Dating back to the early Iron Age, card woven bands were used to create the starting and selvedge bands for warp-weighted looms. Other uses included adding decorative bands to woven textiles and as independent pieces. In this class we will create bands approx ⅜-¾” wide and 24”-36” long. Students will have a variety of patterns to choose from. Cards used in class will be available for purchase $8-12 per set.

This event is co-presented by the Anderson Center at Three Rivers Fibershed in conjunction with the exhibition Soil to Soil: Growing Regional Textiles.

Saturday, November 18 - 2 to 4 p.m.

Artist Reception

Celebrate two fall exhibitions at the Anderson Center. Soil to Soil: Growing Regional Textiles is  presented in collaboration with Three Rivers Fibershed from October 21, 2023 – January 20, 2024. The Anderson Center’s annual Winter Artist Showcase shares one-of-a-kind artworks from near and far. It runs November 18, 2023 – February 3, 2024 in Gallery Three.

Both exhibitions feature handmade items for sale to help you get a jump-start on holiday shopping. Soil to Soil includes a small boutique of fibers, dyes, and textiles grown by farmers in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. The Winter Artist Showcase truly has something for everyone, ranging from functional ceramics and textiles to jewelry and one-of-a-kind paintings and sculptures.

The Galleries at Anderson Center are free and open to the public Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ever wonder how yarn is made, how the construction and fiber type affect your finished object? In this class, participants will learn about fiber types, sheep breeds, yarn construction, and how to prepare a fleece for spinning or felting. Hands-on activities will include removing the unsuitable bits of a fleece, washing the fleece, and fluffing it up for spinning. The time will be spent spinning the processed fleece into yarn. There will be drop spindles and spinning wheels to learn on and roving (prepared fleece for spinning) provided. Class will include 50 grams of handspun yarn or roving to take home.

The Details

Lindsey will cover topics including wool breeds, to dye or not, selecting a fleece, skirting, scouring, picking, carding, combing, yarn construction, spinning, knitting/crochet/weaving, and giving new life (composting). Beginners are welcome!

Spinning wheels and drop spindles will be provided, giving you a chance to try out new skills. Roving, raw fleece, spindles, and wheels will also be available for purchase from the instructor.

Structured class time will take place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Students will have flexible time to work on spinning from 2 – 4 p.m. Light snacks will be provided; students are encouraged to bring a lunch with them.

This class is co-presented by Anderson Center and Three Rivers Fibershed in conjunction with the exhibition Soil to Soil: Growing Regional Textiles. Image by Lily Turner.

Introduction to Natural Dyes

Virtual event held on Zoom: Wednesday June 28th, 6:30 pm CST

Recording Available: https://youtu.be/nlKT7AKHpOU

Join us for a presentation by Kendra of KnittyVet’s Garden Yarn focused on natural dyes. The presentation will begin with an overview of natural dyes and their history. Kendra will then focus on dye plants that you can grow or forage in/near Minnesota and walk you through the natural dye process.

A great introduction for anyone who is new to natural dyes, or for anyone with natural dye experience that would like to glean some tips and tricks from Kendra. Hope you can join us!

Recording Available
https://youtu.be/eSv-ykbbhmU

Join us for a virtual panel introducing Three Rivers Fibershed’s (TRF)
From Sheep to Shawl challenge!

Learn more about the From Sheep to Shawl challenge and hear from a Three Rivers Fibershed steward and a local designer about their experiences creating textiles with local fiber. Connect with other community members and get inspired to start your own journey to create a shawl entirely with local fiber, local dyes, and local labor.

This virtual event will include:

• An introduction to the From Sheep to Shawl Challenge, which is the focus of Three Rivers Fibershed’s programming in 2023.

• Cerissa Stockton of Twisted Oak Farm will share her experience creating a shawl with fiber from her Icelandic sheep

• Knitter and designer Diane Pearsall will share the shawl pattern she has designed for the From Sheep to Shawl challenge and will discuss her experience using local fiber from various sheep breeds to make the shawl.