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
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 participants: 9
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:
The Basics: Loom Warping, Basic Weaving, Basic Joins, Problem Solving, and Finishing
Advanced Topics Available: Side Selvedge Cord Use, Designing for Weavability, Combining Joins, Twill Techniques, Wedge Weave and Raised Outline.
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