Community Guild Studios at Slater Mill

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.   

Handmade Marketplace

I always love getting email from Bernadette, because it's usually about some awesome thing she's got planned at the mill, and her latest email did not disappoint!  As someone who has started selling wares at the occasional craft fair, with no real clue as to what I am doing, I am beyond thrilled that Slater Mill has invited Kari Chapin, author of Handmade Marketplace, to conduct a workshop and book signing!

Here's what the publisher has to say about Kari Chapin's book:

“Turn your craft into a successful business! Even the most expert crafters may find it challenging to market and sell their wares, but with Kari Chapin you have an experienced guide at your side. Learn to determine your cost of goods, set prices, identify the competition, and understand the ins and outs of wholesale and retail sales. Explore the various sales venues available, including independent craft fairs, Web sites such as Etsy, and traditional stores, and learn to maximize your visibility and sales in each one. Want to start your own Web site? Chapin shows you how to style and prop your crafts for photography and explains how the most popular Web marketplaces operate. You’ll find everything you need to turn your talent into profits.”

The workshop and book signing will be held on July 17th, at 1pm at Slater Mill, and I'll let you know exactly where it's being held and if you should bring anything with you in the next few days! 

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.

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! 

 
  

Another Great Reason to Go to Workshop Day

Jan Doyle, who is currently teaching a motley crew how to weave on Tuesday nights at the mill (myself included) will be offering a workshop called Tips for Weavers.  Jan showed us some of the material she will cover, and I can tell you, based on that, and her MacGuyver-esque problem solving in class, you will learn A LOT of useful info in this workshop.  It's like Jan says, she's been weaving for so long, she's made every mistake there is, so now she can tell us how to fix them.  

Remember, even if you're not taking a workshop, feel free to come in and work on your weaving project, your knitting or spinning, your quilting or whatever fiber projects your have going.  I hear there is even a Ravelympics meet-up!  The Jencks Education Center (the big yellow building) will be open from 10-5, and there's plenty of parking available.  Come in for part or all of the day!  

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.

 

Drop Spindle Class on 1st Workshop Day

For those Community Guild Studios members that have yet to meet Dave and Iris Westcott, I can tell you that they are two of the most knowledgeable and passionate fiber people I have ever met, and we are extremely lucky that they are teaching a drop spindle workshop on our first Workshop Day!  I hope you can all make it.  

LEARN TO SPIN

An introduction to the art and science of the DROP SPINDLE

 WHEN: February 27, 2010 12:00 -3:00 PM 

WHERE: Slater Mill Community Guild Studios

                        67 Roosevelt Avenue, P.O. Box 696

                        Pawtucket, RI  02862-0696

                        (401)725-8638

COST: $25.00 for Community Guild Members

WHAT: Introductory drop spindle workshop.

Your ancestors started twisting fibers to make thread more than 10,000 years ago. They didn’t have a spinning jenny.  They didn’t even have a spinning wheel.  They stuck a stick into a clump of clay or a rock and created the amazing tool we now call a DROP SPINDLE.  Today’s updated drop spindles are simple to make, easy to use, and capable of producing some surprisingly sophisticated yarns.  

WE’LL PROVIDE: 

a Handmade CD Drop Spindle – (bring your spindles too if you have them)

Spinning fiber in assorted colors for learning, practice and to take home

Hands on instruction, hints and tips on how to put a drop spindle to good use

YOU’LL LEARN: 

About twist, how to use a drop spindle, varieties of spindles, types and sources of fiber, fiber preparation, drafting, joining, winding off and two and three plying.      

We’ll have you making yarn in minutes.

INSTRUCTORS:  

Dave and Iris Westcott bought their first drop spindle more than 25 years ago.  They’ve been promoting spinning, and spindle spinning in particular, ever since.  Dave is a weaver and Iris is a knitter, meaning they have an all consuming passion for fiber. They’re both members of the Rhode Island Spinners Guild and the Community Guild Center.  They’ve been demonstrating drop spindling at historic sites, fairs and festivals and have taught literally hundreds of people how to spin.   

 

TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION: 

Contact Janice Kissinger at jkissinger@slatermill.org or Bernadette Vaughan at bernadette@slatermill.org at the Community Guild Studios or call Slater Mill at (401)725-8638