-making and invention.
Students will learn the fundamentals of drawing using the Zentangle method with simple materials that are provided, and
gain a new perspective on the magic of pattern. No drawing sklls are needed. If you need reading glasses for close up
work, it is suggested that you bring them.
213 Using Bengala Dyes
Chiaki O’Brien
Class limit: 10
Skill level: Appropriate for all
Materials fee: $15
As a result of being from the soil, Bengala, a mud dye made of iron oxide, is capable of returning
to the soil. There are plant dyes and chemical dyes, but Bengala Mud Dye is a soil, mineral dye.
It does not require hot water or a mordant. In regular water, you dye by kneading the dye into
the fabric. The color holds up against ultra-violate rays, so the sun doesn’t cause it to fade. It is also protected from
deterioration and color changes caused by ultra-violation rays. Bengala is a dye solution that is gentle on people and the
environment as well as being ecologically safe. Bengala Mud Dye is made from components that dissolve in the soil making
for safe disposal. As a result of coming from the soil (and minerals) they characteristically make gentle and warm colors.
There are 12 Bengala dye colors. This is not a soaking dye, so be ready to knead the material!
Students should bring plastic bag(s) to take dyed material home, old towels (bigger is better), and a hand towel for your
hands.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON SEMINARS (1:30-4:30)
220 Using your Serger Effectively and Creatively
Mary Sue Fenner
Class limit: 10
Skill level: must be able to thread and use serger
Materials fee: none
Most of us use our sergers to secure and trim seam allowances. However, there are many other ways to use a serger for
garment construction and embellishment. Mary Sue often uses her serger to create unique surface design. The class
will show you how to push the limits of your machine. The class includes examples of many techniques and creative uses.
Students will make samples of seams suitable for use on handwoven fabrics. Bring handwoven samples if you have them to
try these techniques.
Students should bring a serger, instruction book, thread, scraps of fabrics (all weights, fiber contents), scraps of trims
such as cords, bindings, or ribbons. These will be used to practice a variety of techniques and develop ideas. (Don’t buy
materials for this class; just use your scraps.)
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SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS
221 Tangled Pendants
Sadelle Wiltshire
Class limit: 15
Skill level: appropriate for all
Materials fee: $15
Learn to make your own flat paper pendants using rolls and layered papers with a final layer of specialty paper embelished
using hand-drawn, easy, repetitive patterns, ala the Zentangle® Method. Experiment using different papers, pre-tangled
papers, and extra color, embelishing after the pendants are made.
Materials included - waxed cotton cords for necklaces, some extra beads for accessories, selection of papers, Micron Pen
01, and some colormedia will be available for use.
Participants should bring scissors, ruler, pencil and white eraser, Elmer’s Glue and Glue Stick, and a small brush for applying
glue. In addition, students are invited to bring favorite hand-made or special paper scraps at least 11.5 inches long and
favorite color media such as gel pens.
222 An Introduction to Saori Weaving (Three hours)
Chiaki O’Brien
Class limit: 9
Skill level: appropriate for all
Materials fee: $15
SAORI is very different from traditional weaving: placing more importance on free expression and creativity than on
technical skills or the regularity of the woven cloth. This is a therapeutic/healing weaving technique. Students in this
class will relax, enjoy, explore, and develop positive thinking through weaving. Even though there are only two harnesses,
students can still enjoy weaving with many colors, textures and utilizing the inherent sense of exploration we all possess!
Students will be amazed how much they can do with two harnesses. The warp will be set for students, so they can start
weaving right away. Students will take home whatever length they weave.
We always try to do what only human beings can do, without imitating machine-made products. No two weavers are alike,
so it is very natural that every single cloth, freely woven by people with different personalities, is beautiful in a unique
way. Irregular selvages and accidental skips of thread add to the unprogrammed beauty of SAORI cloths. We admire this
irregularity as the unintentional beauty resulting from our natural creativity.
Students do not need to bring anything, but if they have materials that they would like to use for a project such as home
spun yarn, ribbon, your own animals’ fleece…. That is welcome.
WORKSHOPS
MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY (JUNE 8, 9, 10)
505 Towels: A Gamp That Transcends Tradition
JoAnn Bachelder
Class limit: 18
Skill level: Intermediate
Materials fee: To be determined
This workshop is about designing and weaving towels. We will be weaving a ‘gamp’ (a gamp means that we thread different
structures across the warp and weave them ‘as-drawn-in’). This allows us to compare and contrast traditional structures
that are used in making towels: three lace weaves, three twills, M’s & O’s, Crackle and Overshot as they were used to make
‘linens’. It is an excellent way to learn some of the “old linen weaves” and bring them into our weaving vocabulary so we may
create towels that are more exciting and uniquely our own.
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SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS
502 Creating a Basic Jacket: Sewing for All Fiber Artists
Mary Sue Fenner
Class limit: 15
Skill level: Participants should have basic sewing skills.
Materials fee: none
This is a basic jacket sewing class for all fiber artists. Students will bring their fabric: commercial, felted, hand woven, dyed,
embellished, etc. I will take them through the basic skills to make it into a jacket. We will start with sewing supplies, fitting
the pattern, basic seam options, darts, and finishing techniques to make a one-of-a-kind beautiful jacket. Students will
bring a few sewing pattern choices, purchased by bust measurement. I will bring a group of jackets for the students to try
on and look at closely for inspiration.
Students should bring a sewing machine and the basic supplies they use for clothing construction. Instruction booklet will
be provided.
503 Unconventional Silk Screen Printing on Fabric
Cheryl Rezendes
Class limit: 12
Skill level: Appropriate for all levels
Materials fee: $45 - includes materials to construct 3 silk screens, 2 squeegees, stencil material and enough paint to
use in class
This class will demystify and alleviate any fears of silk-screen printing that you may have developed over the years. We
will explore some of the most basic, unconventional and chemical-free ways to print on fabric using a silk-screen without
photo emulsion including masking tape, newspaper, interfacing, stencils, school gel glue and screen filler. Students will also
learn about the wonderful world of textile paints. These paints are easy to use, clean up with soap and water, and are made
permanent with the heat of an iron or clothes dryer.
Students should bring approx. 8-10 yards of tightly woven natural fabric such as cotton, muslin, silk and rayon. All fabric
should be pre-washed in hot water with a laundry detergent that is free of scents and softeners or with Synthropol, a
cleaning agent that can be bought from on-line dye supply houses like Pro-Chemical and Dye Co or Dharma Trading.
In addition, students need one roll each of blue painters tape – “and 1” wide, one roll of waterproof duct tape, stencils
you may already have, scissors for cutting the tape and for cutting fabric, hammer, staple gun and staples, small stack of
newspapers, Xacto knife.
Students may also wish to bring a digital camera, a notebook or electronic device for taking notes, sketchbook, pencil and
eraser.
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MICHIGAN LEAGUE OF HANDWEAVERS
SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS
504 Illuminating Ideas in Felt
(Technique: Wet felt making/ nuno feltmaking around a structural / illuminated form)
Sharon Costello
Class limit: 12
Skill level: both novice and experienced feltmakers
Materials fee: $45 - includes printed instructional materials, structural framework for lamps, electrical components
and tools for wiring, pattern making material, resist material, wool fiber for felting, fabrics and embellishment
materials. (If students prefer to supply their own fiber, fabric and embellishment materials for their project, the
materials fee will be cut to $30.00.)
In this workshop, we will explore the possibilities of using felt as a “skin” for illuminated one-of-a-kind lamps and
sculptural pieces. Wool is naturally fire resistant, making it an ideal candidate for this purpose. Students will learn how to
make translucent felt fabric “skins” shaped to fit over wood or wire frame works. Some projects may have the structural
components embedded into the felt. The frame offers structural support and mounting for the illumination source. More
complex felt forms can be built off of the frame. Students will start with natural and dyed wool; add fabrics, exotic fibers,
textural elements, resists and surface designs to make each piece unique. When illuminated from within, the felted skin
will impart soft illumination and color to a room, and the design elements embedded in the felt will be silhouetted by light,
creating a dramatic effect.
Day One- Discuss design possibilities, structural options and surface design options. Make samples of felt exploring various
surface design and structural options.
Day Two - Finalize lamp designs, calculate and create patterns for felt, layout and felt lamp “skin”. Add finish to frame if
desired.
Day Three - Finish lamp “skins”, assemble and wire lamps.
(Depending on the complexity of the design, some students may make a small second project)
Participants should bring a felting mat -preferably made from (fine bubble) bubble wrap 3 feet x 6 feet, A roller - I suggest
a foam swimming tube 3 feet long, but you can also use a long length of PVC pipe or thick foam pipe insulation, A piece
of netting or sheer nylon curtain about the same size as the felting mat, A piece of thin clear plastic (such as drop cloth
plastic) about the same size as your felting mat, Several old bath towels, A calculator, A permanent marker, Sharp scissors,
A plastic dish tub and large kitchen sponge, Plastic gloves if sensitive to soap, Favorite felting soap or plain dish liquid.
505 Handwoven Tapestry Jewelry
Sadelle Wiltshire
Class limit: 16
Skill level: Some minimal tapestry experience useful.
Materials fee: $25
Students will learn the basics of “off- loom” tapestry and needle weaving that incorporates beads, as well as techniques for
braid-weaving a neck chain cord. The class takes the student through the entire process, from design to cartoon to warping
and weaving beautiful and eye-catching pictorial neckpieces. This includes weaving larger neckpieces and using a variety of
threads and fibers including choosing and incorporating found or purchased beads for luster and texture.
Students may bring any special one-of-kind beads, found objects, and special yarns.
Participants should bring beading needles, small tapestry/embroidery needles, 3 pieces of foam core board to create a 3-layer
9” x 9” loom, masking tape, assorted beads (with 1 or 2mm wide openings), size 3 and 5 perle cotton or similar yarns in variety
of colors ( I can provide some of these if you run into trouble), jewelry pliers (chain, round nose), clippers, scissors (A more
complete list is available on request.)
The instructor will provide waxed linen for warp, some perle cotton and yarns, graph paper, sample cartoon, blank pins, glue.
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SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS
506 Predicting the Unpredictable: Color in Tapestry
Rebecca Mezoff
Class limit: 16
Skill level: Knowledge of basic tapestry techniques expected, although advanced beginners are welcome. Materials
fee: $30
Yarn
reflects light differently than paint does. The weft-faced weave of tapestry creates different effects than other
kinds of weave structure. This class explores basic color theory as it applies to tapestry. We will experiment with various
color combinations, practice mixing colors in the weft bundle, and discuss how color interacts and how best to create
desired effects in the medium of tapestry. All of this is built upon a discussion of color theory. Through our exploration of
color, we will begin to learn to make intentional color choices that work for us.
Participants will need to come with a warped tapestry loom, the usual implements used for weaving (beater, scissors, etc.),
and note taking materials. Rebecca will supply hand dyed yarn for the weft.
507 Spinning Nordic Wools
Kate Larson
Class limit: 14
Skill level: Beginning spinning experience necessary
Materials fee: $30
Northern Europe is famous for its unique sheep breeds, such as Finn sheep, Icelandic, Gotland, and Pelsau. This diverse
group has a wide range of natural colors and markings, and fleeces can be fine and uniform, long and silky, or a combination
of the two with short downy fibers under long, glossy outer fibers in the same fleece. Kate will share some of the history of
these interesting sheep and the wide range of traditional textiles created using their wool, with an emphasis on weaving and
embroidery. Join us as we discuss selecting and preparing fleeces for spinning, trouble-shoot problem fibers, and explore
yarn designs that highlight the special qualities of these fibers.
Participants should bring several spindles or a spinning wheel in good working condition, lazy kate, bobbins, hand cards
(some will be available to borrow), and the spinning accessories you typically use. Optional: wool combs or mini combs.
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MICHIGAN LEAGUE OF HANDWEAVERS
SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS
508 Focus on the Warp
Kathrin Weber
Class limit: 12
Skill level: intermediate
Materials fee: $45/per student (covers handouts plus two pre-wound 100 thread, 4.5 yard cotton warps: one spacedyed, one contrasting/solid in color)
Students learn non-traditional techniques that allow them to work with multiple warps and design at the loom. They will
use instructor provided hand-painted warps in which the colors flow and change, creating designs in the woven fabric
that appear complex in planning, but actually spring from making flexible and intuitive decisions as they work. Students
will work with multiple warp chains in a variety of ways: They might choose to flip sections of the warp from end to end
which creates color flow in opposite directions. They might choose to shift the warps to create patterns that flow in the
weaving lengthwise as well as horizontally. They might choose to add other warps to create stripes within the space-dyed
design. They might choose to use multi-harness weave structures, plain weave, twills or rep weave. I bring handouts with
3 detailed projects. Each student chooses one project for the workshop and takes home information for the other two
for later exploration. I work with the students as a group and individually as they make personal choices based on their
chosen project. No two student’s warps will be alike so class members learn from their own warps as well as from the others.
Weavers with more experience will be able to take it to more complex levels.
Students should bring looms with dummy warps (more info on this later). Personal weaving tools including scissors, tape
measure, threading hooks, appropriate sticks or cardboard for winding 4.5 yard warp (please do not bring thin paper of
newspaper weight). Two clamps big enough to clip onto the back beam. Roll of 1” masking tape. Notebooks, pens for notes
and handouts. Optional: Camera.
The instructor will supply hand-dyed cotton 4.5 yard warps in a wide variety of colorways, hues, and tones. She will bring
many more than we actually need for the workshop so that students will have ample choice to use in class as well as optional
warps for purchase to take home for future projects. She will also provide an equal number of solid warps for contrasting
background design. Weft yarn to start projects. Handouts for future reference.
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WORKSHOP AND SEMINAR INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES
JULIANE ANDERSON www.threadbenderinc.com
Julie’s first garment design was a simple t-shirt that repurposed a worn-out old pillowcase through the use of a pair of
scissors at the age of 6. Yes, she had permission from her Mother. Since then, she has gone on to achieve a degree in Art
and Education from Michigan State University, taught Art in public and private schools for a few years and earned awards
for her clothing design. After teaching she opened and continues to operate the Threadbender Yarn Shop in Wyoming,
Michigan and has taught beginning through advanced weaving to a great number of people in the last 30+ years. She also
teaches knitting classes that emphasize the use of color in unusual ways. She continues to pursue fiber arts as a knitter, felter
and spinner.
She is a member of the Michigan League of Handweavers.
JOANN BACHELDER
JoAnn has a degree in Art and Education from Michigan State University. She is a ‘self-taught’ weaver/dyer. She has taught
weaving at the Midland Center for the Arts, and she has
given lectures and workshops throughout the Midwest. She maintains a studio, Rivertown Textiles, where she continues to
work, do textile research and teach other weavers. She produces functional items and also does wall work for exhibition and
commissions. She is an active long-time member of the Michigan League of Handweavers.
SHARON COSTELLO www.blacksheepdesigns.com
Sharon’s work as a fiber artist began in the mid 80’s with a small flock of sheep and a love for creative experimentation.
She has been a full time, professional feltmaker since 1995. She is well known for her prize winning needle felted art dolls
and felted vessels. She has studied feltmaking in the US, Turkey and Scandinavia and shares her knowledge of the craft
by teaching workshops throughout the USA, Canada and Europe. She has also worked in Guatemala (Mayan Hands)
and Mongolia (Snow Leopard Trust), designing felt products for economic development projects and training indigenous
women in feltmaking.
Sharon has produced four popular teaching videos; Introduction to Needle Felting: Sculpting a Doll, Needle Felting
Animals, Painting with Wool, and Featherweight Felt: Making Felt Scarves. Her work has been featured in several books.
She has written articles on feltmaking and been featured in several magazines such as Shuttle, Spindle and Dyepot
(Handweavers’ Guild of America), Fiber Arts, Spin-off and Felt (Interweave Press). Her work has been featured in one
woman and group shows from New York to California, as well as on the Home and Garden Television Network. Her
feltmaking business, Black Sheep Designs, specializes in feltmaking kits and supplies. Sharon has a design degree from
Syracuse University and an MBA from the State University of New York at Albany.
MARY SUE FENNER
A clothing, textiles and design major at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, art studies at Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
Polytechnic, England, graduate work at the University of Kansas, and a Univerisity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee masters degree
have given Mary Sue an excellent background in fibers. She is a retired instructor at Northeast Wisconsin Technical
College, Green Bay, WI, and maintains a business, Fiber Designs. She is noted for her use of bright colors and uses her
own handspun yarns and handwoven fabrics. Her clothing and accessories are seen in area shows, galleries and shops, and
featured in Handwoven, Shuttle, Spindle & Dyepot, Belle Armoire, Altered Couture, Sew Somerset and Haute Handbags
magazines.
All of Mary Sue’s classes begin with an amazing array of jacket samples to look at, try on, and explore. While Mary Sue
does not have a website, she does maintain an active Facebook page.
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MICHIGAN LEAGUE OF HANDWEAVERS
WORKSHOP AND SEMINAR INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES
KAREN HOEKSTRA
Karen Hoekstra retired from a long and satisfying career as an art teacher, teaching all levels from elementary school
through college. She’s also a retired weaver, but more for health reasons than lack of interest. Her own art work has
always been fiber related. It was after taking a quilt construction class that she realized that she could take the quilt to an
entirely new artistic level. Her award-winning work has been shown in competitions and galleries. Karen is a member of the
Michigan League of Handweavers.
SUSIE KRAGE www.susiekrage.com
Susie Krage was originally drawn to the world of textiles through traditional quilting. Her current work reflects her varied
experiences and interests and incorporates surface design techniques into mixed media pieces rich with paper lamination,
beading and stitching. As the spouse of a State Department employee, she has lived all over the world. She acknowledges
the influences of the cultures of Colombia, Russia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Taiwan and Mexico in her work.
Susie maintains a private studio in Detroit. She has taught, lectured and exhibited internationally. In 2010 she completed the
3-year Art Cloth Mastery program through Art Cloth Studios in San Antonio, Texas.
KATE LARSON
katelarsontextiles.com
Kate Larson loves using fiber arts as a bridge between her passions for art and agriculture. Her fiber journey has led her to
a degree in soil chemistry, travels through northern Europe in search of textile traditions, and back to the farm where her
family has lived for six generations. She keeps an ever-growing flock of Border Leicester sheep and teaches handspinning
and knitting regularly in central Indiana and around the country. Kate’s articles and designs have been published in SpinOff, Jane Austen Knits, Enchanted Knits, Knitting Sweaters from Around the World, and other publications. She manages
the Spinner’s Connection blog at spinningdaily.com and keeps her own blog at katelarsontextiles.com Interweave Press
produced her DVD on Dorset buttons.
PRISCILLA LYNCH
Priscilla, long active in the Michigan League of Handweavers and in the fiber exhibits it has sponsored, has been seriously
involved with fibers for more than 40 years, first as a weaver primarily creating clothing and later tapestry. In recent years
she has concentrated on felting, dyeing and art quilting. Publications, during her weaving days, include the 8-harness
pattern book and articles for Weavers and Handwoven magazines.
REBECCA MEZOFF rebeccamezoff.blogspot.com www.rebecccamezoff.com
Rebecca grew up climbing the mesas and red rocks near Gallup, NM, but her introduction to weaving came from her
Michigan grandparents. She still weaves on Grandpa’s Macomber loom. She has won numerous awards for her tapestries
which are in various public and private collections. She studied contemporary tapestry as a student and then apprentice
of James Koehler for six years. She teaches workshops throughout the United States and online and still resides in the
Southwest where she doesn’t mind having to dump the sand out of her shoes.
SUMMER 2015
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WORKSHOP AND SEMINAR INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES
CHIAKI O’BRIEN www.saoristudiofun.com
Chiaki is a SAORI Weaver/Instructor, a Bengala Dye artist/instructor, and a Taiko Japanese drum performer. She enjoys
this life and being able to do what she loves. She thanks Dan, her husband, afor his support. He often travels with her when
she teaches classes.
She moved to Minnesota from Japan in 2004 and has been enjoying not only SAORI, the weaving style that she brought
from Japan, but also Bengala Dye artistry, and Taiko that she started after moving to Minnesota. She says, “I remember
that I was not confident speaking English at all when I first came to the U.S.; I didn’t want to answer the phone and didn’t
want to see people in the hallway in the apartment where we used to live. I found that I felt more confident talking about
SAORI, because I think nobody knew about it back then.”
CHERYL REZENDES
www.cherylrezendes.com
Cheryl is a mixed media, collage artist who has focused almost exclusively on fiber art since 2004. She creates art quilts,
one-of-a-kind wearable art from hand dyed, painted and embellished fabric as well as hand painted and dyed textiles, fat
quarters and items for home décor available under her design label Cherscapes Wearable Art.
She also teaches a variety of fiber art classes and has recently had her first book, Fabric Surface Design, published by
Storey Publishing. It is a comprehensive book on over 80 surface design techniques. All of these techniques and much
more are covered in my fiber art classes and workshops.
AMY TYLER
www.stonesockfibers.com http://stonesock.blog.com
In 2004, Amy left a job in academia to become a fiber artist and to return to her home state of Michigan. Now she lives in
lovely Northwestern Lower Michigan where she creates lovely hand spun yarns, designs knitted items, teaches spinning and
knitting, and writes about spinning and knitting. Some of Amy’s work has been published in Interweave Press’s magazines
including the Winter, 2015 issue of Spin-Off where her hand spun, hand knit afghan based on the structure of Michigan’s
Petoskey stone is featured. She teaches extensively throughout the Midwest.
KATHRIN WEBER www.blazingshuttles.com
Kathrin has been weaving and dyeing since 1975. She lives in the mountains of North Carolina in a wonderfully supportive
community for artists and other self-employed people.
Color and the flow of color are the focus of her hand-dyed and handwoven work. Her clothesline is regularly draped with
long and colorful yarns drying in the sun. I sell hand-dyed cotton warps through my Blazing Shuttles’ Warp of the Month
Club on my Facebook page. Please check there for the current colors I am offering and all the information you need to
order them.
She weaves her own fabric by hand on large wooden floor looms, using cotton and other cellulose fibers in blankets,
throws, runners, pillows and bags. Sturdy and simple weave structures are the basis for the functional items I make. She also
teaches classes in weaving and dyeing.
SADELLE WILTSHIRE www.pumpkinspun.com
Sadelle is a self described renaissance woman: a textile jewelry and mixed media artist, and a certified Zentangle® instructor
from Putney, Vermont. She enjoys teaching fiber art, mixed media and creativity almost as much as she enjoys creating
her own works of art. She has taught a wide variety of fiber (weaving, spinning, etc.) and jewelry workshops to adult and
children’s groups both locally and in other states. During the 1990’s, she sold her line of jewelry (“Spindle Jewels”) as part of
her business, Pumpkinspun Fiber Designs, to spinning/weaving shops and museums nationally.
Sadelle has been a Photoshop and Website Design teacher at the Career Development Center, a museum teacher for
the Bennington Museum, and a member of Valley Artisans Market in Cambridge, NY. Sadelle’s work is influenced by
her Quaker faith. She is also a Veriditas Labyrinth Facilitator and enjoys practicing and teaching art with a view
towards mindfulness, creativity, and all things spiritual.
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MICHIGAN LEAGUE OF HANDWEAVERS