SPECIAL LECTURES FOR CHILDREN!

I offer lectures and hands on workshops geared to children, ages pre-school through middle school and beyond.  These can be given during regular class time, for special enrichment programs, and after school programs.  I have presented a number of them to Scout and 4-H groups, Home School associations, and nursery school classes as well as special curriculum tie-ins in elementary and middle schools.   Lectures are usually 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on class size and how much hands-on is required. 

45 MINUTES – 1 HOUR LECTURES:

FEE: $200.00 / LECTURE

$500.00 / FULL DAY OF CONTINUOUS LECTURES (Where all lectures are the same topic)

 

FIBER TO FABRIC

We start with a sheep fleece, explore carding and spinning on a drop spindle, and then move onto a spinning wheel.  We then move into interlacement techniques, bobbin lace, and frame loom weaving, a discussion of tapestry and examples of different woven structures.  Students then have the opportunity to weave on a frame loom, looms are set up ahead of time and students just add to what was ongoing.  As the students are weaving, there is an opportunity for one on one with me on the spinning wheel.  Students get the feel of drawing out a fiber for spinning and watching it become thread.  All ages.

 

FIBER: WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?

We start with a sheep fleece and go from there. Where do different fibers like mohair, linen, cotton, and silk come from and how do we make them into thread? Samples and examples help kids find out where their clothing got its start. Carding wool, natural dying, and using the spinning wheel are all covered. Depending on group size and time, kids can try the spinning wheel. All ages.

 

WEAVING: THE OLDEST CRAFT?

An extremely varied craft, weaving takes on many forms and purposes. We start with an interactive discussion of how weaving impacts our lives today. Samples of looms, from backstrap to contemporary harness, are shown or demonstrated. Samples of finished products are used to show the many forms weaving can take. Depending on group size and time, students can try weaving on the shaft loom. All ages.

 

BOBBIN LACEMAKING

Parents and Teachers enjoy this one as much as the kids. A very old fiber technique, beautiful and impressive even as it’s being executed, lace pillows, bobbins, lace examples, and lace history are all covered. A great link to world history and geography for older kids! Depending on class size and time kids can try the beginning bobbin lace stitches. With larger groups the teacher or leader learns bobbin lace basics. All ages.

 

 

In addition, special workshops are available in inkle loom weaving, spinning, microwave dyeing with Kool-aid®, felting, kumihimo, tapestry weaving, and bobbin lacemaking. Please inquire. www.weaversew.com