Attention teachers in Illinois:  We are approved to provide you with "CPDU" credits toward certificate renewal in the state of Illinois.  Please contact us prior to registering for details.
  
Updates last occurred on 10/03/08

DIRECTORY OF CLASSES

Click here to view scenes from Spring 2008  Millinery Arts Week 

Click the button to view photos from our Nov 2006 Fabulous Felt Hat class with Chad Alice Hagen

  Instructor:  Chad Alice Hagen, Author of "Fabulous Felt Hats"
We're sorry you missed this great class.  

E-mail your questions to:

Instructor:  Tammy L. Deck 

Click the button to view examples 

A great process class for those just starting out and are ready to experiment with a variety of dyeing, painting, printing, and stamping techniques.  This is a fun, fast paced class to sure to get your design juices flowing.  Students will work on a variety of sample fabrics including cotton, rayon, silk and rayon/silk velvet.  Learn various ways to  use Fiber Reactive Dyes from thickened for printing to liquid and vat dyeing. During the final class you will apply 1 or more of the techniques to a silk scarf to keep.  This is a 3 week series.  Students should bring rubber gloves, a plastic grocery bag and 5 pieces of 12" X 12"   plastic to the first 2 classes.  Suggested reading:  "Complex Cloth" by Jane Dunnewold (available for purchase in our design center)

Class Meets: Mondays from 6pm to 9pm
Start Date: TBA
Cost: $140.00

Dyes and Silk Scarf will be provided
Wear old clothes to class

Dyeing Skills: Yarn/ Hand Painting for Knitting, Crochet, Weaving ....Etc.

Click the button to view examples 

Create your own space dyed yarns. This is great for knitters, weavers and art quilters, too.  We supply work space and the dye.  Bring** 2 skeins (or pre-measured warps) that weigh 1/2 pound each.  Yarn should be cotton, rayon or cotton/rayon blend yarn for each session.  Choke ties should be looser so they don't act as a resist when the yarn is wet and swollen.  Tammy will explain the basics of working with fiber-reactive dyes at the beginning of each session.  Please indicate which time slot you prefer and/or you may sign up for more than one sessions at the paypal screen.  Students should wear old clothes to class and bring 2 sheets of plastic 18" X 36", a small plastic tub and rubber gloves.

Class Meets: Thursday from 1pm to 2:30pm (session A) and/or 2:30pm to 4pm (Session  B)
Class Date:  October 30, 2008
Cost per session: $18.00 ea  session + yarn 

**various skeins of yarn are available though our design center

Please specify in the comments box which date and start time you're registering for

Dyeing: Silk Fabric for Laminating

Instructor:  Tammy Deck

Students will learn Tammy's techniques of dyeing silk fabrics  using Procion dyes and the micro-wave oven.  Silk gauze is the base fabric used in the laminated felting class, but this dyeing technique applies to small yardages and pre-hemmed scarves, as well.  Students will dye 2 different color combinations during the class time.  Dye and 2 scarf blanks are included in the class fee.

Class Meets:  Thursday from 10am to 3pm 
Class Date:  October 30, 2008
Cost per session: $35.00  

Wear old clothes to class...bring gloves if you have them

New Class!

SURFACE DESIGN: SUN PRINTS ON CLOTH

Instructor:  JoAnn Deck

Let the sun do the magic! 

In this new 3 hour class you will create customized colors and designs on fabric. No painting experience required, just a willingness to play and experiment with unique and unusual sun blocks. The special heliographic paints will be provided. Just bring any white or pastel fabric, any favorite flat shapes, leaves & sticks from your garden, circles, stars, mesh, fencing, washers, and wood or cardboard cut- outs, surprise us. Come and have fun in the sun.  No fear....we've got a "plan B" in the event of overcast conditions.


Class Meets: Sunday from 1pm to 4pm 
Class Starts:  July 13, 2008 (day, date and times recently changed)
Cost: $60.00 

SURFACE DESIGN: SILK SCREEN PRINTING FOR BEGINNERS

Learn basic image reproduction concepts during this 3 week class.  Each student will explore open screen printing techniques and go on to learn screen preparation, including coating and exposing their own single color image/design using the photo emulsion method.   The images will then be printed on various sample fabrics and/or students own fabric articles. Photo emulsion, Dyes,  Inks, and most sample fabrics are provided through class fee.  Wear old clothes to classes...bring rubber gloves if desired and additional natural fiber content items, such as, t-shirts or  tote bags.

Class Meets: Mondays from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm 
Class Starts:  July 14, 2008
Cost: $130.00 

SURFACE DESIGN: Quick Fabric Painting Techniques for Fiber Artists

Instructor:  JoAnn Deck

Be adventuresome and learn to create your own artistic cloth.  Join fiber artist JoAnn Deck (winner for "Best Use of Color" at the 2006 Mid-Atlantic Quilt Show) for this introductory class where students learn a dozen easy methods to apply color and texture to white cloth using textile paints.  Using your favorite colors and personal style,  you'll have fun painting on cloth that is suitable to be used in art quilts and other fiber art / mixed media exploration.  Learn to use brushes, sponges, rubber stamps, plastic baggies, squirt bottles and more.  The paints are extremely easy to use, heat-set with a household iron and require no special equipment or set up in your home.  Supply list available upon registration.

Class meets: Sunday from 1pm to 4pm
Class Meets:  tba
Class Fee: $60+

    by student 

SURFACE DESIGN: IN PURSUIT OF THE COMPLEX CLOTH : 

INSPIRED BY NATURE: Stitching, Painting, Melting, Burning

Instructor:  Joy Lavrencik

Click the button to view examples 

Come explore some unusual techniques for layering, trapping, and fusing fabrics using paints, yarns, beads, and other unusual materials to create richly textured surfaces that beg to be touched.  This class is appropriate for beginner to advanced textile design student.  Get your juices flowing and go on to create complex cloth that may become a purse, scarf or wall hanging that has a rich surface inspired by your observation of nature. The project can be completed by hand sewing or may be done on machine if you are more experienced.  This is a 4 week process class. Most sampling materials will be supplied but listing of additional materials will be provided upon registration.

Class meets: Tuesdays  from 6:00 pm  to 9:00 pm
Class Meets:  July 8, 2008
Class Fee: $185+

SURFACE DESIGN :  IN PURSUIT OF THE COMPLEX CLOTH:  

Discharge (dye removal) Painting

Instructor:  Joy Lavrencik

During this 3 week class, students will investigate the numerous effects achieved by color removal.  Several different processes will be explored that can be combined or used alone.  We will also cover some of the ancient Japanese Shibori techniques as well.  Students will work on a variety of different fabrics.  This will expand students process knowledge and add visual depth when combined with other processes in our series "In Pursuit of the Complex Cloth".  

Class Meets: Tuesdays from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm         
Start Date: tba
Cost: $140.00

SURFACE DESIGN: IN PURSUIT OF THE COMPLEX CLOTH :   

DEVORE - Controlled Burn-out

Instructor:  Joy Lavrencik

In this 2 session class students will explore the "burn-out" process on Silk/Rayon velvet and satin fabrics.  The project will be to complete a scarf length piece and a variety of samples that can be used in our other "Complex Cloth" classes in the pursuit of depth and interest.  We will touch on dye painting and some other printing techniques such as foiling. Fabrics, chemicals and dye included in class fee.  Bring sheet plastic and rubber gloves.  Wear old clothes to class.

Class Meets:  Tuesdays from 6 pm to 8 pm
Start Date: TBA 
Cost: $68.00

SURFACE DESIGN: IN PURSUIT OF THE COMPLEX CLOTH :   

Spontaneous Mono Printing on Fabric

Instructor:  Joy Lavrencik

In this 3 week class, students will explore a free style approach that allows for a more spontaneous use of silk-screens to apply  design and imagery on cloth.  This is a process class where students will work on a variety of sample fabrics (if you have samples from a previous complex cloth class...please bring them to this  class) as they explore various methods to block out areas of the screens.   Sample fabric kit and dyes are included in class fee.  Supply list provided upon registration.

Class Meets:  Tuesdays from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Start Date: TBA
Cost: $130.00

Wear old clothes to class

CROCHET SKILLS: CROCHET BASICS - CLASS 1

Instructor:  Patty Pulliam

During this one session class, Patty teaches several of the most basic stitches for crochet.  Learn how to chain, single crochet and double crochet.  Project Sheet will be provided to practice these stitches.  Price of class includes yarn for sampling and use of crochet hook.  Patty will help you choose yarn and needle size appropriate for you first project.  If you have a collection of hooks and yarn...bring a small supply to class.

Class Meets: Thursday from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Class Date: Septmeber 4, 2008
Cost: $22.00 

CROCHET SKILLS: CROCHET BASICS - CLASS 2   

Instructor:   Patty Pulliam

Learn 2 new stitches and begin to unravel the crochet "code".  Learn how to read crochet instructions and how to combine several basic stitches toward creating a crochet square.  Bring a Size H hook and 3 colors of sport weight yarn. Some past experience is needed.

Class Meets: Saturday from 10am to Noon 
Class Date:  September 13, 2008
Cost: $22.00 

BEADING TECHNIQUES: Crocheted Beaded ROPE

Instructor:  Patty Pulliam

This  technique creates a great, contemporary looking rope suitable for necklaces as it is quite supple and strong.    Great for a lariat, choker or bracelet, it has a little give to it due to the crochet stitches.  Lampworkers love this rope to showcase special beads and pendants. Once finished, you can hardly see the thread!  Students will learn on a gentle spiral pattern which makes it easier to see the stitches.  Other design variations will be discussed.  Students must already be very comfortable with basic crocheting stitches when they take this class (learn how to crochet in our beginners class shown above).  The materials are simple: size 6 seed beads (size 10 seeds make a finer rope) and crochet cotton thread.  Bring your reading glasses and, if you have them, magnifying glasses to this class since the beads are tiny!  

Class Meets: Saturday from 2pm to 5pm
Class Date:  Ocotber 18, 2008
Cost: $38.00+

CROCHET SKILLS: The Crocheted Hat

Click the button to view Connie's hat patterns 

During this one session class, students will learn how to follow one of Constance Maley's (Brian's Mother)  original hat patterns so you may go on to  create your own versions of her Crocheted Bowler in cotton chenille (Just like the ones we sell in the gallery!).  Cotton Chenille Yarn (several color options), hat pattern and crochet hook will be provided ($15 value).  While you may not finish the hat in class, you will be well on your way and the instructor will demonstrate the brim transition and finishing techniques.  The flower and leaf will also be demonstrated. Students must know basic crochet stitches. (or have taken our Crochet Basics classes) 

Class Meets: Saturday from 1pm to 5pm 
Class Starts:  September 13, 2008
Cost: $55.00

KNITTING SKILLS: Beginner Series / Class #1 

Learn to knit or brush up on your skills.  During this class, students will learn to cast-on, and knit.... the basic skills needed to create those long, narrow scarves that are so popular.  Trial yarn and needles will be provided during class time, but if you've got some supplies, please bring a small selection to class.  Tammy will help you select appropriate yarn for a good first  project...a scarf, a fold-over purse, or a wash cloth (project yarn & needles purchased separately). 

Class Meets:  Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm 
Class Date:  September 3, 2008 
Cost: $22.00 

KNITTING SKILLS: Beginner Series / 101 - For Kids & Moms  

Learn to knit or brush up on your skills.  Learn to cast on, knit, and cast off in this class.... the basic skills  needed to create those long, narrow scarves that are so popular.  Trial yarn and needles will be provided during class time. Tammy will help select the appropriate yarn for your project(s)...select a scarf,  a small fold over purse, or a wash cloth (yarn & needles purchased separately). 

Class Meets:  Monday from 4pm to 6pm        
Class Date:  October 27, 2008
Cost: $17.00 (ea)

KNITTING SKILLS: BEGINNER SERIES / CLASS #2  

Now that you have mastered Casting-on and Knit stitches, expand your skills to include Purl stitches and learn how to knit stockinet stitch and ribbing techniques such as knit 1, purl 2.  You will also revisit  Bind-Off techniques.  If time allows, we will try a variety of yarn types and needle sizes. Bring in a knitted sample to continue adding onto or start from scratch.   If this time and date don't work with your schedule or you have not had a chance to practice the skills from the first class.... check back for our re-occurring listing.  All sampling materials supplied during the class time.....your instructor will help you select a small project and yarn to incorporate your new skill level.  Project yarn is purchased separately.

 Class Meets: Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm
Class Date:  September 10, 2008
Cost: $22.00 

KNITTING SKILLS: BEGINNER SERIES / CLASS #3 

Okay...so now you are ready to learn the last 2 skills needed to ready you for you first sweater.  The focus for this class will be on various increasing and decreasing methods, but just for fun....there will be a 6 stitch cable thrown in for texture.  Bring your own needles and general knitting supplies to class.  Not feeling ready to start a sweater?.....Laurie will help you choose a smaller project and yarn that allows you to practice all of the techniques you've learned so far.  Yarn and pattern purchased separately.  What?.....you've been too swamped to practice!  Watch our class listing for the next time this class is offered.

Class Meets: Thursday from 6pm to 8pm    
Class Date: September 18, 2008
Cost: $22.00

KNITTING SKILLS: Beginner Series / Pushing Past the Scarf 

Shaped Shawls 

Okay...you are fed up with the scarf thing....ready to move on to a more interesting project.  The focus for this 3 week class will be on the creation of a mobius or triangle shawl.  We will help you select your yarns (or create your own designer yarns from our collection), select shapes, knit a "gauge" swatch and teach you how to read  the pattern or graph.  It's time to get you going and keep motivated by coming each session.  Various finishing techniques will be covered in the last class.  Yarn and pattern sold separately.  

Class Meets: Thursdays from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Class Start Date:  September 23, 2008
Cost: $66.00+

BEADING TECHNIQUES: Bead Knit spiral rope

Learn how to create an elegant beaded chain using 4 stitches and your basic knitting skills.  Great technique for making elegant bracelets, necklace base or even a purse strap for an evening bag.  Looks like a beaded, twisted ribbon or a beaded tube.  Sample on display in our gallery.  Supply list provided upon registration. 1 session

Class Meets: Saturday from 2pm to 5pm
Class Date:  tba
Cost: $38.00+

kNITTING sKILLS: Bead Knit Amulet Necklace 

Click the button to view a sample 

This class is a great introduction to bead knitting for students that already know very basic hand knitting stitches and how to cast on/off (take our knitting I & II classes).  The great thing about these is that they look hard but are actually very simple. On day one, students will get a great start toward making their own heirloom űuality knitted, beaded  "mad money" purse based off of  Victorian designs.    On Day two, students will shape the flap, sew the seams, create the neck-strap and embellish....with more beads, no doubt!  Samples can be viewed (or purchased) in our gallery.  Supply list available upon registration.

Class Meets: Wednesdays from 1pm to 3pm (3:30 end 2nd session) 
Class Dates:  tba
Cost: $55.00+

KNITTING SKILLS: Advanced Skills / Knitting architect

Learn how to write your own knitting instructions and better understand how to alter existing patterns.  This class is for hand knitters and machine knitters alike with stronger knitting skills under their belt (should have knit and assembled to completion at least 3 different sweaters).  Students should bring the following to class:  calculator, pencil, lined notebook paper, one well-fitting basic sweater, 2 different 20 stitch by 20 row knit swatches (one of the samples should include a 6 stitch cable with a purl stitch on either side) and the yarn label from each yarn used.  Students will learn how to transfer a silhouette to paper, calculate stitch and row counts, increases and decreases and how to plan for a cable design.  This class meets 3 weeks

Class Meets: Thursdays from 6:30pm to 8pm 
Class Starts: October 16, 2008
Cost: $65.00

KNITTING Machine SKILLS:  Beginner Basics / Class #1

Whether you’ve purchased your machine elsewhere or from us…bring it to class and get yourself a jump-start.  What....you don't have a machine yet!!  That's okay...we will supply one so you can give the thing a test drive to see if you like it.  You can actually learn how to use the machine in this class and knit your first project with these skills.  Tammy Deck, (a former representative for “Bond”) will teach you sweater making basics of casting on, knitting, increases, decreases, ribbing and casting off.  The "Deluxe" Sweater machine is available for on-line purchase via our "Art Supplies" pages. 

Class Meets:  Friday  from 1pm to 3pm  
Class Date:  October 24, 2008
Cost: $22.00 

or 

KNITTING Machine SKILLS: beginner Basics / Class #2

Now that you are familiar with the basics of knitting using a knitting machine, it's time to add techniques to your skill level.   Can you believe it?....in this two hour class you can create 2, 4 & 6 stitch  Cables with purl on either side, Intarsia (color block changes), Fair Isle, “V” Neck formation and invisible shoulder seams.  

Class Meets: Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm
Class Date:  September 17, 2008
Cost: $22.00

KNITTING machine SKILLS:  advanced level / Knitting architect

Learn how to write your own knitting instructions and better understand how to alter existing patterns.  This class is for hand knitters and machine knitters alike with stronger knitting skills under their belt (should have knit and assembled to completion at least 3 different sweaters).  Students should bring the following to class:  calculator, pencil, lined notebook paper, one well-fitting basic sweater, 2 different 20 stitch by 20 row knit swatches (one of the samples should include a 6 stitch cable with a purl stitch on either side) and the yarn label from each yarn used.  Students will learn how to transfer a silhouette to paper, calculate stitch and row counts, increases and decreases and how to plan for a cable design.  This class meets 3 weeks

Class Meets: Thursdays from 6:30pm to 8pm 
Class Starts: October 16, 2008
Cost: $65.00

  by student Cinthya M.

FELTING SKILLS:  BEGINNERS WET FELTING /    Make a Purse 

Click the button to see felting pictures. 

Instructor:  Tammy L. Deck

An ancient method of creating fabrics that has become popular again.  Learn this fun, unusual process that by-passes spinning and knitting and capitalizes on the natural attributes of animal hair fibers to bond to one another to form a "non-woven" fabric.  During Tammy's 4 hour workshop, each student will make an envelope style purse (learn to use a "resist")  that includes several color and surface design pattern techniques.  All materials and equipment supplied.  NO KNITTING,  CROCHETING OR FELTING NEEDLES      are used during this process!!

Class Meets: Thursday  from 9am to 1pm(ish)
Class Date:  October 23, 2008  
Cost: $52.00 (all materials provided)

instructor's work

FELTING SKILLS: BEGINNERS INTRO TO WET FELTING / FLAT FELTS 

Instructor:  Tammy L. Deck

An ancient method of creating fabrics that has become popular again.  Learn this fun, unusual process that by-passes spinning and knitting and capitalizes on the natural attributes of animal hair fibers to bond together in the formation of a "non-woven" fabric.  During Tammy's 3.5 hour workshop, each student will design and make a flat piece of felt suited to the use of cut and sew designs such as hats, purses, pillow fronts and other accessory items. NO KNITTING,  CROCHETING OR FELTING NEEDLES      are used during this process!! 

Class Meets:  Wednesday from 1pm to 4:30  (ish) 
Class Date:  October 22, 2008
Cost: $50.00 (materials provided)

instructor's piece

FELTING SKILLS: Beginner Level / Free-Hand Felt Lace    

See Tammy's article on this technique in "Belle Armoire Magazine" Nov/Dec '06

Instructor:  Tammy L. Deck

A new twist on an ancient method of creating fabrics.  Learn this fun, unusual process that by-passes knitting and sewing capitalizing on the natural attributes of animal hair to turn yarn into a lacey fabric.  During Tammy's 3 1/2 hour workshop (please allow a 1 hour window beyond the stated end time), each student will make a scarf piece or fabric that may be cut & sewn into other design items on your own.   All materials and equipment supplied.  Dress for comfort....and a bit of a work out.  NO KNITTING,  CROCHETING OR FELTING NEEDLES      are used during this process!!

Class Meets:  Thursday from 2pm to 5:30 (ish)  
Class Date:  October 23, 2008 
Cost: $60.00 (all materials provided)

If more than one date is posted, Please indicate which class you are registering for in the paypal comments box

   instructor's piece

FELTING SKILLS: Beginner Level / Tree Bark Scarf

Instructor:  Tammy L. Deck

Beginner's and seasoned felters are invited to come and play with this fun, unusual process that by-passes knitting and sewing capitalizing on the natural attributes of animal hair to turn yarn and roving into a "holy" fabric.  If you've seen this scarf in the gallery or in Tammy's booth during an art fair, she has it labeled as felt lace....but it's not really the same approach.  Certainly some of the wet steps are similar...if you've already taken the felt lace class....but there's enough of a difference to warrant a separate class.    During Tammy's 4 hour workshop, each student will make their own original scarf.   All materials and equipment supplied.  Dress for comfort....and a bit of a work out (bring snacks if you think you'll need them) Please allow a 1 hour window beyond the stated end time.  NO KNITTING,  CROCHETING OR FELTING NEEDLES      are used during this process!!

Class Meets: Wednesday from 1pm to 5pm (ish)  
Class Date: October 29, 2008  
Cost: $70.00 (all materials provided)

or

Class Meets:  Friday from 10am to 2pm (ish)  
Class Date: November 7, 2008  
Cost: $70.00 (all materials provided)

FELTING SKILLS: LAMINATED (NUNO)  FELT 

Tammy demonstrated this technique on HGTV show, "That's Clever" back in March '06!! 

Click the button to see examples. 

Instructor:  Tammy L. Deck

Wool has a natural property that allows it to become felt when treated through agitation, moisture, pressure and heat.  Wool felt is generally thick, stiff and sculptural. By using smaller quantities of wool and encouraging the fibers to pass through and bind to Silk Chiffon (referred to as laminating) a unique and surprisingly durable, drape-able felt can be created.  This technique is  applicable to yardages for use in clothing and hat design work.  Students will explore color and design direction for the application of the wool and play up the unique texture variations.  A scarf will be created using a provided, hand-painted silk chiffon base, wool & metallic yarns with colored wool roving.    All materials and equipment will be supplied.  No previous felting experience needed.  There is some physical exertion** in this process so, please wear comfortable clothes and shoes to class. Some people require additional time for this project, so please, bring a snack and allow for a 1 to 2 hour window beyond the stated end time.  NO KNITTING,  CROCHETING OR FELTING NEEDLES      are used during this process!!

Class Meets: Saturday from 10am to 2pm  (ish) 
Class Date: November 8, 2008 
Cost:  $80.00 (materials provided)  

** message from a student: "By the way, you should also market the classes as "body sculpting and toning" - I feel like I spent a day in the gym!  (A good feeling!)"

by instructor

FELTING SKILLS: FELT HAT WORKSHOP

Click the button to see felting pictures. 

Instructor:  Tammy L. Deck

Each student will design and make their own felted hat on a three-dimensional form. This is not a knit and shrink technique!  We are exploring traditional wet felting methods using un-spun, loose fiber to create the base of the hat which allow us to include  different surface design elements inlaid within the structure. Prior experience in felt making is needed, please consider taking our Beginner's Purse class.  NO KNITTING,  CROCHETING OR FELTING NEEDLES      are used during this process!!

Class Meets: Friday from 2pm to 6pm (ish)  
Class Date:  September 19, 2008
Cost: $65.00 (all materials provided)

**Please indicate which date you are registering for at the paypal screen

samples by instructors

FELT MAKING:  FELT FLOWERS AND FREE FORM SHAPING

Whimsical felted flowers, felted ropes and rocks is the concept for this class.  These may be wearable pieces or sculptural pieces....you decided.  Students will learn how to create several d