Past 2023-2024 Guild Year Classes:

Beginning Rigid Heddle Sept. 17 & 24, 2023

Rag Rug Weaving Sept 30 & Oct 1, 2023

Overshot Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom Oct 7, 2023

Beginning Weaving on a 4-Shaft Loom Oct 10, 12, 17. & 19, 2023

Beginning Card Weaving Oct 15, 2023

Beginning Spinning on a Wheel Oct 28-29, 2023 

Weekend Weaving Workshop Nov 11, 12, 14, 2023

Beginning Tapestry Nov 18, 2023

Beginning Band Weaving Nov 18, 2023

Beginning Drop Spindle Nov 18, 2023

Weave-a-Scarf Workshop Dec 2, 2023

Intermediate Rigid Heddle Dec 10, 2023

Color as a Communication Tool with Chris Acton Jan 13, 2024

Texture in Tapestry                                                                                   Jan 21, 2024

Overshot Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom Jan 27, 2004

Kumihimo Feb 4,  2024

Weave and Sew a Tote Feb 6, 2024

Weekend Spinning Workshop Feb 10, 11 2024

Beginning Rag Weaving on a 4-Shaft Loom.                             Mar 2, 2024

Working with Rags                                                                                     Mar 3, 2024

Repurpose and Create: Making Cordage                                      Mar 10, 2024

Skill Level and Prerequisites:  Beginner - no prerequisites 

Instructor:  Chiaki O'Brien

Saturday, April 27, 9:00am - 4:00pm

$140 member/$150 non-member

SAORI has four slogans:

• Consider the differences between machines and people

• Weave with a Happy Heart

• Explore with all your might

• Learn together as a group

“SAORI” is a contemporary hand weaving style founded by Misao Jo (born in 1913, Osaka, Japan, picture) in 1968. It is a free-style weaving without any rules or restrictions of what or how to weave. SAORI: “SA” of SAORI has the same meaning as the first syllable of the Zen world “SAI”. It means everything has its own individual dignity. “ORI” means weaving in Japanese. SAORI weaving is not merely the act of weaving a piece of cloth; it is an attempt to identify our true selves. This therapeutic way of weaving heals you from your busy daily lives because SAORI is free-style weaving. Enjoy “being empty” and “expressing yourself” while weaving. Our mission is not to teach you, but lead you to true “Freedom”.

Materials Notes:  An additional $30 Materials Fee will be payable to the Instructor.  All weaving materials and loom usage are included in the $30 materials fee but you are welcome to bring any materials of your own that you wish to incorporate into your weaving.

Equipment Notes:  SAORI looms will be pre-warped and ready for use

Maximum participants:  12

Skill Level and Prerequisites:  Beginner: no prior weaving experience required

Instructor:  Cherie Maxson and Missy Gijle

Saturday, April 27, 9:00am - 4:00pm

$100 member/$125 non-member; Fiberfest entry fee included in the class registration fee

A great introduction if you've been curious about weaving! You'll spend the day learning the basics of warping the rigid heddle loom, weaving and finishing your newly handwoven item.  This class is taking place during the Guild's annual Fiber Fest.  You will have a break for lunch to give you time to visit the vendors, watch the 'Sheep to Scarf' spinning/weaving contest, and just take in all the surrounding fiber-y goodness! 

Materials Notes: You will need to bring 2 skeins of worsted weight yarn, such as Cascade 220 or Plymouth Encore, in 2 color combinations that are highly contrasting.

Equipment Notes: You will need a Rigid Heddle loom in good working order, already put together. If you don't have a loom, you can rent one from the Guild. 

Rigid Heddle Loom Rental:  

Members: $0

Non-members: $20 for the full day session

Maximum participants:  4

Skill Level and Prerequisites:  Beginner: no prior weaving experience required

Instructor:  Pam Poppe

Saturday, April 27, 9:00am - 12:00pm

$55 member/$65 non-member; Fiberfest entry fee included in the class registration fee

Learn the art of Card Weaving by creating a pair of shoelaces!  Using a set of 10 cards (provided in class) you will learn to set them up, read a pattern, and weave beautifully patterned bands on an inkle loom.  This class is taking place during the Guild's annual Fiber Fest.  Plan to stay a bit after class so you have time to visit the vendors, watch the 'Sheep to Scarf' spinning/weaving contest, and just take in all the surrounding fiber-y goodness! 

Equipment: Inkle looms will be provided.

Materials: Cards for you to take home and yarn will be provided are included in the class fee. 

Ages 12 and older, please.

Maximum participants:  5

Skill Level and Prerequisites:  Beginner: no prior spinning experience required

Instructor:  Cindy Griese and Jean Gross

Saturday, April 27, 9:00am - 12:00pm

$45 member/$55 non-member; Fiberfest entry fee included in the class registration fee

It’s relaxing, it’s portable, it’s inexpensive and it spun the world’s threads for thousands of years.  It’s the Drop Spindle! Spindling is a great way to learn the mechanics of spinning, to learn how to handle fiber, and to experiment with new fibers.  Spindlers have great control of drafting and the insertion of twist.  While students practice, we will talk about fiber preparation and the history and variety of spindles.  The instructor will demonstrate on a variety of spindles.  Plying techniques will be discussed and demonstrated.  No experience necessary! 

This class is taking place during the Guild's annual Fiber Fest.  Plan to stay a bit after class so you have time to visit the vendors, watch the 'Sheep to Scarf' spinning/weaving contest, and just take in all the surrounding fiber-y goodness! 

Equipment: Drop spindles and roving will be provided to use during class.

Ages 12 and older, please

Maximum participants:  4

Skill Level and Prerequisites:  Beginner: no prior experience required

Instructor:  Monica Wilke-Brown

Saturday, April 27, 9:00am - 4:00pm

$10 

Pin Looms are a super easy and non-intimidating entry into the world of weaving and fiber. All levels welcome, though the class is geared toward beginners. Quickly learn the basics of the Pin Loom, weave a mug rug and bring it home!

This is taking place during the Guild's annual Fiber Fest.  Plan to visit the vendors, watch the 'Sheep to Scarf' spinning/weaving contest, and just take in all the surrounding fiber-y goodness! 

Required skills: Participants should be able to thread a large darning or tapestry needle, and be able to count to 50. That's it! :)

All looms and materials will be supplied.  A limited number of Pin Looms will be available for purchase.

Skill Level and Prerequisites:  Beginner - no prerequisites 

Instructor:  Chiaki O'Brien

Sunday, April 28, 12:00pm - 3:00pm

$50 member/$60 non-member

Kaleidoscope Technique with Bengala Mud Dyes

Bengala dyes are made from soil, 'environmentally safe' and fun to use. You will love the subtle nature of the colors. Everyone will learn about the history and cultural significance of this unique dye form. We begin with a process to pre-fix a yard square cloth. Then fold the material in a certain way. After that you can design it however you like by knotting, twisting, clamping... and dye with as many mud dye colors you like. There will be a dozen colors to choose from. You will have a big circle design just like a kaleidoscope!

This is not a good class for people who have latex allergy as dyes contain rubber latex in it.

What participants should bring

• A large towel(s) they don't mind getting dyes on 

• plastic bags to take dyed material home 

• Gloves and aprons are optional

If you have extra time and would like to dye more, you can bring your own material. (It doesn't need to be new but washed, white and light cream colors are the best.) Dye fee will be charged separately depending on the weight of the material. You can choose the material from the instructor as well (a yard square cotton cloth, silk/cotton scarves, cotton shawls.) 

Material fee: $15 (a yard cotton cloth, pre-fixer and dyes)

Maximum participants:  12

Saturday, May 18th, 12:00pm - 3:00pm

Free to members.  Bring a friend.

No need to sign up, just drop in anytime during the workshop.

Learn how to dye roving and yarn with acid dyes!  We will be dying the roving to be used for the Iowa State Fair sheep barn spinning demonstrations.  It will be a great way to be involved with one of the longest and most loved Guild traditions!  You are welcome to bring some of your own yarn and/or roving to dye as well.

Hope to see you all there!