WORKSHOPS: SUNDAY 13 APRIL
Click on a workshop title to view the full workshop information,
or scroll through the workshops below.
 | W25 Transform Your Fleece Kerry Bulmer and Mandy Dickie |  | W29 Felted Kererū Puppet Jane Dolan |
 | W26 Advanced Tunisian Crochet Wendy Gibbs |  | W30 Upcycle Denim Jacket Glam Janet Sirisomphone |
 | W27 and W28 Latvian Braid in the Round Christine Powell |  | W31 Amigurumi Cat or Dog Audrey Fontaine |
W25 TRANSFORM YOUR FLEECE
Kerry Bulmer and Mandy Dickie
Sunday 13 April, 9am–12pm
$62 (includes a materials cost of $12)
Skill level: Intermediate. Class Size Limit:12
Requirements: Wool combs or hackle if you have them but there will be equipment available for use if you do not. Please confirm if you will need to use our equipment. Fleece and fibre included in the fee.
In this class you will learn how to use both wool combs and hackle to process your fleece into soft, floofy nests ready for blissful worsted spinning. There will be discussion about what type of fleece to use, and which other fibres can be included in the mix. Blending of colours and fibres will be part of the experience. The class will include demonstrations by the tutors, and plenty of hands-on learning. Participants will leave with a selection of samples that they have processed themselves, and an appreciation of the possibilities offered by these two tools.
While Kerry has been playing with wool for decades, Mandy is newer to the love of fibre. They are both are united in their passion for fibre preparation with wool combs and hackles. They appreciate the opportunities afforded by these tools to enhance their fleeces, and ultimately the finished yarns. Both tutors feel strongly that time spent on fibre preparation is never wasted time, but rather it is your chance to make your mark on the project by creating exactly the yarn you imagined.
W26 ADVANCED TUNISIAN CROCHET
Wendy Gibbs
Sunday 13 April, 9am–12pm
$58 (includes a materials cost of $8)
Skill level: Must have a working knowledge of basic Tunisian stitches (Tss, Tks, Tps, Tfs) and have completed at least one large or several smaller projects in Tunisian crochet. Ideally be able to read a pattern. Class Size Limit: 10
Requirements: At least one standard (straight or corded) Tunisian crochet hook, and at least one double ended hook, both sized between 6 and 7mm. A second slightly larger size hook could be useful, but not necessary. Double knitting yarn will be supplied
This workshop will focus on two relatively advanced techniques in Tunisian crochet – Tunisian Lace, and Tunisian in The Round. We will be making one or more swatches using several different lace stitches/techniques, and if time allows, start on a small scarf/cowl project. We will also cover techniques for using a double-ended hook to create both cylindrical/tubular pieces of fabric, and flat pieces worked from the centre outwards. Once the basic techniques are covered, we will examine the interesting possibilities for colour-work using this technique. If time allows, we will start a small headband project.
Wendy learned to use a spinning wheel in the late 80s. When she first tried using a spindle in the 90s it was heavy and uncomfortable to use, and all she could make was twisty woollen ‘rope’. After joining a Ravelry group which focused on spindle spinning, acquiring several lighter-weight spindles and learning from fellow spindlers, she has been productively spindling and teaching ever since. Wendy has also been knitting, weaving and crocheting since her teens, but around five years ago learned the basics of Tunisian crochet from a fellow crafter who was writing a book about it. She became obsessed and has been exploring the possibilities and limits of Tunisian crochet ever since, from garments to accessories to blankets.
W27 and W28 LATVIAN BRAID IN THE ROUND
Christine Powell
Two classes: Sunday 13 April, 9am–10.30am or 10.45am–12.15pm
$32 (includes a materials/copying cost of $2)
Skill level: Advanced beginner to intermediate.Need to be able to cast on and knit and purl in the round. Class Size Limit: 8
Requirements: Two knitting needles, size 4 or 4.5mm: at least one needs to be a 40cm long circular. A small amount (approx 30 grams each) of three contrasting colours of wool yarn – all DK weight/light worsted. Scissors, one stitch marker, tapestry needle.
In this workshop, you will learn how to execute a Latvian Braid knitted on a circular needle in the round. This braid-like embellishment is a beautiful addition to many knitted projects, including hats, mittens, and on the cuffs and edges of garments. It uses two alternating colours to captivating effect. It looks like magic, but it’s really only knitted and purled stitches. A written instruction sheet will be yours to take home.
Christine grew up in Orange County, California. In 1997 she took a leap of faith and accepted a contract in Antarctica, the start of a 20-year career at McMurdo Station. In her spare time on the ice, she knitted with a thriving group, quickly expanding her skills. She went on to co-author the book, Knitting in Antarctica: 28 Beautiful Hat Patterns with Stories of Life On the Ice. She and her Taranaki-born husband, Anthony, live a happy, creative life with two cats in Kaiapoi.
W29 FELTED KERERŪ PUPPET
Jane Dolan
Sunday 13 April, 9am–12pm
$70 (includes a materials cost of $10)
Skill level: Suitable for all skill levels, though some felting experience would help. Class Size Limit: 8
Requirements:The tutor will provide all equipment and fibre. Please bring a couple of old towels to wipe up water and spills.
In this workshop you will learn how to wet felt around a resist to make a kererū hand puppet. This involves blending colours and creating a 3D shape in the form of a kererū.
Jane has been felting for about 15 years and is an active member of the Southern Felters group and Canterbury Creative Fibre. She has taken courses from both international and local tutors and exhibited in various galleries and shows. She frequently teaches felting in Canterbury and enjoys sharing her love of felting.
W30 UPCYCLE DENIM JACKET GLAM
Janet Sirisomphone
Sunday 13 April, 9am–12pm
$70 (includes a materials/copying cost of $20)
Skill level: Beginners, but with a broad idea of the aesthetic or theme you want to achieve. Class Size Limit:15
Requirements: Bring a denim jacket, your own or thrifted, a basic sewing kit, pencil and paper. Also your own decorative materials, eg handcrafted fabrics, lace and braids, images printed onto fabric, pieces of fabric, beads, sequins, buttons, threads, fabric paints (limited range of fabric paint colours will be available).
With the guidance of the tutor and using a variety of materials, upcycle and glam up the jacket – your new fave wardrobe item! We will not be using bleach or dyes or sewing machines, but your imagination is the limit.
Janet has been a fabric junkie all her life, and everyone in her family sews, embroiders, makes clothes and costumes etc. When her son was a teenager he upcycled and sewed all the costumes for his punk band!! She was a Japanese teacher and is very interested in Asian fabric culture.
W31 AMIGURUMI CAT OR DOG
Audrey Fontaine
Sunday 13 April, 9am–12pm
$55 (includes a materials cost of $5)
Skill level: Participants should be proficient in UK Double Crochet/US Single Crochet stitch, increasing and decreasing stitches, and in making a magic circle (ring) with 6 stitches. Class Size Limit: 16
Requirements: 30-50 grams of double knit (8-ply) wool in a natural animal colour, a 3–4mm crochet hook, small scissors, stitch markers and a large eye sewing needle. Fill and yarn for eyes and a nose will be provided.
In this workshop you will learn the fundamentals of Amigurumi, choosing to crochet either adog or cat (approximately 20cm tall).This is going to be a fast-paced class as we will attempt to have a completed project by the end of the three hours. This project uses the UK Double Crochet/US Single Crochet stitch, working in the round while increasing and decreasing stitches. After creating the various parts: body, head, four legs, two ears and a tail, we’ll finish by stitching them together, then sewing on eyes and a nose using contrasting wool.
Audrey has been a multi-media artist since 1968. In 1983, she completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Studio Art from Southern Connecticut State University in the USA and was awarded a Fellowship from Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina, providing her the opportunity to study under dozens of internationally renowned instructors. She has experimented with over fifty different craft media including various types of fibre, ceramics, jewellery, encaustic wax painting, gourd art to name a few.