Classes

Welcome to our class offering page.  We would love to have you join us.  All classes are held at the Franklin Event Center (formerly Franklin Jr. High), 4801 Franklin Avenue, Des Moines, IA, unless otherwise noted.  Classrooms will be provided via e-mail to registrants.

Click Here to View Past 2023-2024 Guild Classes

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 - New Class  Class is full

Sat Dec 2, 2023

Class Details

Skill Level and Prerequisites:  Beginning level; no prior experience required

Instructor:  Shari Janssen

Saturday, December 2, 12:00 - 4:00pm


$65 member/$65 non-member

Do you love the idea of gifting a handmade item to a loved one (or yourself!) for the holidays? But, seriously, who has the time for that?!?  Well, now you do!


We’ll have the looms all set up and instructors on hand, as well as some holiday treats.  You just need to arrive for a relaxing afternoon of crafting to make a fashionable hand woven scarf!  No experience is necessary as the setup, warping the rigid heddle looms, will already be done.  You will quickly learn the weaving process and off you go, leaving at the end of the workshop with a finished, hand-woven, wool blend scarf!


Upon registration you will be contacted for your choice of color, subject to available yarns.


Sign up soon - registration closes November 25th!

Maximum participants9

Intermediate Rigid Heddle - New Class

2 SPOTS REMAINING

Sun Dec 10, 2023

See class details for requisite experience 

Class Details

Skill Level and Prerequisites:  Intermediate; You must be able to independently warp a rigid heddle loom prior to the class.

Instructor:  Pam Poppe

Sunday, December 10, 12:00 - 4:00pm


$45 member/$55 non-member


Learn pick-up stick techniques and leno lace on a rigid heddle loom!  


You will independently warp your rigid heddle loom prior to class to make a sampler or scarf with the yarn of your choosing.  


Materials Notes:  Warp up a rigid heddle loom with your choice of yarn and appropriately sized reed.  Warp should be 8-10 inches wide and at least 60 inches long for a sampler, longer if a scarf is desired.  You also supply the weft.  It can be the same as the warp, or different as long as it’s the same weight.


Equipment Notes:  You will need to bring a shuttle, scissors and a pick up stick (or extra shuttle which would also work).


If you don't have a loom, you can rent one from the Guild (available December 3rd) . Cost of rental for Guild non-members is $20 with a deposit of $100 which will be returned when loom is returned.  Guild members: $0 rental, no deposit required.

Maximum participants:  7

Spinning Workshop Weekend - New  

Sat/Sun/Tue Feb 10, 11, 13, 2024

Class Details

Instructors:  Multiple

Saturday, February 10

Sunday, February  11

Tuesday, February 13

12:00pm - 3:00pm
 

Free to members, bring a friend

No need to sign up, just drop in anytime noted above

Saori Weaving - New Class

Apr 27, 2024

Class Details

Instructor: Chiaki O'Brien

Saturday, April 27, 9:00am - 4:00pm
Cost TBD; a material fee may be applicable and payable directly to the instructor at the class.

(Fiber Fest)

Beginning Rigid Heddle

Sat Apr 27, 2024

Class Details

Skill Level and Prerequisites:  Beginning level; no prior weaving experience required

Instructor: Cherie Maxson

Saturday, April 27, 9:00am - 4:00pm
$100 member/$125 non-member 

A materials fee may apply.  Looms will be available for rent during the class.

(Fiber Fest)

Beginning Band Weaving

Sat Apr 27, 2024

Class Details

Skill Level and Prerequisites:  Beginning level; no prior weaving experience required

Instructor: TBD

Saturday, April 27, 1/2 day
$45 member/$55 non-member

An additional materials fee may apply.


Looms will be available for rent during the class

(Fiber Fest)

Beginning Drop or Supported Spindle

Sat Apr 27, 2024

Class Details

Skill Level and Prerequisites:  Beginning level; no prior spinning experience required

Instructor: TBD

Saturday, April 27, 1/2 day
$45 member/$55 non-member 

A materials fee may apply.  Spindles will be provided and can be purchased after the class.

(Fiber Fest)

Bengala Natural Mud Dye - New Class

Sun Apr 28, 2024

Class Details

Instructor: Chiaki O'Brien

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

Cost TBD (held during Fiber Fest); a material fee may be applicable and payable directly to the instructor at the class.

Dyeing Workshop - Natural & Acid - New Class

Sat May 18, 2024

Class Details

Instructors: Lynda Rogers, Cherie Maxson, & TBD

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

Free to members.  Bring a friend

No need to sign up, just drop in anytime noted above

Navajo Style Weaving Bootcamp - CLASS IS FULL

The Guild will be hosting two Navajo master weavers, Jennie Slick and Gloria Begay, along with Mary Walker, owner of Weaving in Beauty, for a Navajo style weaving boot camp.  

Fri- Mon May 24-27, 2024

Class Details

Skill Level and Prerequisites:  Beginning to Intermediate.  Participants need not have any prior experience in Navajo style weaving, but need to possess an intense interest in learning this beautiful form of tapestry weaving.

Instructors: Weaving in Beauty instructors Jennie Slick, Gloria Begay and Mary Walker

Friday - Monday, May 24 - 27, 9am-6pm
$650 member/$700 non-member (by credit card)

Description:  Participants will design and weave their own Navajo type tapestry during class, with help from Master Weavers Jennie Slick and Gloria Begay.  What you can expect to learn:


Materials Notes:  Participants will need to provide their own yarn, or purchase yarn from Mary in class.  Recommended: Burnham’s Trading Post yarn in worsted weight (can be ordered from weavinginbeauty.com) or Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride in worsted weight.  Bring at least 3 colors, or more if you have a design in mind that will use more than 3 colors.


Equipment Notes: Looms and tools will be provided in class for use during Boot Camp.  Thay will be available for purchase after the class is completed.


Please note:  if paying by check, reduce the Class Fee amount by $20 as there will be no credit card transaction fee. 


Maximum participants:  12