Wool Fest Classes & Workshops
Registration Open July 1st!
Register early as these classes sell out quickly.
Registration closes at 12:00 pm on October 1st and pre-registration is required.
Call 208.720.0585 after October 1st 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 5, 2023
POSEY SHEEP PINCUSHION
Instructor: Susan Coons - Hailey, Idaho
Date: Thursday, October 5, 2023
Time: 9:00 - Noon
Location: Fabric Granary, 122 S. Main Street, Hailey, ID 83333
Cost: $95
Skill Level: All Levels (not suitable for young children)
Class Size: 4-6
Using felted wool, learn hand appliqué and hand embroidery. All levels of skill will enjoy making these useful and adorable Pin Cushions! All supplies necessary to complete the project are included.
More About Susan: Raised and educated in Missoula, Montana, Susan began sewing at a young age in 4H. After graduating from college, she taught Home Economics.
Susan has a long history of teaching applique in the Wood River Valley for the past 18 years, earning her a loyal following of quilters that meet once a month in Hailey, Idaho.
She has custom designed the patterns and taught the wool applique classes for the Trailing of the Sheep Festival for many years.
NAVAJO-STYLE SPINNING
Instructor: Christine Thomas-Flitcroft - Oregon City, Oregon
Date: Thursday, October 5, 2023
Time: 1:30 - 4:30 pm
Location: Sun Valley Museum of Art, 314 2nd Ave. S, Hailey
Cost: $75.00
Skill level: Some spinning experience helpful but not necessary
Class Size: 6-12
This workshop will cover Navajo-style spinning techniques, including the various types of Navajo spindles, their different techniques and types of wool traditionally used. You will practice the drafting and spinning of wool, the three-ply technique, and the making of a small skein using prepared wool tops.
A handout , fiber and Navajo spindles are available for in-class use. Spindles will be available for purchase.
If you have your own Navajo spindle and hand carders, please bring them and a notebook to class.
More About Chris: Chris has been spinning and weaving for over 40 years. She has studied her trade at both the University of Idaho and Montana State University and has continued learning at various workshops throughout the area. As she has said, “If you learn one new thing from taking a workshop or collaborating with a fellow artist, your time has been well spent!” We couldn’t agree more!
Chris is the owner of Aurora Colony FiberArts and also maintains a small flock of Border Leicester sheep on her family farm in Aurora, Oregon. In addition, she sells a wide variety of fibers, is interested in rescuing, restoring and selling antique spinning wheels and creates beautiful tapestry weaving, Navajo style.
FELTED COLLAR/SHAWL WITH LONGWOOL LOCKS
(Wet felting with power tools!)
Instructor: Anna Anderson - Superior, Montana
Date: Thursday, October 5, 2023
Time: 1:30 - 4:30 pm
Location: Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 101 S. 2nd Ave., Hailey (enter off Bullion St.)
Cost: $150
Skill Level: All Levels (not suitable for young children)
Class Size: 2-12
What a beautiful creation! This is a very fine alpaca and wool blend collar/shawl that is embellished with several layers of extreme-length fine Teeswater or Wensleydale dyed or natural-colored locks. This is a wet felting process using Anna’s “power tool method” to speed up the process. Create this warm, practical garment and learn a fun and unusual technique for wool, alpaca, and other natural fibers. All supplies including wet felting materials are in the kit. Power tool usage is available in class. Bring your creativity!
More About Anna: Anna Anderson’s fiber hobby turned business, Calico Farm Fibers Arts, began 14 plus years ago with the rescue of six Pygora fiber goats. She was given a spinning wheel and introduced to the fiber arts. She began her Wooly Rescue for fiber-bearing animals, and along with Pygora goats she also raises Angora goats and a variety of fine wool and long wool sheep. The fiber from these animals is used in her classes. Anna and her family are setting up their ranch with the hopes of providing a venue, studio, and cabin rentals.
ANIMAL SCULPTURES
Instructor: Doris Florig - Citizen of the World
Date: Thursday, October 5, 2023
Time: 1:30 - 4:30 pm
Location: Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 101 S. 2nd Ave., Hailey (enter off Bullion St.)
Cost: $120
Skill Level: All Skill Levels, child with adult supervision
Class Size: 4-18
Bring a photo of your favorite animal or plant and Doris will teach you how to shape wool fibers into a small free-standing or wall sculpture. All materials and inspiration will be provided by Doris. This is an amazing class and the possibilities are limited only by your imagination!
More About Doris: Doris is an avid traveler who has spent time with Native weavers throughout the world. Most of her travels in the Caribbean and Central America have been on her 44 foot sailing cruiser where she also weaves on board. She is a tapestry weaver and fiber sculptor who exchanges her own experience and knowledge with Native people while she travels. She is very happy to be returning to the Trailing of the Sheep Festival for her fifth year - and we're delighted to have her!
Friday, October 6, 2023
Friday's Wool Fest Classes are generously sponsored by:
Sun Valley’s premiere full service knitting & needlepoint resource.
SALISH WEAVING
Instructor: Doris Florig - Citizen of the World
Date: Fri, October 6, 2023
Time: 9:00 - Noon
Location: Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 101 S. 2nd Ave., Hailey (enter off Bullion St.)
Cost: $120
Skill Level: All Skill Levels, child with adult supervision
Class Size: 4-18
Join Doris for 3 hours and learn the traditional weaving techniques of the Indigenous people of the Northwest. Much like knitting, a Salish weaving project can be picked up anytime, worked on a little, and then dropped at a moment’s notice. No equipment is required - just your hands! You can weave a belt, straps, headbands, or a very large project. The possibilities are endless!
More About Doris: Doris is an avid traveler who has spent time with Native weavers throughout the world. Most of her travels in the Caribbean and Central America have been on her 44 foot sailing cruiser where she also weaves on board. She is a tapestry weaver and fiber sculptor who exchanges her own experience and knowledge with Native people while she travels. She is very happy to be returning to the Trailing of the Sheep Festival for her fifth year - and we're delighted to have her!
SOLD OUT
POSTCARDS FROM THE HERD
(Wet & Dry Felting a Picture)
Instructor: Jan Bittenbender – McCall, Idaho
Date: Friday, October 6, 2023
Time: 9:00 - Noon
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: 10-20
Celebrate the history of sheep ranching in the 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 (the magic!) of felting will be discussed, 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 on doing so will be given. Join this fun class and let your own creativity and fibers do the talking!
More About Jan: Jan has been living and playing in McCall for 18 years. She was a successful seed-bead jewelry artist, and began felted painting 4 years ago. It was a challenging transition for her, since her artistic style is characterized as precise and controlled. Felt work is organic, free-form, with errant fibers having a mind of their own! Many of her pieces are Native American inspired with bead work incorporated in them.
SHEEP NEEDLE KEEPER
Instructor: Susan Coons - Hailey, Idaho
Date: Friday, October 6, 2023
Time: 9:00 - Noon
Location: Fabric Granary, 122 S. Main Street, Hailey, ID 83333
Cost: $95
Skill Level: All Levels (not suitable for young children)
Class Size: 4-6
This cute Needle Keeper is a useful item to keep or to give as a gift to a fiber-loving friend! You will use felted wool to learn hand appliqué and hand embroidery. All supplies included.
More About Susan: Raised and educated in Missoula, Montana, Susan began sewing at a young age in 4H. After graduating from college, she taught Home Economics.
Susan has a long history of teaching applique in the Wood River Valley for the past 18 years, earning her a loyal following of quilters that meet once a month in Hailey, Idaho.
She has custom designed the patterns and taught the wool applique classes for the Trailing of the Sheep Festival for many years.
SHEEP SKIN PURSE
Skinfell a Viking Pouch
Instructor: Amika Ryan - Butte, Montana
Date: Friday, October 6, 2023
Time: 9:00 - Noon; 1:30 - 4:30 (all day class with lunch break)
Location: Grange Hall, 609 S. 3rd Ave. Hailey
Cost: $140
Skill Level: Adults & Teens (13+)
Class Size: 10-24
Learn modern Skinfell from a 7-year instructor of this ancient Norwegian folk art. You will learn the art of block printing with ink on sheepskin leather and the hand sewing of sheepskin to make your own unique Viking pouch (inspired by artifact finds). But, the Viking pouch will be adapted to serve as your favorite purse or cross-body bag with pull-strings and straps, by braiding Lopi wool yarns. A variety of block designs and colors are available to choose from. The purse, completed in class, will hold a modern cell phone. Amika will also include anecdotes about the ancient tradition of Skinfell, its historic design, elements and uses.
Students are asked to bring to class sharp scissors (if possible) and a thimble (if desired). All other items are provided by the instructor.
More About Amika: Amika is a seasoned instructor and Skinfell artist. She is the owner/operator of Copia Cove, a small homestead Icelandic sheep operation in Butte, Montana. Her flock of sheep provide much of the materials she uses for her art. Amika offers the best Icelandic sheep breeding stock and selections of handmade Viking-era sheep products and gifts in North America.
FIBER PREPARATION
Instructor: Tammy Jordon - Lincoln, Montana
Date: Friday, October 6, 2023
Time: 9:00 - Noon; 1:30 - 4:30 (all day class with lunch break)
Location: St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 311 S. 1st Ave., Hailey
Cost: $125
Skill Level: All levels, beginner friendly.
Class Size: 5-20
If you are new to fiber processing and want to learn how to start from the beginning, this is the perfect class for you! The basic types of wool and preparation - including skirting, picking, washing, carding and combing - will be covered. The morning will be spent discussing types of wool and washing the fiber, the afternoon processing it for spinning. As time permits, some spinning may also be completed. Tammy will provide all materials necessary, including a resources guide, handouts, tips and tricks for getting the job done! Students take home all provided materials.
Come prepared to get a little dirty, learn and have lots of fun! If you choose to spin, please bring a wheel to class, plus any processing tools you would like to learn more about.
More About Tammy: Tammy is a fourth-generation fiber artist whose love of sheep, wool, writing and inspiring others led her to running her own business, GoldieKnots Montana. This business specializes in locally grown, processed and spun fiber, made gifts and educational programming in fiber art. Her teaching style is fun and interactive; when not in her studio creating or on the road teaching at fiber festivals throughout the United States, you can find her writing for her local newspaper or hanging with her dogs, sheep, horse and other barnyard critters
BASIC WEAVING
Instructor: Doris Florig - Citizen of the World
Date: Friday, October 6, 2023
Time: 1:30 - 4:30 pm
Location: Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 101 S. 2nd Ave., Hailey (enter off Bullion St.)
Cost: $120
Skill Level: All Skill Levels, child with adult supervision
Class Size: 4-18
Spend 3 hours with Doris and you will understand enough about weaving to decide which direction to head in the world of textiles or the craft of weaving. Doris will demonstrate, and will have looms available for hands-on experience, with just about every possible type of loom imaginable. She looks forward to introducing to you simple looms dating back to the stone age, to primitive looms now used by Indigenous cultures, to industrial-type looms which are also used in private studios. This is an exciting class!
More About Doris: Doris is an avid traveler who has spent time with Native weavers throughout the world. Most of her travels in the Caribbean and Central America have been on her 44 foot sailing cruiser where she also weaves on board. She is a tapestry weaver and fiber sculptor who exchanges her own experience and knowledge with Native people while she travels. She is very happy to be returning to the Trailing of the Sheep Festival for her fifth year - and we're delighted to have her!
SOLD OUT
FALLING LEAVES FELTED SCARF
(Wet Felting with Power Tools!)
Instructor: Anna Anderson – Superior, Montana
Date: Friday, October. 6, 2023
Time: 1:30 - 4:30 pm
Location: Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 101 S. 2nd Ave., Hailey (enter off Bullion St.)
Cost: $130
Skill Level: All levels (not suitable for young children)
Class Size: 2-14
Anna is teaching another one of her classes on the construction of a gorgeous scarf! Leaves of various fibers and colors, with sparkling Angelina threads are sandwiched between very fine layers of soft natural fibers to create a gossamer scarf. (This is not Nuno Felting). This is a wet felting technique and Anna will share her “power tool method” to speed up the process. This is a fun and unusual technique for working with wool, alpaca, and other natural fibers. All supplies including reusable wet felting materials are in the kit. Power tool usage is available in class.
More About Anna: Anna Anderson’s fiber hobby turned business, Calico Farm Fibers Arts, began 14 plus years ago with the rescue of six Pygora fiber goats. She was given a spinning wheel and introduced to the fiber arts. She began her Wooly Rescue for fiber-bearing animals, and along with Pygora goats she also raises Angora goats and a variety of fine wool and long wool sheep. The fiber from these animals is used in her classes. Anna and her family are setting up their ranch with the hopes of providing a venue, studio, and cabin rentals.
Saturday, October 7, 2023
NEEDLE FELTED SNOWMAN
Instructor: Tammy Jordon - Lincoln, Montana
Date: Saturday, October 7, 2023
Time: 9:00 - Noon
Location: Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 101 S. 2nd Ave., Hailey (enter off Bullion St.)
Cost: $80
Skill Level: All levels, child over 8 with adult supervision
Class Size: 5-15
Create your very own festive and decorative snowman (a great gift!) using Montana grown wool and locally sourced yarn and accessories. Kit includes fiber, felting needle, hand crocheted scarf and ornament hanger (all enough for one snowman) plus a felting mat. All this goes home with you! Additional kits may be available for purchase at the end of the class.
More About Tammy: Tammy is a fourth-generation fiber artist whose love of sheep, wool, writing and inspiring others led her to running her own business, GoldieKnots Montana. This business specializes in locally grown, processed and spun fiber, made gifts and educational programming in fiber art. Her teaching style is fun and interactive; when not in her studio creating or on the road teaching at fiber festivals throughout the United States, you can find her writing for her local newspaper or hanging with her dogs, sheep, horse and other barnyard critters.
DROP SPINDLE BASICS
Instructor: Anna Anderson – Superior, Montana
Date: Saturday, October 7, 2023
Time: 9:00 - Noon
Location: Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 101 S. 2nd Ave., Hailey (enter off Bullion St.)
Cost: $110
Skill Level: Beginner, Children 8 years and older welcome
Class Size: 4-20
Learn how to spin! Student’s will choose their own fancy stone drop spindle and custom fabric spindle bag. You will learn to spin unique and beautiful yarn using roving, fiber batt, and even dyed locks. Along with learning drop spindle techniques, more tips and techniques to expand on those skills will be explored. All materials included.
More About Anna: Anna Anderson’s fiber hobby turned business, Calico Farm Fibers Arts, began 14 plus years ago with the rescue of six Pygora fiber goats. She was given a spinning wheel and introduced to the fiber arts. She began her Wooly Rescue for fiber-bearing animals, and along with Pygora goats she also raises Angora goats and a variety of fine wool and long wool sheep. The fiber from these animals is used in her classes. Anna and her family are setting up their ranch with the hopes of providing a venue, studio, and cabin rentals.
FREE! No Registration Required!
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
WEAVING A MOTHER TREE
Instructor: Doris Florig - Citizen of the World
Date: Saturday, October 7, 2023
Time: 1:30 - 4:30 pm
Location: Grange Hall, 609 S. 3rd Ave. Hailey
Cost: FREE
Skill Level: All!
Doris is returning to Hailey with a project that has been traveling around the world. Drop in at the Grange Hall for a few minutes, choose a station that suits your skill level, and participate in the building of a 16 ft Ponderosa Pine wall sculpture. The bark is woven, the branches wrapped and pine cones are needle felted. Join Doris for this community project!
More About Doris: Doris is an avid traveler who has spent time with Native weavers throughout the world. Most of her travels in the Caribbean and Central America have been on her 44 foot sailing cruiser where she also weaves on board. She is a tapestry weaver and fiber sculptor who exchanges her own experience and knowledge with Native people while she travels. She is very happy to be returning to the Trailing of the Sheep Festival for her fifth year - and we're delighted to have her!
REFUND POLICY: Refunds are available until 5:00pm on September 15, 2023. A $10.00 fee will be assessed and only the ticket cost (but no original processing fees) will be refunded. Thank you.