Imagine a place removed from the rest of the world, a place to quietly reflect amidst natural beauty, a place to explore your interests, a place to create.
That place is Sievers School of Fiber Arts, where we welcome all levels of students to spend uninterrupted time learning from knowledgeable and encouraging instructors who have the ‘extra’ qualities of warmth and joy in sharing what they love.
As you look through our class offerings, you will get a sense of what Sievers is about, but it is the experience itself that has touched the lives of those who have become part of this magical place. The opportunity to meet others with the same interests, often developing new friendships, enriches the environment here. It is telling, that so many who discover Sievers return year after year. Only a place that is loved, that inspires and transforms can make such a claim.
We invite you to enter our studios and create your own Sievers and Island experience!
“Happiness is in your hands and it keeps you young”…is the slogan that founder Walter Schutz selected when Sievers originated in the early 1970’s.
Together with his wife Sophie (Sievers) Schutz, who was a very accomplished hobby weaver, they wrote the Learn How To Weave booklet that inspired Walter at age 79 to establish the Sievers School of Fiber Arts.
A one-room schoolhouse that dates back to 1890 became the location to teach classes, beginning in 1979 with an enrollment of 33 students. In the years since, a comfortable dormitory, teachers’ cottage and two spacious, air-conditioned studios were added, used by the more than 20 professional instructors who teach over 35 classes each year to approximately 350 students.
Current owners Ann and Butch Young, and their friendly and accommodating staff welcome students who have traveled from all fifty states and eleven foreign countries, to enjoy the combination of high quality fiber arts instruction and the remote, tranquil surroundings on charming Washington Island, WI.
The Washington Island Chamber of Commerce and the Washington Island Ferry Line
presents: Washington Island, WI: A Documentary
The Sievers Shop
Located at 986 Jackson Harbor Road in the refurbished Jackson Harbor Schoolhouse, the Sievers Shop features the original arts and fine crafts made by more than 60 of our own Sievers teachers and students–jewelry, baskets, handwovens, home goods, garments, notecards and gifts. In 2024, we are open daily at 10am from May 20 through October 31. (Memorial Day and July 4th may have reduced hours.)
The Shop also offers quality knitting and weaving yarns, knitting needles and accessories, embroidery, quilting and sewing needs, craft kits, printed and dye-ready fabric, weaving and other fiber art tools and supplies, including most of the materials used in Sievers classes.
We carry over 425 book titles and knitting patterns. In addition, a variety of Sievers-design souvenir items are available for purchase.
The Sievers Shop presents a unique opportunity for alumni and staff to market their original handcrafts on consignment. If you are interested in selling your work, please bring samples with you when you come for class.
Located next to the display area is the Sievers Library, a collection of books mainly relating to fiber arts, augmented by books about Washington Island and for general reading. Students and teachers are encouraged to check books out while here for your classes.
Gift Certificates
Gift certificates may be purchased in any amount and used toward a class or in our Shop. (If purchasing online, write request in Comments section of the Contact Page.)
