Evolutions

When Sievers first offered fiber arts courses in the summer of1979, fifteen classes were scheduled. There were seven weaving, six spinning, one stitchery and one textile printing class listed in the brochure. The following year, quilting, basketry and dyeing were added. Fast forward 45 years and you’ll find those subjects (and many more) included in the 2023 list of classes.

The three most recent classes show an evolution in the subjects of stitchery, basketry and weaving as compared to those very early classes at Sievers. Japanese Temari, taught by Kathy Broer and Judith Yamamoto, is an example of a stitchery class that’s evolved beyond “the basic embroidery stitches applied to a pillow or tote bag, trapunto wall hanging or stuffed, dyed project” as listed in the 1979 Creative Stitchery course description. The Temari done by Kathy and Judie can only be described as amazing. These gorgeous works of art definitely showcase stitchery on a new level!

When it comes to basketry, the first class in that subject at Sievers was taught by Char TerBeest-Kudla in July 1980. The description said, “You will explore the design of functional baskets and then make them in melon-shape and coiled design”. The focus of the class was using gathered willow to weave a rib-style basket. Students were also to bring yarn and thick cord for making a coiled basket.

Now it’s Lynn Stracka Schuster who teaches the Covered Coiling Basketry class and her baskets are filled with stories and meaning, which she shares with students along with her graceful instruction. Starting with a core fiber and wrapped with yarn, baskets can be shaped in many ways.

Beginning Weaving on a Floor Loom. What can we say? It’s where Sievers started and where it continues to this day. The 1979 Sievers brochure stated, “…we chose, as carefully as we could, those practical instructors who will give you the very best. Not only are they expert craft persons in their own fields, but they will inspire you and encourage you…”. That certainly applies to Susan Frame, who taught the beginning weaving class this past week. One word used to describe her, both from her students and from us is: “Fantastic!”

Up until Susan began teaching here, we’d only used the Sievers 4-harness looms for beginning weaving classes. Susan prefers to use the Schacht 8-harness Baby Wolf looms we have in the studio, just using four of the eight shafts for their beginner projects. Another successful evolution, as you can see from the work the students did in class!

How things change and how they stay the same!