Private lessons
I offer private instruction for $40/hour, plus travel. Please contact me for details.
I’m currently offering online instruction. If you have a loom or a wheel and want to learn how to use it or just need help with a particular part of a project, I’m available for private tutoring. My fee is still $40/hour, but there are no travel expenses! This is 100% custom tutoring for your weaving or spinning. Contact me when you are ready.
Classes taught at The Fiber Loft in Harvard, Massachusetts
Beginning Weaving
This 2-day class is a start-to-finish beginning weaving experience on a 4-shaft loom. The first day, students are guided through measuring out a warp, beaming the warp, sleying the reed and threading the heddles. The first few rows of weaving will be complete before the end of the day. The looms go home with students with instructions for weaving a sampler between the classes. Support is available between the classes for those who need a little confidence. On the second day, the samplers are completed and we take a step back to get an introduction to project planning and drafting. Portable 4-shaft tabletop looms are provided for use during and between the classes as part of the class fee.
Note that this is currently offered as a Zoom class, with five 2-hour sessions. The number of learning hours and the material covered is the same, just spread out to allow participants to work on their looms between sessions. This is also appropriate for advanced beginners, who will have a modified project.
Weaving Refresher
Have you taken the Beginning Weaving class but you’re not confident enough to plan and execute a project on your own? This class is for you. You’ll have a choice of making 2 cotton dishtowels or a chenille scarf. In this one-day class, we’ll plan the project together, wind the warp, and get a good start on warping your loom. Then you’ll go home and finish the project on your own. If you are renting a loom from the Fiber Loft, you’ll have 2 weeks to finish the project.
Advanced Beginner Weaving
Ready for your next weaving project? In this 3-part class, students will work with the instructor to plan 3 projects, then weave them on their looms at home. Each project will implement a different weave structure. Class time will include planning the project, choosing appropriate yarn, creating a draft and building confidence. Finishing the projects will also be discussed.
Prerequisite: Students must have taken a beginning weaving class or have some weaving experience. They must also have their own loom at home and be able to warp their loom independently.
Scarf in a Day
One participant at a time
Class includes materials, instruction and use of the pre-warped loom for a day
Come in and weave a rayon chenille scarf on a pre-warped loom. You will receive personal instructions how to wind bobbins and weave the scarf. When you are done weaving, you cut the scarf off the loom and take it home for finishing. Fringing and washing instructions will be provided. No need to invest in a loom, warping, and materials. Let me do that for you!
Beginning Spinning on a Wheel
Do you want to be able to spin your own yarn for knitting, weaving or gifting? Do you want to try different wheels to see what works best for you? Do you want to understand the difference between roving and top, and how to use them? Students will learn to spin from different types of commercially prepared fiber and try several types of wheels. Equipment and fiber will be provided for use in the class.
Beginning Drop Spindle
Love fiber? Love yarn? Learn to make your own yarn from commercially prepared wool fibers using a drop spindle. Spinning with a drop spindle is relaxing and portable. Students may bring their own drop spindle, borrow one from the instructor, or purchase one at the shop. Each student in this half-day class will go home with a small skein of handspun yarn.
Drop-in Drop Spindling
For those who already know the basics of drop spindle spinning, come in for a refresher or to learn or share techniques. Each session will have a different theme, which will be taught informally. Come for one or make is a monthly occasion!
Session topics may include
- Andean plying (Bring a skein of singles yarn with you to use, or make some during the session.)
- Spin singles and make a 3-ply yarn all at once
- Spinning silk from a hankie
Great Wheel Spinning
Are you interested in learning to spin on a Great Wheel/Wool Wheel/Walking Wheel? Classes will be arranged at a mutually convenient time when there are 3 interested students. Please email or call to put your name on the list.
Prerequisite: Students must already know how to spin. Being able to bring your own great wheel is preferred, but arrangements may be made to rent one.
Kids’ classes offered during vacation weeks
A different fun fiber-related activity will be completed each day. Take all 5, or pick and choose individual classes! All equipment and supplies will be available at the class. Appropriate for ages 8 and up.
• Carding and blending fibers
• Spinning yarn on a drop spindle (A spindle can be borrowed or purchased.)
• Make a rigid heddle loom out of popsicle sticks and weave a bracelet or shoelaces
• Weave a mini-shawl (doll sized) on a triangle loom using a continuous strand weaving technique. (Looms will be provided for use in class.)
• Woven note cards, using card stock (Students may bring a couple photos to use if they like.)