Create A Textile Treasure in the Fiber Arts Dyeing & Felting Series At Billings Farm & Museum
From sheep to textile art, experience the wonder of transforming raw wool into a colorful and decorative landscape wall hanging. Led by local artisan Tiana St. James, the three-part Introduction to Dyeing & Felting Series will explore fundamentals in wool dyeing, the ancient and simple art of wet felting, and the modern technique of dry needle felting.
This Fiber Arts Series takes place on Tuesdays, November 1, 8, and 15 from 5:30PM -7:30PM at Billings Farm & Museum. The course will take participants through a step-by-step process of creating a finished work of fiber art. With fleece from the Billings Farm Southdown Sheep, participants will start by exploring dyeing methods. Then class members will create a felted background from the colorful woolen swatches using wet felting, a process of compressing loose fibers together with warm water, soap, and agitation.
To further develop the composition, participants will use a dry needle felting technique. This process of poking a barbed needle in and out of wool interlocks the fibers together and allows for fine-tuned detail work. The final step will introduce 3-D elements such as flowers or trees to complement the design. Each student will leave the workshop with a handcrafted woolen treasure to take home
For ages 16+. Registration for the series is $110/person, $100/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 & Museum for seven years. A passion for history and learning along with a love of knitting and crochet, led her to discover the 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 on a wide variety of textile crafts.
Visiting safely Wearing a face mask is encouraged and very much appreciated in our indoor space. For updated information please visit billingsfarm.org/safety.
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Billings Farm & Museum, now in its 40th season, is open daily 10AM – 5PM through Oct 30. From Nov – Feb open weekends and select holiday weeks, 10AM – 4PM. Find the Special Events Calendar, daily schedules, admission pricing and membership information at billingsfarm.org.
Billings Farm & Museum is owned and operated by The Woodstock Foundation Inc., a charitable non-profit institution. Billings Farm & Museum is committed to providing educational opportunities and experiences to our visitors, whether here in Woodstock, Vermont or at home wherever you are through our online resources at Billings Farm at Home. Visit us on billingsfarm.org, and find us on Facebook at facebook.com/BillingsFarmMuseum/ and Instagram at instagram.com/billingsfarm/.
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF BILLINGS FARM & MUSEUM
CONTACT:
Nori Pepe
Marketing & Outreach Manager
Billings Farm & Museum
802-457-5310
