Education

As a business owner and fiber artist I enjoy sharing my knowledge to inspire others to learn the fascinating world of fiber. Come join me in the beautiful North Valley of Albuquerque at our home devoted to fiber arts!

Course: Beginning Spinning
Instructor: Ruth Baldwin
Dates: 2- day class (See schedule for exact dates and times)
Skill level: Beginner
Class fee: Group class rate $95.00 each; Private class rate $190.00

Course Description: Learn to spin. If you have always wanted to spin or have taught yourself just a little, this workshop will help you gain confidence and skill. You will start with a beautiful fleece, learn to wash (scour), card, spin, ply and set the twist. You will spin woolen and worsted yarns and commercially prepared fibers. Learn to spin on a spindle and spinning wheel (many types to give a whirl) during the two sessions.

Material fee: None. Wheels and carders for the class can be rented. Please call to reserve.
Rental fee: $10
Students to bring: Your own spinning wheel and all its parts, spindles, wool hand cards, lazy-kate and any other fiber equipment you have acquired. Sack lunch (beverages provided).

Course: A World of Color - Where color blending meets the eye!
Instructor: Ruth Baldwin
Dates: ½ day class (See schedule for exact dates and times)
Skill level: All levels (must know how to spin and use hand cards)
Class fee: Group class rate $55.00 each; Private class rate $110.00

Course Description: We will begin this class with basic color theory. Students will complete a color wheel of wool you blend into the twelve colors for each of the two pallets-Painter's and Printer's. Explore tint-tone-shade using the one of six primary colors. The colors emerge through blending and spinning the primary colors and the ability of the eye to view the combination as a new color much like the pixels of a TV or computer screen. This basic study of color blending will begin your journey with yarn design.

Material fee: $15.00- wool dyed in printers and painter's pallet, White, gray and black wool, color wheel mounting board, folder, and instructions.
Students to bring: Spinning wheel or hand spindle; hand cards; small scissors. Optional, but very helpful: Ball winder.

Course: A World of Color-yarn design by inspiration!
Instructor: Ruth Baldwin
Dates: 1- day class (See schedule for exact dates and times)
Skill level: All levels (must know how to spin and use hand cards)
Class fee: Group class rate $75.00 each; Private class rate $150.00

Course Description: Have you ever been inspired by the colors in a sunset or a meadow in the early mourning and knew it would make a beautiful yarn? This workshop is for you! We will begin this class with basic color theory. Students will complete two color wheels of wool you blend into the twelve colors for each of the two pallets-Painter's and Printer's. Explore tint-tone-shade using the one of six primary colors. The colors emerge through blending and spinning the primary colors and the ability of the eye to view the combination as a new color much like the pixels of a TV or computer screen. This basic study of color blending will begin your journey with yarn design.

We will devote the afternoon to inspirational color yarn design. Bring any color picture or items from nature that you would like to design yarn to match. Ruth will have items available as well. Students will complete a color wheel of blended wool, a study of tint-tone-shade, and as many yarn design as energy and imagination allows.

Materials Fee: $15.00 includes wool dyed in printers and painter's pallet, White, gray and black wool, dyed wool, silk, and mohair for experimental yarn, color wheel mounting board, folder, and instructions.
Students to bring: Spinning wheel or hand spindle; hand cards; small scissors. Optional, but very helpful: Ball winder. Sack lunch (beverages provided).

Course: Beginning Felting-Hat, slippers or purse
Instructor: Ruth Baldwin
Dates: 1-day class (See schedule for dates and times)
Skill level: All levels
Class fee: Group class rate $75.00 each; Private class rate $150.00

Course Description: This course teaches the Scandinavian style techniques that allow the student to create a seamless three-dimensional object- hat, bowl, purse, or slippers- beginning with a flat resist form. Skills taught are design, felting technique and blocking and shaping. This resist method-using hot water, soap and agitation-turns loose wool into felt hat, slippers, or purse made with wool in your choice of color. There will be other colors and fiber available for embellishment to make your hat, slippers or purse a personal creation. Everyone leaves with a finished hat, slippers or purse, written instructions, and pattern.

Material fee: $15.00
Students to bring: Wear clothes that can get wet and soapy. Sack lunch (beverages provided).