MIDDLESEX – The Rochester Folk Art Guild will offer a series of fiber arts workshops beginning Feb. 26 and running through April 2. Each workshop is designed to be accessible to beginners, but also offers space for more seasoned fiber artists to play with their craft. The series is composed of four workshops: How to Hand Stitch, How to Dye Wool, How to Needle Felt, and How to Paint with Wool. The workshops will take place at the Guild’s East Hill Farm, 1445 Upper Hill Road, Middlesex, NY 14507. Thanks to generous donations from the Rushville Lions Club, an anonymous donor, and the Folk Art Guild education fund, tuition assistance is available to any school-age student who registers, says Liz Yockel, Rochester Folk Art Guild Program Director. “The Guild is so thankful to our donors who support us in making traditional crafts accessible to our local community,” says Yockel. “We hope this series will spark a lifelong interest in the fiber arts by highlighting what one may do with their own creativity and a bit of thread, fabric, and wool.” Yockel owns The Fuzzy Bunny in Honeoye where she dyes, knits, spins, felts, and supports others in their creative endeavors. In 2022, she joined the Folk Art Guild as the program director. #1 How to Hand Stitch (Feb. 26) Learn the basics of stitching geometric designs onto fabric, inspired by Sashiko, a traditional Japanese embroidery style. The finished panels can be turned into beautiful coasters, throw pillows, patches, or quilts. #2 How to Dye Wool (March 5) Learn how to dye wool in multiple forms: loose fiber, yarn, and fabric. Professional acid dyes will be used, which are eco-friendly and comply with organic processing standards. #3 How to Needle Felt (March 19) Starting with a 100% felted wool ball, learn to needle felt into the surface with colorful wool and yarn to create unique designs and play with color. Finished wool balls may be used as toys, ornaments, or dryer balls. #4 How to Paint with Wool (April 2) Use dyed wool and felting needles to paint a scene on fabric to be used as a wall hanging. Stitching may also be used to add detail and interest to the work. This is a great project to use wool dyed in workshop #2. To register, go to www. folkartguild.org/education/ classes/2023-fiber-sampler-series/. To register a school-age student, or to ask any questions, please email programs@folkartguild. org. The Folk Art Guild is an intentional community and craft center located in the heart of the Finger Lakes in Middlesex, with a mission to offer support and nourishment to all who are searching for a more conscious, creative, and responsible way of living. For over 50 years, Guild artisans have been producing fine crafts including pottery, woodworking, weaving, natural fiber clothing, and folk toys. Residents live on-site yearround, sharing meals and working together in an effort to live more sustainably. As a non-profit institution, the Guild offers education in traditional crafts through classes, residencies, and apprenticeships. The 350acre farm is home to the East Hill Gallery, open May through October and displaying the work of Guild artists. Learn more at www.folkartguild. org
