Classes in Beginning Weaving on a Table Loom, Beyond Beginning: Weaving, and Cartonnage: Four-Drawer Tower Box have made their mark these past few weeks of August and we expect those students went home with “happiness in their hands”, as has been done many times before. Starting at the beginning, Nancy Frantz gave students the opportunity to try weaving while learning the basics of preparing a warp and dressing the loom. Students then went on to weave a sampler or a set of mug rugs, all in a matter of three days. Beyond beginning projects appropriate for those with some weaving experience was the focus of Susan Frame’s class. From scarves to rep weave to double weave wool blankets, the class […]
Take five
We’ve had a busy start to August with five classes in session during the first ten days of the month. Beadweaving, and then Mixed Media Fiber Jewelry with Francie Broadie, Finding Our Way: A Dyeing Journey with Stephanie Lewis Robertson, Batik with Anne Landre and Coiled Basketry with Lynn Stracka Schuster. Let’s “take five” and see a little of what each class did during their time in the studios. Francie Broadie’s Beadweaving: Lesser Known Stitches class allowed all levels to try beadweaving for the first time or to explore unfamiliar stitches, then in her Mixed Media Fiber Jewelry class, students created one-of-a-kind jewelry using fabric scraps, beads, found objects or pieces of old jewelry, upcycling and combining them in fun […]
Color and pattern play
Bringing colors and patterns together, either in knitting or marbling, filled the days in a good part of July’s classes. We’re glad to know there’s much more to come in August, September and October! Beginning with Fair Isle Knitting Techniques, Mary Germain introduced her students to the traditional methods for making a Fair Isle sweater (teddy-bear sized) by incorporating corrugated ribbing, steeks and two-color knitting, all patterned after the characteristic Shetland Fair Isle methods. In the second of her three-day classes, Mary guided students in designing their own hat, beginning with a Fair Isle pattern and selecting and swatching just the right colors for just the right motifs. On to a short break from knitting, to Marbling with Joyce Gitter. […]
Still ringing true
In the 1982 Sievers class brochure, Walter Schutz wrote, “All who attend carry home with them not only the techniques of their chosen fiber art but also rich memories and lasting friendships.” Here we are, 42 years later and those words continue to ring true. It’s generally the case that several small groups of friends come together for our Open Quilt Studios. With a retreat atmosphere and the freedom to sew and quilt (or knit, explore and shop) when you want, there’s a unique balance of productivity and “permission” during the week. There were new pieces in the works every day and once in awhile, quilt blocks or a top make a repeat appearance. We could see them over and […]
Making the most of June-Part 2
Continuing on with our June classes, we’ll see more from Ellen Graf’s “Your Latest, Greatest Quilt” class and the Batik Alumni Studio with Mary Jo Scandin, along with some terrific weaving done in the “Introduction to Overshot” class with Nancy Adams. Here’s where we left off, starting with the busy hum of sewing machines, creating big, beautiful designs from small pieces. Like most quilters, these ladies were an organized group! Stacks of pre-cut pieces or pre-made blocks from home were labeled carefully and kept in order, ready for precise placement. Ellen helps each student bring their ideas and vision together, making their “latest, greatest quilt” extra special. Batik alumni gather with Mary Jo (who is ever-creative and always evolving), to […]
Making the most of June-Part 1
How much can we fit into the month of June? Plenty, as it turns out! We’ll have welcomed five classes since June 10, which we’ll visit in this post and the next. For beginners and beyond, team teachers Kathy Broer and Judith Yamamoto have shared one or more new techniques during their Japanese Temari classes and this year, the focus was on Kikus and Triwings. In addition, for their main project, the students were challenged to use several shades of orange colors in each of the design motifs on their Temari. It’s truly captivating to see all of the samples Kathy and Judie bring as inspiration for their students and there’s an added delight to see the looks of amazement […]
Something old, new, borrowed and blue
This age-old proverb usually isn’t associated with classes at Sievers, but it seemed fitting for the pair of classes held last week, Beginning Weaving on a Floor Loom with Susan Frame and Shibori and Indigo Dyeing with Anne Landre. Learning to weave on a floor loom certainly represents something old, or in more meaningful words, a continuity from the past. As you probably know, Sievers all started with looms and weaving. At the start of Susan’s class, Ann shared one of the first ads for Walter Schutz’s plan sheets for a table-sized Sievers Loom from the Fall/Winter 1974-75 McCall’s Needlework & Crafts magazine. Some of the many addresses Walter used for McCall’s ads were: Box 5M, Fifth Avenue, North Bay, […]
A stitch in time
With a group of quilters here for the Open Quilt Studio, along with Shawn Simmons’ Learn to Knit and Crochet class, a lot of stitching took place this past week and weekend. It was a great start to our season of classes! One quilter brought an array of quilt tops to be made into baby quilts which will then be donated to charity. Hanging them on the fence by the barn created a great display. With uninterrupted stitching time, a lot can be accomplished during an Open Quilt Studio. In addition, all types of fabric artwork and quilts are in progress during the week, and brought for show. You can’t help but be inspired! There were a lot of basics […]
