Wool Fest Classes & Workshops
Registration Now Open!
Register early as these classes sell out quickly.
Registration closes at 12:00 pm on September 23rd and pre-registration is required.
Call 208.720.0585 after September 23rd for class availability.
Walk-ins will be accepted at the instructor's discretion. A $10.00 walk-in fee will be charged to anyone who does not pre-register and only exact cash will be accepted. Please arrive early.
For additional class offerings, contact Wood River Valley retailers directly!
*Please note that class fees, venues and details are subject to change prior to registration. Visit this page regularly for updates.
Thursday, October 3, 2024
KNIT & NEEDLE SHEEP HAT
Instructor: Summer Neel - Hailey, Idaho
Date: Thursday, October 3, 2024
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Knit & Needle - 370 Walnut Ave., Ketchum
Cost: $105
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Class Size: 6-8, not appropriate for children
Get your sheep on with this adorable Rasta sheep hat! Designed for and inspired by Trailing of the Sheep, this is the perfect hat for warming your ears during the Sheep Dog Trials, perusing the goods at the Folk Life Fair, or just cruising around town. If you are versed in knit and purl, this is the perfect quick and easy project for you! Using Intarsia techniques we create a fluffy white sheep hat topped with a perky poof. All supplies are included.
More About Summer:
Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Summer now calls Sun Valley home. She has been an avid fiber artist for 30+ years and just celebrated the one year anniversary for her Knit & Needle shop in the heart of Ketchum. From teaching needlepoint and knitting, painting custom canvases, designing new knitting patterns and stitching and knitting for both pleasure and commission, Summer strives to create a community where everyone from novice to expert can make their life a bit more beautiful and achieve their artistic potential. When not in the shop, she can be found enjoying the great outdoors with her husband Andy and their Great Dane Auggie.
BEGINNING KNITTING
Instructor: Mary Chown - Donnelly, Idaho
Date: Thursday, October 3, 2024
Time: 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Location: D.L. Evans - 601 S. Main St., Hailey
Cost: $115
Skill Level: Beginner, Children 12+
Class Size: 1-12
We will learn the six fundamental skills to begin your fiber journey: cast on, knit stitch, purl stitch, increase, decrease, bind off, and hey, why not? - let’s yarn over too! Students will make either a mug rug - or - double the recipe, sew up the sides and voila! A pair of fingerless gloves! All supplies are included.
More About Mary:
Mary began knitting almost 25 years ago and is still at it! She is passionate about color, texture, pattern and will brake for beautiful yarn! A former yarn shop owner, she not only has a substantive stash of gorgeous yarn but also an in-depth knowledge of and appreciation for wool fibers, fine tools, practical skills and creative patterns. She has expertise in shearing, cleaning fleeces, carding and dying wool. Mary is excited to share her knowledge with you!
ANIMAL SCULPTURES
Instructor: Doris Florig - Angels Camp, CA
Date: Thursday, October 3, 2024
Time: 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Location: Emmanuel Episcopal Church - 101 S. 2nd Ave., Hailey (enter off Bullion St.)
Cost: $110
Skill Level: All levels (adults, children 10+ years old with adult supervision)
Class Size: 2-18
Bring an image of something you’d like to sculpt - an animal, flower, person - a pair of scissors, and Doris will supply the fibers, wire, and knowledge needed to put it all together. She will guide you in shaping a fiber sculpture you can proudly take home!
More About Doris:
Doris is an incredibly gifted artist/teacher. She has spent 50+ years looking over shoulders, asking questions and working with people who have a cultural history with the textile arts. She has learned the skills of netting and braiding from the Cree Indians, Flechee finger weaving from the French Canadians, spinning from Ontario sheep farmers, producing natural dyes from the Navajo, plaiting from the Bahamians and seat weaving from the visually impaired. She has adapted these techniques to her own creative style.
SOLD OUT!
WET FELT A BOWL!
Instructor: Jan Bittenbender - McCall, Idaho
Date: Thursday, October 3, 2024
Time: 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Location: Emmanuel Episcopal Church - 101 S. 2nd Ave., Hailey (enter off Bullion St.)
Cost: $90
Skill Level: All levels (not suitable for young children)
Class Size: 6-12
Using a “resist”, we will explore the design possibilities of wet felting a 3-D bowl. Students will have a choice of several different base colors plus specialty fibers, feathers and “found” items to create a beautiful, functional bowl. All supplies included, however students are asked to bring a pair of small sharp scissors.
More About Jan:
Jan has been living and playing in McCall, Idaho for 20+ years. She was a successful jewelry artist who began felting about 5 years ago. It was a challenging transition for her since her artistic style is characterized by precision and control. Felt work is organic, free-form, with errant fibers having a mind of their own! Many of her pieces are Native American-inspired with her beading skills highlighted in the clothing.
Friday, October 4, 2024
CANDYGRAM COWL
Instructor: Linnea Collins - Sun Valley, Idaho
Date: Fri, October 4, 2024
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Knit & Needle - 370 Walnut Ave., Ketchum
Cost: $115
Skill Level: Advanced beginner, not appropriate for children
Class Size: 4-8
It’s cowl season, people! This fabulous cowl designed by Tania Lavallee features a clever, 4 round repeat worked in 2 high contrast color ways, resulting in a reversible cowl. The key is in the slipped stitches, no stranded knitting required. Easy peasy! All supplies to create this stunner are included.
More About Linnea:
A Midwest transplant to the west, Linnea is an accomplished needle arts enthusiast heralding from a long line of creative fiber art women. She has embraced that heritage and continues to investigate new methods, patterns and fibers.
POSTCARDS FROM THE FLOCK
(Wet & Dry Felting a Picture)
Instructor: Jan Bittenbender – McCall, Idaho
Date: Friday, October 4, 2024
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 101 S. 2nd Ave., Hailey (enter off Bullion St.)
Cost: $120
Skill Level: All levels (not suitable for young children)
Class Size: 10-18
Celebrate the history of sheep ranching in Wood River Valley with this felted “painting’.
Using a combination of wet and dry felting techniques, merino, silk and bamboo fibers, a pastoral scene of grazing sheep will be created. In class, the overall process of felting will be reviewed, a canvas created, fibers laid out in a “painterly” fashion, and then wet felted. Some needle felting will be done, but due to time constraints, the finishing touches will be completed at home. Instructions will be provided. Join this fun class and let the fibers do the talking!
All supplies included, however please bring a small pair of sharp scissors.
More About Jan:
Jan has been living and playing in McCall, Idaho for 20+ years. She was a successful
jewelry artist who began felting about 5 years ago. It was a challenging transition for
her since her artistic style is characterized by precision and control. Felt work is
organic, free form, with errant fibers having a mind of their own! Many off her pieces
are Native American-inspired with her beading skills highlighted in the clothing.
LONG WOOL LOCKS COLLAR/SHAWL WITH POWER TOOLS
Instructor: Anna Anderson – Superior, Montana
Date: Friday, October 4, 2024
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Grange Hall, 609 S. 3rd Ave., Hailey
Cost: $150
Skill Level: Beginners welcome, children 12+
Class Size: 2-14
Students will create a unique, very fine Alpaca and wool blended collar or shawl that will be adorned with several layers of extreme-length fine Teeswater or Wensleydale natural or dyed locks. This is a wet felting technique and Anna will share her “power tool” method to speed up the process. This is not a nuno felt! Learn a fun, unusual technique for wool, alpaca and other natural fibers in this very popular class. All supplies included with kit.
More About Anna:
Anna is an incredibly popular returning teacher, coming to us from Superior, Montana, to teach fiber art classes where your creativity takes center stage! Her fiber-hobby-turned business, Calico Farm Fiber Arts, began more than 14 years ago with the rescue of six Pygora goats. Shortly after, she was given a spinning wheel and introduced to fiber arts. Anna began her wooly rescue of fiber-bearing animals in 2006. She raises Pygora and Angora goats and a variety of sheep. Some of their fiber is used in her
classes.
EN PLEIN AIR TAPESTRY WEAVING
Instructor: Doris Florig - Angels Camp, CA
Date: Friday, October 4, 2024
Time: 9:00am - 3:30pm (all day class with onsite break for lunch)
Location: Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 101 S. 2nd Ave., Hailey (enter off Bullion St.)
Cost: $285
Skill Level: All levels (adults, teenagers 13+ years old)
Class Size: 2-12
Learn or improve your technical skills while surrounded by the natural beauty of Sun Valley and Trailing of the Sheep activities! When weaving en plain air, you capture the effects of weather and light, qualities otherwise difficult to achieve in a studio environment. Doris will provide you with 50+ years of tapestry weaving knowledge, her hand dyed yarns and Navajo-style looms ready to weave.
We will meet at the classroom, and fingers crossed for glorious weather, head out from there. Pack a lunch, and if possible, bring a pair of scissors and 18” stool (if not possible, will be provided). And don’t forget your beret! If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we’ll simply stay in the classroom. You will be able to take home inner part of loom to finish. Full looms will be available for purchase for $150.
Doris is an incredibly gifted artist/teacher. She has spent 50+ years looking over shoulders, asking questions and working with people who have a cultural history with the textile arts. She has learned the skills of netting and braiding from the Cree Indians, Flechee finger weaving from the French Canadians, spinning from Ontario sheep farmers, producing natural dyes from the Navajo, plaiting from the Bahamians and seat weaving from the visually-impaired. She has adapted these techniques to her own creative style.
SPINNING 101: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR WHEEL
Instructor: Tammy Jordon - Lincoln, MT
Date: Friday, October 4, 2024
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm; 1:00pm - 4:00pm (all day class with lunch break)
Location: St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 311 S. 1st Ave., Hailey
Cost: $155
Skill Level: Beginners with a basic understanding of how their wheel works
Class Size: 5-10
Have you ever wanted to learn how to spin your own yarn? It’s fun, it’s relaxing and I can show you how to do it! In this beginner class, you’ll learn about wheels, spinning methods, best fiber for beginner spinners and basic wheel maintenance. In the morning we’ll start with getting to know your wheel and how it works. After lunch, we’ll move on to spinning singles and then plying. At the completion of class, you will have a basic understanding of your wheel and the skills to start spinning on your own. There is no experience needed, and I will provide the fiber, tools and a resource guide to start you on your journey. Bring yourself, your wheel with at least three empty bobbins and a lazy Kate. Wheel must be in good working condition and ready to use. Additional supplies may be available at end of class.
Tammy is a fourth-generation fiber artist who enjoys sharing her passion with everyone she meets! She has a fiber arts business, Goldieknots Montana, specializing in Montana-grown wool, yarn, spinning fiber and Made in Montana gift items. Prior to moving to Montana, she lived in Southern California and the Pocono Mountains where she was a Humane Education specialist for the SPCA. When she is not on the road teaching or in her studio, you can find her spending time with her dogs, sheep, horse and other barnyard critters.
SOLD OUT!
EWELTIDE ORNAMENT
Instructor: Susan Coons - Hailey, Idaho
Date: Friday, October 4, 2024
Time: 10:30am - 1:30pm
Location: Sun Valley Fabric Granary, 122 S. Main Street, Hailey
Cost: $55
Skill Level: Confident beginner! (not suitable for young children)
Class Size: 4-10
The picture says it all! Make this adorable ornament using wool appliqué and
embroidery embellishments. The finished size is 6” x 4”. All supplies included in class fee.
More About Susan:
Susan has a 15-year history of teaching appliqué in the Wood River Valley with a loyal following of fellow quilters. She was influenced by the late Jean Ray Laury, and after taking a class 20 years ago with Elly Sienkiewiez, appliqué became her passion. She continues to expand her knowledge by taking Appliqué Academy workshops in Williamsburg, VA., each year.
KNIT SOCKS
Instructor: Sarah Kain - Driggs, Idaho
Date: Friday, October 4, 2024
Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Knit & Needle, 370 Walnut Ave., Ketchum
Cost: $100
Skill Level: Intermediate
Class Size: 4-8, not appropriate for children
Have you ever wanted to learn to knit socks out of colorful, playful yarns? Learn how to with Sarah Kain of Teton Yarn Company! She will walk you through your very first mini sock from cast on to cast off in this hands-on class. All supplies are included.
More About Sarah:
Sarah Kain is the owner of Teton Yard Company nestled in the heart of the Grand Tetons. A self-proclaimed Park Service brat, she was born at Mt. Rainier National Park and has lived in several national parks in the western United States before settling in Teton Valley. Sarah started Teton Yarn Company to share her passion for color, knitting and the Tetons. When she is not in the dye studio, you can find her and her dogs exploring the local scenery for color inspiration for her next color way!
FIBER PREP BASICS
Instructor: Sylvia Smith - Kalispell, MT
Date: Friday, October 4, 2024
Time: 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Location: Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 101 S. 2nd Ave., Hailey (enter off Bullion St.)
Cost: $75
Skill Level: Beginner, not appropriate for children
Class Size: 3-6
If you are an aspiring hand spinner or felter and want to know how that wooly, matted coat was transformed into the soft, beautiful fiber in your hands, then this class is for you! In this participatory overview, I will demonstrate and discuss all of the steps to prepare raw wool for either spinning or felting. These steps include scouring, carding with hand or drum carders, and combing. We will compare fiber and techniques and you will try the tools for yourselves.. A class outline with definitions and descriptions will be provided.
More About Sylvia:
Sylvia has been spinning for about 30 years and is currently working her way through the Master Spinner class at Old College. She is very active in her local guild and teaches a variety of classes at a local yarn shop. She is also an occasional contributor to various magazines. Northwest Montana is where she calls home, along with her husband and cat (one being an enabler of her fiber pursuits, the other an obstacle. We leave it to you to work that one out!)
NEEDLE FELTED TOTE OR THROW PILLOW
Instructor: Anna Anderson - Superior, MT
Date: Friday, October 4, 2024
Time: 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Location: Grange Hall, 609 S. 3rd Ave., Hailey
Cost: $125
Skill Level: Beginners welcome, not suitable for children
Class Size: 6-20
Students will learn the basics of needle felting while creating an adorable 2-D design of a sheep face with a long wool body, flowers and butterflies. All supplies are included to complete your project of either a tote or a throw pillow. You will take home a kit of reusable felting supplies.
More About Anna:
Anna comes to us from Superior, MT, to teach fiber art classes where your own creativity will take center stage! Her fiber-hobby-turned-business, Calico Farms Fiber Arts, began more than 14 years ago with the rescue of 6 Pygora goats. Shortly after, she was given a spinning wheel and introduced to the fiber arts. Anna began her Wooly Rescue for Fiber-Bearing Animals in 2006. She raises Pygora and Angora goats and a variety of sheep. Some of this fiber is used in her classes.
Saturday, October 5, 2024
WET FELTED SCARF WITH POWER TOOLS
Instructor: Anna Anderson – Superior, Montana
Date: Saturday, October 5, 2024
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Grange Hall, 609 S. 3rd Ave., Hailey
Cost: $135
Skill Level: Beginners welcome, children 10+
Class Size: 6-16
Bring your creativity to Anna’s awesome scarf class! Colored fibers and sparkling angelina threads are sandwiched between very fine layers of natural fibers to create a gossamer scarf of your own design. This is not nuno felting! It is a wet felting technique using Anna’s “power tool” method to speed up the process. Learn a fun, unusual technique for wool, alpaca and other natural fibers.
More About Anna:
Anna comes to us from Superior, MT, to teach fiber art classes where your own creativity will take center stage! Her fiber-hobby-turned-business, Calico Farms Fiber Arts, began more than 14 years ago with the rescue of 6 Pygora goats. Shortly after, she was given a spinning wheel and introduced to the fiber arts. Anna began her Wooly Rescue for Fiber-Bearing Animals in 2006. She raises Pygora and Angora goats and a variety of sheep. Some of this fiber is used in her classes.
BEGINNING DROP SPINDLE
Instructor: Sylvia Smith - Kalispell, MT
Date: Saturday, October 5, 2024
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 101 S. 2nd Ave., Hailey (enter off Bullion St.)
Cost: $90
Skill Level: Beginner
Class Size: 2-8
While spinning fiber on a spinning wheel is a relatively modern innovation, spinning fibers together to use for cloth has been done for at least 20,000 years! Prior to the development of spinning wheels, threads and yarns were spun on spindles. This class gives you the opportunity to reconnect with your ancestral heritage by learning to spin on a drop spindle. Sylvia will teach you how to spin different types of wool on this spindle, plus you’ll learn how to create plied yarn with this tool. The drop spindle is an effective tool, more portable, and more affordable than a spinning wheel.
Handouts with sources and terminology will be provided. if you have a spindle, bring it, or you can use one of Sylvia’s.
More About Sylvia:
Sylvia has been spinning for about 30 years and is currently working her way through the Master Spinner class at Old College. She is very active in her local guild and teaches a variety of classes at a local yarn shop. She is also an occasional contributor to various magazines.
Northwest Montana is where she calls home, along with her husband and cat (one being an enabler of her fiber pursuits, the other an obstacle. We leave it to you to work that one out!)
NEEDLE FELTED PUMPKINS
Instructor: Tammy Jordon - Lincoln, Montana
Date: Saturday, October 5, 2024
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 101 S. 2nd Ave., Hailey (enter off Bullion St.)
Cost: $85
Skill Level: Beginner, Children 8 years and older welcome with supervision
Class Size: 5-15
Come get a jump on Fall and learn how to create your very own needle felted pumpkins! We’ll start with a Goldieknots Pumpkin Felting kit complete with everything you need to create one pumpkin in class, including fiber, felting needles, felting mat and a resource guide with instructions, tips and tricks. I’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions and give you my favorite techniques for 3D felted objects. By the time we’re done, you’ll have your own pumpkin and all the skills you need to keep making more for you and friends after class. All materials go home with you. Additional kits will be available for purchase at the end of class.
More About Tammy:
Tammy is a fourth-generation fiber artist who enjoys sharing her passion with everyone she meets! She has a fiber arts business, Goldieknots Montana, specializing in Montana-grown wool, yarn, spinning fiber and Made in Montana gift items. Prior to moving to Montana, she lived in Southern California and the Pocono Mountains where she was an Humane Education specialist for the SPCA. When she is not on the road teaching or in her studio, you can find her spending time with her dogs, sheep, horse and other barnyard critters.
CROCHET A HEXAGON BAG
Instructor: Arianna Uy - Hailey, Idaho
Date: Saturday, October 5, 2024
Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Knit & Needle, 370 Walnut Ave, Ketchum
Cost: $120
Skill Level: Intermediate
Class Size: 3-6, children 12 yrs+
This workshop will cover the process of crocheting African flower hexagons and then sewing them together to make a cute, colorful bag! All supplies are included as well as a handout detailing the steps for future reference.
More About Arianna:
Arianna’s love for crafts began in childhood which led her to explore the fiber arts; crochet is one of the crafts which is near and dear to her heart. She is self-taught and this fact inspired her to teach others the craft as well. As a former preschool teacher, her teaching style is relaxed, informal and hands on.
NEEDLE FELTED SHEEP
Instructor: Anna Anderson - Superior, MT
Date: Saturday, October 5, 2024
Time: 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Location: Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 101 S. 2nd Ave., Hailey (enter off Bullion St.)
Cost: $90
Skill Level: Beginners welcome, children 8+ years
Class Size: 6-20
Students will learn the basics of needle felting to create a charming fluffy sheep or Angora goat. Your finished critter will be about 5”x6” and free standing. All supplies will be included in your kit - wool, locks, felting mat, felting needles and finger guards. This all goes home with you to continue creating!
More About Anna:
Anna is an incredibly popular returning teacher, coming to us from Superior, Montana, to teach fiber art classes where your creativity takes center stage! Her fiber-hobby-turned business, Calico Farm Fiber Arts, began more than 14 years ago with the rescue of six Pygora fiber goats. Shortly after, she was given a spinning wheel and introduced to fiber arts. Anna began her wooly rescue of fiber-bearing animals in 2006. She raises Pygora and Angora goats and a variety of sheep. Some of their fiber is used in her classes.
TURKISH SPINDLE 101
Instructor: Tammy Jordan - Lincoln, MT
Date: Saturday, October 5, 2024
Time: 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Location: Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 101 S. 2nd Ave., Hailey (enter off Bullion St.)
Cost: $100
Skill Level: Beginners welcome! Best suited for adults
Class Size: 5-10
Have you been intrigued by the Turkish spindle and wondered what all the hype was about? In this 3-hour class, your questions will be answered! We’ll cover a bit of its history, why this spindle is so appealing, its spinning and winding methods and how to ply from your “spindle-created center-pull ball.” Your kit will include fiber, “plying cups”, WPI tool, resource guide and the use of a Turkish spindle. The spindle will be available for purchase for $25.
More About Tammy:
Tammy is a fourth-generation fiber artist who enjoys sharing her passion with everyone she meets! She has a fiber arts business, Goldieknots Montana, specializing in Montana-grown wool, yarn, spinning fiber and Made in Montana gift items. Prior to moving to Montana, she lived in Southern California and the Pocono Mountains where she was an Humane Education specialist for the SPCA. When she is not on the road teaching or in her studio, you can find her spending time with her dogs, sheep, horse and other barnyard critters.
NATURAL DYES OF IDAHO
Instructor: Doris Florig - Angels Camp, CA
Date: Saturday, October 5, 2024
Time: 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Location: Grange Hall, 609 S. 3rd Ave., Hailey
Cost: $120
Skill Level: All levels, not appropriate for children
Class Size: 2-18
Native plants of Idaho will simmer in our dye pots, coloring hanks of yarn for you to take home mounted along with the dried plant samples used to produce our dyes. This framed, dyed work of art will be a lasting memory of your time spent at Trailing of the Sheep! All supplies are provided in kit.
More About Doris:
Doris is an incredibly gifted artist/teacher. She has spent 50+ years looking over shoulders, asking questions and working with people who have a cultural history with the textile arts. She has learned the skills of netting and braiding from the Cree Indians, Flechee finger weaving from the French Canadians, spinning from Ontario sheep farmers, producing natural dyes from the Navajo, plaiting from the Bahamians and seat weaving from the blind. She has adapted these techniques to her own creative style.
Sunday, October 6, 2024
EWELTIDE PILLOW
Instructor: Susan Coons - Hailey, ID
Date: Sunday, October 6, 2024
Time: 1:30pm - 4:30 pm (after the parade)
Location: Sun Valley Fabric Granary, 122 S. Main St., Hailey
Cost: $70
Skill Level: Confident beginner! Not suitable for children
Class Size: 4-10
This festive 12” square pillow with an appliqué/embroidered sheep will make a charming addition to your holiday decor, not to mention a wonderful Christmas gift! You will go home with a completed project. All supplies included in class fee.
More About Susan:
Susan has a 15-year history of teaching appliqué in the Wood River Valley with a loyal following of fellow quilters. She was influenced by the late Jean Ray Laury, and after taking a class 20 years ago with Elly Sienkiewiez, appliqué became her passion. She continues to expand her knowledge by taking Appliqué Academy workshops in Williamsburg, VA., each year.
REFUND POLICY: Refunds are available until 5:00pm on September 15, 2024. A $10.00 fee will be assessed and only the ticket cost (but no original processing fees) will be refunded. Thank you.