Wool is an incredibly versatile, durable, and beautiful fiber that is surprisingly easy to make into fabric. Start at the very beginning of the process in this team-taught class, as we hand shear sheep from Prairie Willows Farm and then go through processing wool, step by step together; shearing, skirting, washing, drying, carding, making batts, spinning, and finally felting. Once the wool is processed and divided amongst the class, we will practice the very foundation of making fabric; spinning fibers, which leads to knitting and weaving. On day three will work on the ancient method of making fabric, wet felting. Those who wish to continue spinning instead of felting, will be supported to choose their own path.

Wet felting wool pre-dates weaving and knitting and has recently seen a resurgence of popularity, as it is relatively easy and extremely versatile. Students will go home with new skills, an appreciation of processing your own wool and one substantial wet-felted project. In the past, students have felted purses, slippers, table runners, mittens etc.

The course will be led by two fiber experts: Elise Kyllo, a former artist in residence at North House Folk School, specializing in wet felting, and Heidi Quist, a shepherdess from central Minnesota who raises sheep and is in charge of bringing and shearing the wooly guests of honor. This is a unique opportunity to immerse fully in wool craft and connect directly to the source. This course is open to students ages 12+ if accompanied by an adult. A 25% tuition discount applies to the youth registrant when registering with a full paying adult; call to register.

Required Tools

• 2 large towels
• Clothes that can get dirty/wet or an apron
• Plastic bags to bring your wool, yarn and wet projects home

Optional Tools

• Feel free to bring your favorite tools and whatever materials you might feel appropriate for this course. Apron, rubber gloves, etc. If you have your own carders and spinning tools you may bring them. Also, feel free to bring your own raw wool that may be processed and felted with, if suitable for felting.
• Felting uses small bubble bubble wrap. Please bring any you have at home instead of throwing it in the garbage. Especially pieces larger than 1’ x 2’