From the very beginning, Walter Schutz felt Washington Island was the ideal place for learning and specifically as a place for Sievers School of Fiber Arts. He wrote in 1979, “What could be more ideal than creating in pleasant surroundings such as these?” Also, “…a positive cultural advance – the Island is ideally suited for this. I am convinced (Sievers) would not be as successful in other places…” and, from 1984, “I hope, too, that it will help you regard the Island with more reverence, help maintain its rustic, unspoiled atmosphere and above all keep it, as much as possible, the sort of place it is. It truly is ‘north of the tension line’ (and) opens the door to the past and the way of life that has long disappeared in most places.”
So, in the spirit of our pleasant surroundings, inside and outside the studios, we’re blending photos of our recent Sievers classes, including an Open Quilt Studio and Fiber Blending for Spinners with Deb Jones along with summertime views of Washington Island.
There were so many colorful and inspiring quilts made in the Open Quilt Studio during the week of August 10-15. Brights, florals, metallics and stars all blended together into a beautiful array.
Summertime on Washington Island is all about beaches and water views. Lucky for us, there are many to enjoy and each offers their own treasures.
If you really like blending (and know how to spin), then the Fiber Blending class was for you! Fibers including merino, cotton, yak, nettle, silk and more (Deb brings it all!) were combined and spun into signature yarns.
Come…Enjoy…Relax
These words were used for many years in the class brochure and we’re using them again now with an opportunity to create your own Sievers studio time. From Saturday, September 18 at 2pm through Thursday, September 23 at 11am, we have studio space available in the Walter Studio. (Limited capacity and all recommended guidelines in place at that time would be in effect. For Sievers School alumni only.) Limited housing is also available. If you wish to propose a rental for some or all of those days, please use our Contact page or email us at ma**@si***********.com .
We’ll close with more words from Walter Schutz, “Washington Island is that emerald spot lying off the tip of famous vacationland, Door County, in the sparkling blue waters of Lake Michigan. It is the ideal setting for a school of this kind since it offers the very best in summer environment – a perfect place to learn and relax.”
Such beautiful creations! Every project is stunning (every week). And the island photographs are beautiful and tugs at my heart! Can’t wait to return
Hi Rodna, You’re right, the work in class has been wonderful. Maybe it seems extra-special since we weren’t surrounded by it last year. We’re looking forward to the cool, crisp days ahead! Take care, Carolyn
The quiet beauty of the Island is inspirational. Thank you Carolyn for sharing that beauty – of nature and the classes.
Thanks, Eileen. Already looking forward to the next season…some cool, crisp days sound good about now. We’ve already seen a few leaves starting to turn. Take care, Carolyn