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Wool Gathering – Felting, Fulling, and Fooling Around with Fiber
Participants will learn and practice two simple techniques for making wool felt - needle felting and wet feltmaking. Participants will then use these techniques to complete a small project - a unique ‘junque style' wool felt pincushion. The Participants will leave this class with an understanding of the history and techniques utilized in the feltmaking process and a portfolio of written information that includes resources for materials, references, and a description of techniques presented in class.

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It's a Keeper!
Always misplacing your scissors or small tools in class? Here is a functional and beautiful solution… Select a handmade button from the Buttonlore collection by Melissa Becker Designs. Then, make your mark by constructing a cord twisted from exquisite fibers to complete a one-of-a-kind ‘keeper' or bookmark that names an item as yours alone... a small treasure to carry home.
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Pin Weaving
There is minimal machine sewing required
in this class and guaranteed spectacular results. Learn the surface design
technique called pin weaving and construct an elegant evening bag or a unique,
pieced, pillow top. Yarn, fabric strips, beads, thread, ribbon, and buttons
will be used to create a little masterpiece!

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Stacked Wool Appliqué
A technique requiring only straight stitch sewing to create a stacked
wool appliqué designs. Participants will use overdyed wool and
handcrafted buttons for stitching "flower & vine" designs on wool yardage.
Designs
will the be incorporated into the construction of an eyeglass case, handbag
or other small project. Once you learn this simple technique, you will
be ready to construct Melissa's classic jacket - The Tabby Coat!

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Dimensional Appliqué
Students bring a ready-made wool or wool-blend sweater to class and learn
simple techniques using yarn, wool floss, overdyed wool and recycled,
felted sweaters to create an embellished garment that is truly one-of-a-kind.
Since each student will be bringing a different sweater, instruction will
focus on design options and design placement before we begin the embellishment
process. This class does not require the use of a sewing machine. We will
be using only basic embroidery stitches and will be doing all sewing by
hand.

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Pressing Matters – Designs on Velvet
Learning this beautiful embellishment technique is fun and simple. The challenge lies in searching for and creating a design pressed in velvet that transforms your piece – be it clothing, personal accessory, or altered book page. Where does one find such a design? …a set of old skeleton keys… a brass button that belonged to your Great Grandmother… an exquisite piece of 18th century cotton lace… There are endless possibilities! Participants will complete a small velvet sachet and several additional pressed velvet designs that can be incorporated into other projects at a later date. A portfolio of written information that includes resources for materials and a description of techniques presented in class will be available to each participant.
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Creating Faux Patchwork
Create a new fabric from the smallest
scraps! Students will learn a simple technique for making faux
patchwork and will complete an embellished T-shirt in this class.
Each student will choose to make
one of the following three designs, "have a heart," " leaves &
berries," or "highland thistle," but … everyone will take home all
three designs in the pattern packet provided. In addition, numerous
example garments, home, and personal accessories will be shared
and discussed.

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Embellishment Sampler
This class is an introduction to embellishment techniques used in Melissa's
clothing and accessory designs. Instruction will include stacked wool appliqué,
faux patchwork, embossed velvet, pin weaving, and dimensional appliqué.
Each student will construct a cloth journal that will serve as a sampler
of work illustrating these techniques that she can use as a reference in
the future. Many sample garments, home decorating items, and personal accessories
will be shared and discussed throughout the day.

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