I love teaching workshops. I especially enjoy leading a workshop with participants who have skill in another medium: painters, printmakers, book-binders etc. I learn so much and, hopefully, the participants gain some skills that enhance their primary skills.
I am a tolerable knitter and I like making wool felt- but I am not highly skilled in either one. Therefore, I offer workshops as a means of honing my skills and sharing my exploration. Learning in community is so much fun.
Last year, I offered a monthly workshop focused on History and World Cultures as they intersect with Spinning and Weaving. When I posted a link in FB, a former student commented “Can you imagine how revolutionary the development of string-making had to be for humans!” The text I use for this series is Women’s Work the First 20,000 Years by Elizabeth Wayland Barber.
Archaeologists worldwide, have found tiny prehistoric sculptures of curvy females wearing on a string apron or skirt. That ornamental garment has continued though out history translating into beaded, embroidered, ornamental aprons worn as a part of traditional garb in every culture.
Bronze figurines of girls in string skirts from Denmark and Sweden. Images from the Danish National Museum, Copenhagen Bronze Age, early 1st Millennium
Happily, I will be offering the series again, beginning in September. check it out! These classes are (for the most part) on FIRST Sundays of the month. This means the the Plop-Down & Make Something Sundays will move to SECOND Sunday of each month. August is uncertain since I will be out of town. That month’s meet-up might be on a different weekend. I will keep you posted.
Don’t forget: Members are eligible a discount on workshops, open studio hours and access to a variety of textile tools.
Happy 4th of July!
The news of the world is scary these days,
which makes me all the more thankful for you all.
June
I apologize for all the typos- I didn't send the rough draft to my editors (my kids) and it shows.