Wool is an incredibly versatile, durable and beautiful fiber that can take many forms. Start at the very beginning of the process in this team-taught class, as you shear sheep, wash, dye and card the wool on Days 1 & 2. On Days 3 & 4, you will have a choice of projects: felting, spinning and weaving on a warp-weighted loom. Each student can experience two of these ancient crafts, but will learn a bit about all three as you share your experiences as a group. The course will be led by three fiber experts (a flock of fiber folk?): returning guest instructor Martha Owen of the John C. Campbell Folk School, international guest Elizabeth Johnston of Shetland, Scotland and long-time North House faculty Elise Kyllo, feltmaker extraordinaire who loves to use wool to create useful and whimsical things. This is a unique opportunity to fully immerse in wool craft. Songs and storytelling, as well as a public presentation on warp-weighted looms will round out the experience. Days 1 & 2 will be large group sharing, washing, dying and carding wool. On Days 3 & 4, students will be able to choose a project. Day 3: Yarn Design and color, Flat Felting or Warp-Weighted Looms. Day 4: Hand-Carding, Spindle and Wheel, Felted Slippers or Warp-Weighted Looms. See northhouse.org for more information.

You will need the following tools for this class:

Day 1 & 2 apron rubber gloves two old towels notebook Day 3 & 4: See specific descriptions for tools

Feel free to bring your favorite tools and whatever materials you might feel appropriate for this course.