Events
Wool To Wear
Transform raw fleece into yarn, and spin, weave, and design your own projects from “wool to wear.” These hands-on workshops are for folks all skill levels to explore wool and fiber arts in a welcoming environment.
Please note: The classes, taught by instructors Lindsey Schwenn and Nancy Wilson (click here to read instructor bios), are currently sold out, except for Weave Your Wool on May 3. Sign up below.
January 18
February 1
March 1, 4 or 8,
& 29
April 5 and 12
May 3
Wool To Wear Five Class Series
SOLD OUT
January: Intro to Raw Fleece
February: Wool Preparation
March: Spin Your Wool
April: Knit or Crochet Your Yarn
May: Weave Your Wool
Weds, January 18
6-8pm
January: Intro To Raw Fleece
Class completed. Participants select a quality fleece, and learn to skirt it, wash it, and consider different preparation methods to fit their purpose.
Weds, February 1
6-8pm
Common Threads: Weds, February 22
6-8pm
February: Wool Preparation
Class completed. Learn to card, comb, and flick your fleece to prepare roving and top for spinning. We’ll discuss each method and the different types of yarn they produce. You will use a variety of tools ranging from hand cards and combs to drum carders and blending boards used to combine fibers and produce unique color combinations.
*All materials included. A variety of tools are available for use and a small number of hand cards are available for purchase. Feel free to bring your own hand cards, combs, or other equipment if you have them!
Common Threads meets at the Waukesha Public Library.
Individual & small group sessions:
Weds, March 1
6-8pm
Sat, March 4
9am-1pm
or
Weds, March 8
6-8pm
Full group session:
Weds, March 29
6-8pm
Common Threads: Weds, March 15
6-8pm
March: Spin Your Wool
SOLD OUT
Schedule a 1-hour private or small group session with instructor Nancy Wilson to learn the basics of spinning on a wheel before gathering for a group class to try different spinning wheels, and troubleshoot techniques. You may also sign up for additional practice time at the farm.
*Each person will have 2oz. of roving to use for spinning in addition to any wool prepared in previous sessions. Bring in any other fibers that you’d like to try! If you have your own wheel, bring it as well. Some spinners also like to have a lap towel or apron to protect their clothes from stray fibers. A small number of wheels will be available for purchase during the group class.
All classes take place in the Williams Barn at Gwenyn Hill Farm EXCEPT for the Saturday, March 4 individual/small group session which is located at Lost Art Fiber and Textile Studio, 519 Wisconsin Ave, Waukesha.
Common Threads meets at Gwenyn Hill Farm.
Weds, April 5
6-8pm
&
Weds, April 12
6-8pm
Common Threads:
Weds, April 19
6-8pm
April: Knit/Crochet Your Yarn
SOLD OUT
Participants will divide into groups to begin a project of their choice, based on skill level and personal preference. Guest instructors will lead various projects in the small groups during two sessions. Everyone is encouraged to attend the Common Threads meetup for additional hands-on time together.
*You’ll be provided with wool yarn from Gwenyn Hill to learn the basics of knitting or crochet. Once projects have been selected, a materials list will be sent with specific needles or hooks needed for each.
Common Threads meets at Gwenyn Hill Farm.
Weds, May 3
6-8pm
Common Threads:
Weds, May TBD
6-8pm
May: Weave Your Wool
Learn the basics of weaving on a 4-shaft floor or tabletop loom and rigid heddle loom. We’ll discuss the advantages and drawbacks of each type of loom, and you will practice tapestry weaving on your own personal frame loom, which can be used again and again! Participants will receive wool yarn from Gwenyn Hill Farm to learn the basics of weaving. Hand-spun yarn from previous workshops can also be used.
*Expand your knowledge of this process by signing up to use the floor loom or tabletop loom at the farm.
Common Threads meets at a location TBD.
For more information about programs and events at Gwenyn Hill Farm, email Fawn Ring at programming@gwenynhill.com.