Join mixed media artist Beverly Dyer, RN, Certified Botanical Illustrator to learn how to create expressive, meditative fabric collages. Works can be fully abstract or representational with added inspiration with words printed on fabric. Techniques in slow stitching and embroidery will be added to the collage. Finished works will fit into a 5 x 7 colored mat for framing. 6 to 12 students.

Prerequisite skills:  None

Pre-class homework:   Students may want to explore slow-stitching ideas on Pinterest

Students bring:  Optional:  Any favorite fabric swatches, scraps, or other collage materials such as buttons

Materials fee:  $8—Materials Included in fee:  Fabric, glue sticks, embroidery floss, 5 x 7 matts with backing board, words printed on fabric, scissors

Date and time: Saturday, June 6, 2025 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Class fee: $60.00

Punch needle is the "upside down" version of rug hooking. It's fun, fast, and worked primarily with yarn (although other things can be used, too). Choose between one 8” x 8” piece (a good sized hot pad) or two 4” x 4” pieces (drink coasters).

In this workshop, you will learn all the basics of punch needle: stretching your monks cloth on a gripper frame, selecting your yarn, designing your piece, best practices for using your punch needle, troubleshooting, and finishing your work. There will also be tips and tricks offered along the way.

This is the perfect class for beginners, or those who have tried punch needle but are looking for more in-depth guidance on technique.

You will come away from this class with either a small tabletop hot pad or two coasters in a design of your choice, and the know-how to create future punch needle pieces of any size.

Prerequisite skills:  None

Pre-class homework:  None

Students bring: Small (embroidery size) scissors

Class duration: 4 hours

Instructor:  Mary Berry

Date and time:  Saturday, June 6, 2026, 1:00pm to 5:00pm

Materials fee: $10

Class fee:  $40.00

5 to 15 students

Many yarn lovers fall for a multi-colored yarn but then do not know what to do with it. This class will tell you what you need to know about how a specific color-way will react. For weavers, knitters and crocheters this class will help you to not be disappointed in the results you get with that beautiful yarn and learn to use that yarn to its best advantage.

 Prerequisite skills:  None—just an interest in color and a desire to understand how best to use multicored yarn

Pre-class homework:   None

Students bring:  Note taking materials

Class duration: 3 hours

Instructor:  Gregg Johnson

Date and time:  Saturday, June 6, 2026 1PM TO 5 PM                

Materials fee:  None

 Class fee:  $35.00

 5 to 25 students

Learn the art of Kumihimo, a traditional Japanese braiding technique, in this beginner-friendly class. Discover how to create beautiful, intricate cords that can be used for bracelets, necklaces, keychains, and more. All materials will be provided, and no prior experience is necessary. You'll leave with your own handmade Kumihimo project and the skills to continue braiding on your own!

Prerequisite skills:  None

Pre-class homework:   None

Students bring:  Scissors

Class duration: 2 hours

Instructor:  Rebecca Heid

Date and time:  Saturday, June 6, 2026 1:00pm to 3:00pm

Materials fee:  Included in class fee—kumihimo disk, and all thread, instructions and other supplies for finishing projects.

Class fee:  $60.00

5 to 20 students

Inkle weaving is done on a narrow portable loom. We will use inkle looms to explore weaving with a simple heddle system to create a basic warp-faced fabric. You will learn to warp your loom, tie heddles, create two different sheds to pass the shuttle through, how to keep your edges tidy, how to fix a broken warp thread, and how to begin and end your project. This a great class for both beginners and more experienced weavers. Beginners will learn the basic principles of weaving, and for experience weavers will get to explore a new technique.

Prerequisite skills: None

Pre-class homework: None

Students bring: Pen, Scissors, Small stick shuttle, Inkle loom (the Fiber fest has looms available for use and purchase if you decide to continue weaving)

Materials fee: None

Class duration: 4 hours

Instructor: Odette Riley

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

Class fee: $40.00

1 to 10 students

 Ply Split Braiding originates in the Thar Desert in India/Pakistan and done by the camel herders. The camels are pack animals and the braids made help tie on the articles the camels carry, and used as bridles and decoration. Peter Collingwood researched and documented this historical technique and brought it to the artistic textile community where it has broadened in many directions. I choose to work with making bracelets from the 4ply cords that I twist and prepare for the students. You will use a tool called a gripfid (which is provided) and by splitting the 4-ply cords in different sequences patterns will be created. You will be introduced to this technique through making a bracelet.

Prerequisite skills:  None—just curiosity about an very old textile technique

Pre-class homework:   None

Students bring:  Glasses (if needed), note taking materials, open mind as this is probably a new technique to learn

Class duration: 3 hours

Instructor:  Michele O’Reilly 

MICHELE OREILLY is a textile artist working with weaving, dyeing, knitting, stitching and braiding.  She was introduced to Ply Split Braiding and has since explored making jewelry and 3D objects. She sometimes dyes her threads and then twists them into 3 or 4-ply cords to work with. She also weaves fabric for making her own garment designs that she often decorates with the ply split braids. She has been teaching braiding for over 20 years and thoroughly enjoys introducing this unique technique to people and love seeing what directions they take it to.

Date and time:  Saturday, June 6, 2026 1:30pm to 4:30pm

Materials fee:  $15.00 for unique tool, patterns and twisted cords

Class fee: $45.00

6 to 12 students

Make a colorful felt flower (or two) to use for multiple purposes. The flowers can become decorative elements on hats, scarves, and other garments. Add a jewelry findings and you have a unique pin. This class is a fun way to be introduced in the craft of felt making, and it is also a great opportunity for more experienced fiber artisans to produce a whimsical item that may enhance a variety of projects.

Prerequisite skills: None

Pre-class homework: Felt making can be strenuous work. It is easier to work standing up so

wear comfortable shoes and clothing that won’t hurt to get wet.

Students bring: Two old bath towels!!!

Class duration: 2.5 hours

Instructor: Jane C. Campbell

Date and time: Saturday, June 6, 2026 2:00pm to 4:30pm

Materials fee: $15.00 for all materials

Class fee: $45.00

4 to 12 students