We’re starting 2015 off like last year with below-zero temperatures, but the sewing machines are warmed up this week in a 4-day quilting class taught by Ellen Graf. Intermediate and experienced quilters are working on independent projects and beginners or second year beginners are using a nine-patch or log cabin pattern.
Our other Winter at Sievers classes follow next week and into February: Wool Never Felt Better with Judie Yamamoto and Phyllis Kirchner (Jan. 15 & 16), Knitting Retreat with Mary Germain and Sandy De Master (Feb. 4-8 & 5-8) , Basketry with Jeanette Biederman and Rich Prange (Feb. 12-14) and Weaving Workshop with Connie Westbrook (Feb. 16-20).
New 2015 Instructors
We will welcome five new instructors this year, Janine Bajus (Fair Isle Knitting Design), Susan Hoffmann (Landscape ‘Painting’ with Fabric), Jerry Landwehr (Woodcarving), Ruth Manning (Tapestry Weaving) and Thom Scott (Batik). Janine and Ruth have been recommended by both Sievers teachers and students. Susan has been a student here since 1990 and at the Sievers Gathering last September, offered a workshop in her signature art form. Thom, an artist in his own right, has been a batik student of Mary Jo Scandin’s since 2010 and will be team-teaching with Mary Jo this summer. We’ve known Jerry for many years as he and his wife own a summer home on the Island. Jerry was also a Gathering participant, demonstrating woodcarving in the Walter Studio.
Janine Bajus has been intrigued by Fair Isle colorwork knitting since she received a Shetland yoke cardigan in 1964. She teaches workshops throughout the country, contributes to Ravelry and loves introducing others to the joys of modern Fair Isle knitting. Janine lives in Berkeley, CA and can be found online at www.feralknitter.com.
Susan Hoffman began exploring fiber arts at Sievers and found her passion when she took Natalie Sewell’s Landscape Quilting class in 2008. She realized her first piece looked more like a watercolor painting than a quilt and decided to frame it. Sue continues to perfect the design and construction processes to create her unique textile art. For a gallery of Susan’s work go to www.susanstextileart.com.
After retiring as the Director of Horticulture for the Green Bay Botanical Garden in 2002, Jerry Landwehr resumed his love of carving and began taking classes. He tried a wide variety of styles and techniques before focusing his efforts on birds, beginning with primitive and moving to more realistic carving. Each winter while residing in Florida, Jerry teaches classes to students ranging from beginning to advanced carvers.
Ruth Manning maintains a daily practice of tapestry weaving in her Madison, WI studio. Her technique is based on European traditions mixed with ancient Turkish methods, combined to weave the stories she wants to tell. Ruth has shown her work in exhibits at home and abroad and shares her passion for the craft by teaching students in conference, workshop and private settings. Visit Ruth at www.ruthmanningtapestry.com.
Thom Scott’s background includes art education and silversmithing. Fiber art is an interest that he has pursued in more recent years. From his Northwestern Wisconsin home studio in Siren, Thom creates work that can be found at local galleries as well as at Sievers. Thom will be team-teaching Batik with Mary Jo Scandin.
Many of our teachers will be at regional conferences {both the Midwest Weavers Conference (June 15-20) and National Basketry Organization Conference (July 14-19) are being held in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area this year}, have a extensive teaching schedule in 2015 or will be on sabbatical this year. They include Jackie Abrams, Jacki Bedworth, Betty Glynn Carlson, Rita Hagenbruch, Mary Hettmansperger, Flo Hoppe, John Mullarkey, Robyn Spady and Heather Winslow.
We’ve turned the calendar, let’s bring on 2015!
