Gather with fellow fiber enthusiasts for a weekend of crafting, learning, and socializing in a beautiful wooded landscape next to the Deep River in Franklinville, NC. Offered in collaboration with Piedmont Fibershed.
Each workshop is $50 per adult / $25 per youth. Or a full-day pass is $80 for adults / $40 for youth. See details and registration below.
Morning Workshops, Choose One
9am - 11:45am
Working with Natural Dyes from the NC Piedmont
Instructor: Courtney Lockemer
Explore the color growing around us in this hands-on natural dyeing workshop. We'll learn about the natural dye plants that grow in the NC Piedmont, then learn how to use them to dye samples of natural fiber textiles.You will learn the fundamentals of the natural dyeing process: equipment, dye materials, processes, preparing and mordanting different fibers, and responsible foraging. Participants will also learn about resources for learning more and acquiring materials.
Raising Sheep and Goats
Instructors: C.L. Hickerson & Amy Kidd
Goats and Sheep are popular livestock choices. They can be used for food, fiber, weed and brush control, nutrient management, control of invasive or problematic plants, companionship, and so much more. Learn the basics of raising sheep and goats on small acreage. This workshop covers common breeds to consider, food sources, fencing requirements, disease and pest management, amount of pasture/browse needed, shelter requirements, tips for getting started or expanding your herd, issues specific to raising sheep and goats in our region, predator issues, and common issues encountered. Learn from local goat farmer C.L. Hickerson and sheep farmer Amy Kidd as they share their experiences, knowledge, and why they enjoy raising goats and sheep. Special attraction: feeding baby goats!
Community Lunch, provided
noon - 1pm
Lunch is included! A key part of the Folk School is community, and sharing a meal is one of the best ways we know of to get to know one another and build community. There are always plenty of options to suit various dietary needs, including gluten free, dairy free, meat free, vegan. If you have particular dietary restrictions that you’d like to share with us, of course just send us a message so that we can be aware of your need so that we can be sure to accommodate it or communicated clearly with you if we think we cannot.
Afternoon Workshops, Choose One
1pm - 3:45pm
Simple Weaving Using a Variety of Materials
Instructor: Sue Szary
This hands-on workshop will begin with a brief discussion of weaving materials: created, purchased and foraged. The session will be led by Sue Szary, owner of Twin Birch & TEASEL Fiber Studio in Siler City. Guest weaving guides will assist with the mechanics of manipulating several types of weaving looms, process and techniques. All materials are included and no weaving experience is necessary. Breathe deeply, release your fibery creativity and have fun.
Wild Medicinal & Edible Plant Walk
Instructor: Erin Cummings
Join Herb Farmer and plant enthusiast Erin Cummings for a fun and educational wild medicinal and edible plant walk. We will explore common useful plants of the NC Piedmont on a walk through a diversity of ecosystems. Learn how to identify and use the natural abundance that surrounds us. Using our various senses we will learn to identify, harvest, and use a variety of diverse plants for food and health.
All-Day Workshop
9am - 3:45pm
Beginning & Intermediate Fiber Spinning (All Day)
Instructor: Grace McFetters Caldwell
Learn to spin on a spinning wheel! Join Grace McFetters Caldwell as she teaches the fundamentals of drafting fiber into yarn using a spinning wheel. Learn the parts and pieces of a spinning wheel, how to make a functioning wheel operate, and how to identify fiber that can be used for spinning, and finally, how to turn that fiber into yarn. This ancient craft is still going strong and is a meditative and highly creative craft!
Students are encouraged to bring their own spinning wheel if they are in operating condition. We can provide a few extra wheels, so please let us know if you will need to borrow a wheel to take the course.