Learn to Create Delicate Detail, Texture & Stitched Beauty: NEW Fiber Arts Classes 

WOODSTOCK, VERMONT… Get creative and explore the medium of Fiber Arts in two new Billings After Hours classes for ages 16+.  Led by local artisan Tiana St. James, each three-part series will introduce techniques and provide a hands-on experience that will expand every participant’s crafting skills.  

Introduction to Hand Quilting: Tuesdays, May 31, June 7, and June 14, 5:30 – 7:30PM.   

Quilters of all experience levels will gain valuable insight into the delicate detail and texture that is unique to hand-stitched pieces.  Participants will learn about materials, tools, and measurements as well as how to lay out and cut patterns and sew patchwork rows.  Through easy to follow, step-by step instructions, participants will learn to stitch in both traditional and modern hand quilting styles and techniques.  Students will emerge with finished quilt squares and a deeper understanding of the quilting process.  

This series takes place in conjunction with the 36th Annual Quilt Exhibition, June 4 – July 10, featuring contemporary quilts made by Windsor County quilters and historic quilts from the museum’s collection. The Introduction to Hand Quilting class will find inspiration in the exhibited quilts and celebrate the legacy of quilt making in the area. 

Introduction to Dyeing and Felting: Tuesdays, November 1, 8, and 15, 5:30 – 7:30PM.   

This workshop will explore an array of wool dyeing techniques, using wool from Billings Farm’s Southdown Sheep. Participants will transform the hand-dyed wool into a felted landscape wall hanging, while exploring both wet felting and needle felting techniques. 

Registration for each three-part series is $110/person, $100/Billings Farm & Museum member. Materials are included.  Register in advance at billingsfarm.org/fiber-arts/  

Upper Valley Native Tiana St. James has been an Interpreter at Billings Farm and Museum for seven years. A passion for history and learning along with a love of knitting and crochet, led her to discover her fascinating world of fiber arts from all stages of the wool and flax to linen processes. Through her association with the Aker Fiber Farm in Enfield, NH, she has developed and taught classes for a variety of ages on a wide array of textile crafts.