Community Guild Studios at Slater Mill

Annie Modesitt Workshops at Slater Mill Museum

 

I am so very happy to announce that Annie Modesitt will be returning to Slater Mill to teach not one, but TWO workshops on September 10, 2011. We are thrilled to welcome her back. Here are the classes:

Combination Knitting 
Christened “Combination Knitting” by Priscilla Gibson-Roberts (Fall 2000 Interweave Knits Magazine), this combination of Western and Eastern style knitting is faster, creates a nice tension with less “rowing out” and less wrist strain. Established knitters may enjoy this different method, new knitters can mistress this right away!

Each student should bring light colored worsted weight yarn and needles to work well with the yarn.                                                                                                                        

Sat., 9/10, 9 AM-Noon 
$75

Charting Your Lace 
Written instructions can have typos, but with a chart what you see is what you get, which is why it’s the best option for knitters who want to “see” what their lace will look like before they take up their needles. In this class, we will investigate why stitches in lace work, behave the way they do, how we can befriend and domesticate them, thus creating our OWN lace motifs!

Each student should bring light colored, worsted weight yarn and needles to work well with yarn.

Sat., 9/10, 1 PM- 4 PM 
$75

Annie Modesitt Classes

Combination Knitting 9am-Noon $75.00 Charting Your Lace 1pm-4pm $75.00

Please contact Bernadette: bernadette@slatermill.org, or 401-725-8638 if you would like to register or have any questions.

Upcoming Events and Various Goings-On

We have so many things to discuss!  Where to start?  Well, first of all, if you haven't had a chance to go see it, the Rowan 30th Anniversary Exhibit is going away on June 25th, so you'd better go asap! 

Don't forget there are 2 fabulous classes going on this Saturday on Workshop Day!  Embroidery with Brenda Devine will be from 11-2.  I've got a couple project pics from this class to share with you all.  Here's the beginning of the project -

And here's where it will end up -

I'm told this is a completely addictive process. 

Also this Saturday is Journal Quilting with Pat St. Germain, offered from 2-5.  No quilting experience required!  Here's an excuse for those non-quilters to play with some cloth!    

Weavers - as always, feel free to come in and work on your projects from 10-5. 

And Hey!  Calling all Knitting Guild Members!  Margery Winter, Editor-in-Chief of Verena Knitting Magazine will be our special guest for our Wednesday, June 30th meeting, so please come and bring a friend!

Want even more up-to-date info about Slater Mill?  You can see the Mill's new twitter page at http://twitter.com/TheSlaterMill, or, if you have a twitter account, you can simply follow TheSlaterMill.   

Journal Quilting at Workshop Day

If you have been wanting to try quilting, but feel like you just don't know your way around a sewing machine well enough to tackle it just yet, or you like scrapbooking but want to try something new, then may I suggest Journal Quilting?  No quilting, or even sewing, experience required.

  

Here is an example - the class instructor, Pat St. Germaine, was inspired by these two images to create the Spring Journal page below:

        

                    
  

Here's info from Bernadette about the class, as well as a description of the original inspiration behind Journal Quilting.  

 

Intro to Journal Quilting

Instructor: Patricia St.Germain

Saturday, June 26th

Workshop meets 2-5PM

Fee: $25

 

Diaries in cloth! Students will discover the creative freedom of design and self expression of journal quilting by making their first  8x10” journal page from an assortment of fabrics and embellishments of their choice. They are a great way to try new techniques in fiber and art without a large commitment of time and materials. That are small scale art quilts that can tell the story of your life, a memorable experience or capture elements of your spiritual journey. No sewing or quilting experience needed.

Inspiration for the class:

Artist Jeanne Williamson-From January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2005, Jeanne made one small quilt a week, completing a total of 365 quilts. The purpose of this project was to play and experiment, and to give herself the time to create at least one quilt each week, no matter what else was going on in her life. The rules were: Each year she changed sizes, as a new challenge. The quilts ranged in size from as large as 8"x10" one year to as small as 4"x6" another year, and they would always be whole cloth. Each quilt could be made any time during the week, from Sunday through Saturday, and as she worked each week, she could not throw out the orginal piece and start over with a new one, even if she didn't like the result. There were no limits on what techniques or materials she could use.

In 2003 Karey Bresenhan, president of Quilts Inc., organized the first ever Journal Quilt Project one of the most popular exhibits ever shown at the International Quilt Festivals. Since then, hundreds of artists from around the world have participated in the Journal Quilt Project every year, making small, 8" x 11.5" quilts every month to explore new techniques, express fresh ideas, and experiment with the myriad of resources available to quilters today. Whether quilters officially participated in the Journal Quilt Project or not, thousands of quilters new and seasoned have been inspired by the Project and are using page-sized quilts as visual journals for self-expression and discovery.

Rowan Exhibit at Slater Mill

 

In case you haven't heard, the Rowan 30th Anniversary Exhibit opens at the Gallery in the Visitor's Center at Slater Mill this week!  We are very, very lucky that this international tour is visiting us here in Pawtucket, RI.  

 In case you missed the email Bernadette sent out:

Rowan 30th Anniversary Exhibition at Slater Mill Gallery May 6-June 25, 2010

PAWTUCKET, RI: Slater Mill and Community Guild Studios partners with Rowan Yarns to bring world renowned exhibit to Rhode Island. Rowan is known as the U.K.’s leading premium yarn company. This Exhibition showcases vintage designer garments tracing three decades of design in the hand knitting industry. This touring exhibition has already appeared in several European countries as well as Australia.

The Exhibition features a selection of iconic designs and profiles the key designers who have helped create the individuality that is the Rowan brand, designers like Kaffe Fassett, Kim Hargreaves, Annabel Fox, Louisa Harding, Jean Moss, Brandon Mably, Marion Foale, Erika Knight, Sarah Dallas, Sasha Kagan, Martin Storey and Marie Wallin. The exhibit showcases a wide range of garment styles for women and men: cardigans, jackets, sweaters, coats, dresses, vests and shawls. The work involved in the exhibit garments is evident. An outstanding knitted garment on view in the show will be Kaffe Fassett’s Long Leaf Coat with some knit rows requiring over 30 color changes. This amazing coat is made from over 70,000 stitches and is a testament to what hand knitters can achieve. In all the exhibit’s thirty-three garments span the years from 1983 to 2008.

The opening reception will be held at the Slater Mill Gallery on Thursday, May 6, 2010 from 5:30-7PM. The gallery is located in the Visitor Center at 175 Main Street, downtown Pawtucket across from Slater Mill. Guests are invited to wear or bring garments that they have knit from Rowan patterns.

For information, contact Bernadette Vaughan, Coordinator, Community Guild Studios at Bernadette@slatermill.org

You can download the flyer here - Download RowanFlyer2010.  Please feel free to print it out and share it with friends!

Another important thing to note is that Fresh Purls will be there selling Rowan yarns and books, including the 30th Anniversary Magazine.  What can be better than seeing all the sweaters you've drooled over in person, AND shopping for yarn?  See you all Thursday at 5:30!

Who's Presenting at the Knitting Guild Meeting 4/28?

Here's a hint: 

Still not sure?  Well, I was going to give you more clues but I'm too excited.

It's the Clasica Coat from the Fall 2009 Interweave Knits designed by none other than Deborah Newton!  (I know!  I can't believe it either!) 

She has prepared a slide show and presentation for us, and you will certainly not want to miss out, so come on April 28th!  We will start at 6:30, so feel free to get there early for the good seats.

The presentation is free for Guild Members - those that still need to renew can do so that evening.  Feel free to invite non-guild members along, they can come for $5, payable at the door.  

We will also be selling some refreshments, all proceeds to go to the Knitting Guild (you might be able to talk me into making some blueberry scones if I get lots of comments hint hint). 

I hope you can all be there, it should be a really amazing evening. 

As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact Bernadette at

bernadette@slatermill.org or myself at communityguildstudios@gmail.com

April/May Classes and Workshops

I'm very excited today, because there are so many great things to do at Slater Mill this spring, and I want to be at all of them! 

First of all, there's Free for All Sunday, sponsored by Amica Insurance - read more about that here. Folks at the mill are looking for volunteers to come knit at the Brown House (next to the big yellow building!) from 11am-3pm.  I know some folks are planning on coming - you can talk about it here on Ravelry.

I will be adding the updated class schedule to the Classes/Events page, but it's going to take me a little bit (this whole job thing is really cramping my style today!) so I'm going to give you the brochure to download in the meantime, until I can get everything all tidy and in the correct place.

Download Cgs_class schedule brochure_aprilmay content 2010_page1

Download Cgs_class schedule brochure_aprilmay2010_page2

If you open those files, you will see that April's Workshop Day includes a Beaded Bracelet class (more info to follow!) and and Indigo Dyeing Workshop!  Unfortunately, Brenda Devine will not be teaching an embroidery class in April, but she will be back for the May Workshop Day, so don't worry! 

Also new for Spring are some more of our popular Quilting classes.  Please check the Quilting page to see some photos and descriptions. 

As always, contact Bernadette Vaughn at bernadette@slatermill.org with any questions, or leave a comment here. 

Coming up soon - some information on a couple Gallery Exhibits - one I know all the knitters out there are going to be VERY excited about!

Pass on the Paas!

I got some great news from Bernadette - there's going to be a natural egg dyeing class!  Here's all the info you need!  I think this class is going to be very popular, so sign up soon!

 

Natural Egg Dyeing, Saturday, March 27^th, 1-4pm

Slater Mill Community Guild Studios

Let the colors of nature decorate you Easter basket!

Learn how to create natural dyes from items you already have in your kitchen.

Using simple, non toxic recipes, you will work with Fiber Artist and Gardener Ellen Stone to create an assortment of decorated eggs in a palette of unique hues.

 

Class fee: $20, $25 for child accompanied by an adult (minimum age 7 yrs old, children MUST be accompanied by an adult)

Supplies:

Please bring 1 – 2 dozen eggs per person, white or brown, uncooked, blown or hard boiled

Bits of ribbon for decorating and hanging

Glue or glue gun and sticks

Optional: masking tape or wax crayon

Please register before March 26 to assure spots are open. Contact Bernadette Vaughan at Bernadette@slatermill.org or 401.725.8638 x 105

Workshop Day for March

If you missed the last Workshop Day, never fear!  Here's the official Slater Mill press release on the new workshop offerings for March 27th.  I will also update the Classes/Events page with the new class descriptions and new paypal buttons, within the next few minutes (hopefully, by the time you read this). 

MARCH: In Like a Lion, out with a Day of Creativity!

The Community Guild Studios (CGS) at Slater Mill is excited to announce the class line up for its Workshop Day, Saturday, March 27^th. Workshop Days offer an opportunity to sample traditional crafts in a warm and welcoming atmosphere and are held the last Saturday of the month from 10 to 5. Check out our blog to see the fun that was had at our last Workshop Day.  

RI fiber artist Jan Doyle will teach “Intro to Weaving Drafts.” Students will start at the very beginning-learning how to read weaving drafts, create drafts from profiles and add color to their drawdowns.  (Class time 12-3, Fee $25)

RI Spinning Guild member Beth Fitzpatrick will instruct students in “Drop Spindle Plying,” an excellent follow up for beginner spinners interested in taking their craft to the next level.

(Class time 12-2, Fee $25)

Industrial Revolution Quilt Guild member Brenda Devine offers the second in her continuing Embroidery Series, introducing beginners to the next round of stitch techniques. Those who missed the first embroidery workshop can still jump in!

(Class time 11-2, fee $25)

CGS Membership is open to all, and is $20 annually.

For class supply lists and more information, please contact Bernadette Vaughan at 401.725.8638 x105 or email her at Bernadette@slatermill.org

 

Workshop Day Round-up

Before I tell you about the first Workshop Day at the Community Guild Studios, take a look at these shots of the river - all the rain has led to high water levels and rough water. 

 

I think the water looks even higher here!
 

 

Anyway, I'm really sad I missed the first Workshop Day, because it really looks like it was a lot of fun. Happily, a lot of folks were able to make it, and I heard that the classes were great from many attendees.  

Luckily for those of us that weren't there, this is going to be a regular event, so we haven't missed out for good.  

Some of my fellow weaving class people were there to hear Jan Doyle's Tips for Weavers, which apparently included turning a rigid heddle into a multi-heddle loom.  

 

Yes, that makes my head hurt, too, because it is that awesome.  Non-weavers - don't worry.  Come take a class, and it will all make sense.  

There were drop spindles - here you can see Dave Westcott demonstrating a technique to his students.

 

You can see that they were using drop spindles made of CDs and wooden dowels - how clever!  Especially considering people will spend HUNDREDS on certain spindles! 

 

Brenda Devine can be seen here showing some of her work, and the different applications for embroidery. 

 

And just look at THIS.

 

Some students in the class, learning some new techniques. 

 

  

   
Cirilia Rose was there to teach her very popular Finishing Techniques class

 

I wasn't going to include this photo of the finishing class students, because it's over exposed, but we always like to blame that sort of thing on the Slater Mill ghost, so I'll leave it in for the ghost fans.  

 

As you can see, there was a lot going on.  There's no way I'm going to miss the next one, for sure!  I hope you won't be, either.  

Let us know what sort of workshops you would like to see offered in the future! 

 
  

More Workshop Info

I've told you about the Embroidery and Surface Design Workshop, and the Drop Spindle Workshop, and now I need to tell you about the Finishing Techniques Workshop.  This workshop will be offered by Cirilia Rose, and as those of you that took her class during the 2nd Annual Knitting Weekend can attest, no matter how long you have been knitting, there's always something new to learn!  If you are on Ravelry, you can see Cirilia's designs here.

There is a short homework list for the class, so if you're interested, get crackin'!  You need to bring four blocked swatches, approximately 4"x4", all stockinette, no garter edges. 

You will also need to bring:

• A tapestry (or large eye) needle
• worsted weight yarn
• size US 7 or 8 needles
• crochet hook (any mid-range size is ok)

IMPORTANT: Your swatches and the yarn you bring to class should be TWO different colors and should be smooth, basic yarns in easy to see shades.