MINI-WORKSHOPS August 15-17, 2025

The purpose of Mini-Workshops is to accommodate attendees who may not have time for a full workshop or who are totally new to the fiber arts and just want to give it a try!

There is no pre-registration for mini-workshops.  First come, first served.  Workshops are approximately 90 minutes (1.5 hrs.) in length. 

The maximum fee is $30, and classes are capped at 12 students. 

Please note:  Mini's are held in Buildings 8A, 8B and the Expo Center!

Fees are paid directly to the instructor at the time of the workshop.

 

Friday 8.15.25 Mini-Workshops

Heather Macali- Mini Tapestry Weaving   $30     12 Students    

Friday 8.15.25   11:00am-12:30 pm   Bldg 8B, Booth #134-135

This workshop will include: warping a frame loom, color change, basic composition, fringe, ghiordes knots, sumac and professional finishing.  You have the choice to create a small wall hanging or ornament.
 Supplies Provided: Various yarns, fiber, tapestry needle, tapestry comb and loom are included in the class fee. If possible please bring: Scissors, notebook (if you want to take notes), and a writing utensil.

Heather Swan- Pattern Navigator   $20 cash;$25 card     12 Students  

Friday 8.15.25   11:00am-12:30 pm   Bldg 8A, Booth #8-9

Overwhelmed by patterns? Let’s demystify them!  Have you found yourself knitting or crocheting simple rectangles because patterns feel intimidating? Or maybe you’ve struggled to find high-quality, well-tested patterns that are ready to use? You’re not alone—and this class is here to help.

 In this lecture-style session, we’ll explore how to confidently choose the right patterns for your next project. You’ll learn where to find trustworthy patterns—both online (yes, including Ravelry!) and in print—and how to evaluate whether a pattern has everything you need to get started with confidence. We’ll break down the key components of patterns so you know what to look for and how to avoid surprises mid-project.  We’ll also compare digital patterns with those found in books and talk about the benefits and differences in formatting. Have a pattern you're curious about but aren’t sure how to begin? Bring it along!

This class is designed for both knitters and crocheters. While we won’t cover step-by-step stitch instructions, we will help you feel equipped to choose and understand patterns that suit your skill level and goals. Questions are encouraged throughout—this is your time to get clarity!  This class does have handouts shared. Bring a pen/pencil.

 

Heather Macali- Gathering Basket     $30               8 Students  

Friday 8.15.25   1-2:30 pm   Bldg 8A, Booth #8-9

Come learn the basics of basket weaving!  We will make a small gathering basket and learn rib basket construction with frame, plain weave with flat reed.  Everything needed to complete the project is provided-reed, waxed linen yarn scissors etc.

 

Molly Yoshikawa- Learn to Tat with Molly   $20     12 Students   

Friday 8.15.25   1-2:30 pm   Bldg 8B,   Booth #134-135

Students will learn to tat the double stitch, picot, ring and chain to be able to make this gorgeous skinny scarf.

 

Mariya Gerhardt- Wet Felted Calla Lilly   $30     12 Students            

Friday 8.15.25   1-2:30pm    Expo Center, Booth # 305

In this class participants will make wet felted calla flower. Students will learn how to make a whole flower from wool and viscose fiber with wet felting technique using your hands, water and soap.  Instructor will provide all the materials necessary to make a flower; several colors of wool will be available. 

 

Nancy Binkowski- Broom Making   $30     12 students  

Friday 8.15.25   1-2:30 pm & 3-4:30pm             Expo Center, Booth # 305

Try Something a little different!  Broom Making! This mini workshop gives you a chance to make a broom that is beautiful, functional, and, you can say, "I made it myself!"  These simple to make yet elegant looking brooms are sure to delight. I have a wide selection of twine to choose from for wrapping your whisk broom.  You can make a festive broom for an upcoming season decoration, coordinate with your fiber hide-out decor, or just pick one of the colors you like best.  After you wrap your broom, you will learn how to stitch your broom.  Most of this workshop is work at your own pace with as much or as little help as you need.  Please don't be afraid to take this workshop if you have concerns about sore hands or shoulders!  I have worked with a lot of people with limitations and am happy to help you make modifications to wrapping techniques so that you can successfully make your broom.

 

Nancy Macali- Embroidery Basics   $25     8 Students    

Friday 8.15.25   3-4:30pm   Bldg 8B, Booth #134-135

This class is for beginners or people who would like a review to improve their embroidery skills.  We will discuss fabric, needle, and thread selection along with the proper hooping of your project.  During class we will practice 5 – 10 embroidery stitches and discuss how they can be incorporated into your projects.
Supplies Provided: Fabric, Hand Sewing Needles, Floss, Pearl Cotton, Embroidery Hoop, and Note Sheet.  Students may purchase a pocket size embroidery book for an additional $8.50.
If possible, students should bring small embroidery scissors, any threads or ribbon they might like to experiment with, and a writing utensil.

Heather Swan- Yarn Substitution for Crocheters and Knitters   $20 cash;$25 card     12 Students  

Friday 8.15.25   3-4:30 pm   Bldg 8A, Booth #8-9

We are excited to talk all things fiber and yarn weights in this class! When getting started I didn't know why you would use a worsted weight yarn or sock weight yarn. Nor did I understand that choosing cotton over wool had any difference except in the feel of it.  We will begin the class discussing different yarn weights and how they are utilized in patterns and why you may use a different weight yarn than why the pattern was designed. We will review the various types of fabric created with different yarn weights and how to convert a pattern if desired.

The second half of the class will be reviewing various types of fiber and the advantages to each content type, what works up similarly, and when is a good time to substitute a yarn fiber. If you have an allergy, we will be able to help guide you to alternative options for your projects and the best practices to find patterns for the fiber content you prefer.

If you have a pattern you are interested in understanding how to best substitute yarn, bring it with you. If you have yarn that you are trying to figure out it's best use, bring that with you. We will spend the last portion of the class reviewing and determining the best options available to you.  Supplies Included in Cost:  Gauge Substitution, Reference Sheet.  Supplies suggested:  Pen/Pen, Notebook, Any pattern and/or yarn you would like to discuss further.

Saturday 8.16.25 Mini-Workshops

 

Molly Yoshikawa- Learn to Tat with Molly   $20     12 Students   

Saturday 8.16.25   1-2:30 pm   Bldg 8B,   Booth #134-135

Students will learn to tat the double stitch, picot, ring and chain to be able to make this gorgeous skinny scarf.

 

Nancy Macali- Mini Batt   $25   12 students

Saturday 8.16.23   1-2:30 pm     Bldg 8A, Booth #8-9

Come learn to make a fiber batt!  We discuss blending fibers, along with color and material  mixing.  Each participant will get to make 2 half ounce batts on a drum carder.  We will have a variety of materials to choose from, so each batt is unique.

Supplies provided:  variety of fiber, additional materials to mix into the batts, and the use of the drum carder.

 

Nancy Binkowski- Broom Making   $30     12 students  

Saturday 8.15.25   1-2:30pm   Expo Center, Booth # 305

Try Something a little different!  Broom Making! This mini workshop gives you a chance to make a broom that is beautiful, functional, and, you can say, "I made it myself!"  These simple to make yet elegant looking brooms are sure to delight. I have a wide selection of twine to choose from for wrapping your whisk broom.  You can make a festive broom for an upcoming season decoration, coordinate with your fiber hide-out decor, or just pick one of the colors you like best.  After you wrap your broom, you will learn how to stitch your broom.  Most of this workshop is work at your own pace with as much or as little help as you need.  Please don't be afraid to take this workshop if you have concerns about sore hands or shoulders!  I have worked with a lot of people with limitations and am happy to help you make modifications to wrapping techniques so that you can successfully make your broom.

 

Heather Swan- Needle Felted Gnome   $25cash/$30 card   12 students

Saturday 8.16.23   3-4:30 pm     Bldg 8A, Booth #8-9

Stab Your Stress Away!  Ever feel like you just want to stab something—but in a totally productive, socially acceptable way? Then needle felting is calling your name!  Join Heather for this playful and hands-on mini workshop where you'll learn the basics of needle felting—a craft that uses barbed needles and wool to sculpt 3D objects. We’ll walk through how and why wool felts, and how you can transform fluffy fiber into fun, decorative creations.  In this session, you’ll create your very own felted gnome to take home! No experience necessary—just bring your curiosity (and maybe a little stress to stab out)!

 

Heather Macali- Mini Macrame' Wall Hanging   $25     8 Students        Saturday 8.16.23   3-4:30pm   Bldg 8B, Booth #134-135

Learn the basics of macramé and create a small wall hanging. We will utilize 2 colors in our design and cover a variety of knots including: square, half-hitch, larks head, & a berry knot.  Provided supplies: Macramé cord, scissors, and a hanging stick/rod.

 

 

Sunday 8.17.25 Mini-Workshops

Tracy Ross- How to skirt mohair fleece for show or sale.   $20   Sunday 8.17.25  10:00-Noon  Angora Goat Barn           

Tracy Ross, our goat judge for 2025, will teach how to properly skirt your fleece- that is, how to remove the vegetable matter & "ick" without loosing too much fluff.

 

 

Molly Richter-Needle Felted Pumpkin. $30     12 students

Sunday 8.17.25   1-2:30pm   Expo Center, Booth #305  

You will receive instructions on basic needle felting techniques, including how to use  felting needles and work with the wool fiber to create fall pumpkins.  Tools and materials are included.  You will take home what you make as well as the supplies  to make another one!