Have you ever wondered how yarn is made? Twist the fibers and you will make yarn.  Learn the basics of a spinning wheel.  Different types of wheels will be provided for you in class., but if you have your own, please bring it.  Learn how to draft the fibers and allow the twisted fibers to slide through your fingers onto the spool.  You will make yarn right before your eyes.  It is magic. 3 to 5 students or 6 if a student has a wheel.

Prerequisite skills: None

Pre-class homework: None

Students bring: Patience and excitement. Bring your own wheel if you have one, but please try to see that it is in good operating condition. If you would like, bring some prepared fiber of your own.

Class duration: 3 hours

Instructor: SUE DUNCAN

Date and time: Friday June 5, 2026 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Materials fee: None. A sample box of fibers will be provided for each student.

Class fee: $55.00

3 to 10 students

This immersive 4-hour lecture and hands-on workshop introduces fiber artists to the rich cultural traditions and contemporary applications of *Sashiko* (a decorative reinforcement stitching technique) and *Boro-inspired patching* (the art of layered mending).

We'll begin with a visual lecture exploring the historical context of these Japanese practices, examining their origins in rural necessity, their evolution into aesthetic expression, and their recent resurgence within the slow fashion and sustainability movements. Participants will gain an understanding of the symbolic meaning, regional variation, and technical structure behind traditional Sashiko patterns, while also engaging in a discussion about how visible mending serves as both a practical and political act in textile work today.

Following the lecture, participants will shift into a guided hands-on session, where they’ll practice basic Sashiko stitching techniques, experiment with layered Boro-style patchwork, and explore methods for creatively repairing or embellishing a Japanese textile panel. The finished piece can be hand sewn into a pouch using class-supplied materials. The small class size allows for personalized instruction, critical dialogue, and experimentation with how these techniques can be integrated into each artist’s broader fiber practice. No prior experience with Sashiko is necessary, though experience with the running stitch is helpful.

Prerequisite skills:  Threading a needle, running stitch

Pre-class homework:  None

Students bring:  Straight edge, scissors, safety pins

Class duration:  4 hours

Instructor:  GAIL CLEMENT is a dedicated Sashiko teacher with a lifelong passion for stitching, mending, and the rich textile traditions of cultures around the world. With years of experience in hand-sewing techniques, Gail specializes in the art of Sashiko, blending its deep-rooted Japanese heritage with contemporary approaches to mindful repair and design. Her teaching emphasizes both the meditative rhythm of stitching and the sustainability of hand-mending, inspiring students to connect with fabric in meaningful ways. Through workshops, lectures, and hands-on instruction, Gail shares her love for slow stitching, helping others discover the beauty and resilience of handmade textiles.

Date and time:  Friday, June 5, 2026 1:00pm to 5:00pm 

Materials fee:  $50.00 to include:  Sashiko needle, tapestry needle, Japanese fabric swatches, ramie panel, lining panel, mending template, Sashiko thread, stencils, wash away Sashiko pattern transfers, wood buttons, cording, pouch pattern

Class fee:  $75.00

4 to 8 students

This class will show many ways to knit a sweater: - in pieces, in the round, bottom up, top down, cuff to cuff, middle out etc. I will discuss the issues and problems to be solved with each method. This is the perfect class for people who want to make a sweater, but who have been afraid to try. Knitters who want to improve their sweater-making skills and improve the fit of their sweaters will also benefit.

Required skills: Any level knitter

Students bring: note taking and possibly picture taking equipment

Homework: None

Class duration: 3 hours

Instructor: GREGG JOHNSON  has been crazy about color and fabric his whole life. He started collecting paint chips in grade school, knit his first sweater in high school, did backstrap weaving in the peace corps after college. He took a sabbatical after many years in the corporate world and learned to weave properly on a floor loom, He never went back to the corporate world. Instead he apprenticed with and then wove for Randall Darwall for four years before opening his own custom weaving business. He spent time at Penland School of Crafts and fell in love with Western North Carolina so took the job of managing the weaving and dyeing studios  at Penland for 8 years. After doing two more tours in the Peace Corps with a Moroccan women's textile coop, he returned to NC and worked in a yarn store for numerous years while knitting over 200 sweaters of his own design.  Gregg has lived and worked all over the US and around the world, teaching color, weaving, natural dyeing and sweater design among many other textile related topics.

Date and time: Friday June 5, 2026, 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Materials fee: None

Class fee: $35.00

10 to 25 students 

Does your latest pattern require a special cast on? Have you completed a project only to find out you need a stretchy bind off? Perhaps a beautiful hand-made sock is too tight around your leg? The neck opening of a new sweater does not stretch enough for your head? Then, this is the class for you. We will explore several cast ons, how and when to use them as well as specialized bind offs and the projects for which they are best. Publications and finished items will also be shown for reference.

Required skills: Knit and purl stitch, slipping stitches

Students bring: Worsted Weight yarn solid color, preferably light color. US 8 or 9 needles,

Size H crochet hook. Scissors, tapestry needle, other notions.

Homework: None

Class duration: 3 hours

Instructor: RUSTY BOYD has been a crocheter since the age of 9.  At age 34, he took his first knitting class and was “hooked.”  Since that time he has taught himself to knit lace, cables, stranded, mosaic and more.  After attending his first Men’s Knitting Retreat, Rusty had his first pattern published by Skacel for their Simplicity Men’s Booklet.  He has also been published by Love of Knitting, Love of Crochet, and self published on Ravelry.  He is the Founder of the Southeast Men’s Knitting Retreat, which began in 2011 providing a weekend getaway for like minded male fiber enthusiasts. 

Date and time: Friday June 5, 2026, 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Materials fee: None

Class fee: $60.00

4 to 8 students

Would you like to find out how to make any size blanket with only a double ended Crochet Hook? Yes,that’s right – no fussing with a long cable. Then this is the class for you. We will also take a look at different techniques for increases and decreases as well as reading patterns, popular stitches like the honey comb, and offer many helpful tips and tricks, different cast on options, how to avoid the curl, getting even edges and working in the round (flat or worked for a basket/hat). Participants are encouraged to bring their questions and projects (started or intended) to class.

This workshop is a continuation from the Level 1 beginner class taught here at the Fiber Fest and is discounted $25 for those who sign up for both classes. Others are welcome to join as long as they are able to crochet the Tunisian Simple Stitch.

Prerequisite skills: Work basic Tunisian stitches or have taken Level 1

Pre-class homework: None

Students bring: Enthusiasm

Class duration: 3 hours

Instructor: Ilse Watkins

Date and time: Friday, June 5, 2026, 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Materials fee: None

Class fee: $55.00 ($25 discount for students taking both Level one and Level 2)

3 to 8 students

Join Cody for an immersive and hands-on experience learning about species of lichen that produce beautiful dyes. In this class, you’ll learn about the history of lichen dyeing, techniques on dyeing with lichen, safe lichen handling and harvesting techniques. We will also be dyeing with some great beginner friendly lichens and discovering the colors they have to offer.

Prerequisite skills:  None

Pre-class homework:  None

Students bring:  A notebook & writing utensil 

Class duration:  3 hours

Instructor:  Cody Hecker

Date and time:  Friday, June 5, 2026 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Materials fee:  $20.00

Class fee:  $50.00