At Crooked Pines Farm, we believe that the art of working with natural fibers is a time-honored tradition worth preserving and sharing. That’s why we’re excited to offer a variety of fiber arts workshops that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the fascinating process of transforming raw fleece into beautiful, functional textiles.
Spinning
One of the most fundamental fiber arts is spinning, the act of transforming loose fibers into yarn. Whether you’re working with the soft, crimpy wool of our Merino sheep, the lustrous sheen of our Angora rabbits, or the smooth, silky strands of our alpacas, our spinning workshops will teach you the techniques to create your own handspun yarns.
Wool Spinning
In our wool spinning class, participants will learn the basics of using a drop spindle to spin yarn from the fleece of our resident sheep. We’ll cover essential skills like drafting, park and draft, and plying, giving you the confidence to continue your spinning journey at home.
Silk Spinning
For a luxurious twist, our silk spinning workshop introduces the delicate art of transforming gossamer-thin silk fibers into elegant yarns. Participants will learn how to handle this delicate material, experiment with color blending, and create one-of-a-kind silk yarns.
Alpaca Spinning
Alpacas are renowned for their incredibly soft, hypoallergenic fiber, and in our alpaca spinning class, you’ll have the chance to try your hand at transforming this sought-after material into unique yarns. We’ll cover techniques for drafting and spinning the longer, silkier alpaca staple.
Weaving
Weaving is another fundamental fiber art that has been practiced for millennia, and at Crooked Pines Farm, we’re proud to offer workshops that teach this timeless craft. From the rhythmic loom weaving of scarves and wall hangings to the intricate artistry of tapestry weaving, there’s something for every aspiring textile artist.
Loom Weaving
In our introductory loom weaving class, participants will learn the basics of warping and weaving on a rigid heddle loom. You’ll create your own unique scarf or wall hanging, gaining the skills and confidence to continue exploring this captivating art form.
Tapestry Weaving
For a more advanced weaving experience, our tapestry weaving workshop delves into the centuries-old technique of creating intricate, pictorial textiles. Participants will learn how to warp a specialized loom, experiment with color and texture, and produce a one-of-a-kind tapestry.
Rag Weaving
Rag weaving is a wonderful way to give new life to old textiles, and in our rag weaving workshop, you’ll learn how to transform scraps of fabric into durable, beautiful rugs and runners. We’ll cover the basics of preparing the materials, warping the loom, and weaving with fabric strips.
Felting
Felting is a captivating fiber art that transforms loose fibers into dense, cohesive textiles. At Crooked Pines Farm, we offer several felting workshops, each exploring a unique technique and allowing participants to create their own handmade felt pieces.
Wet Felting
In our wet felting class, participants will learn the ancient art of transforming wool fibers into a sturdy, flexible fabric. Using our farm’s own wool, participants will experiment with color blending, 3D shaping, and surface embellishment to create felted scarves, bags, and more.
Needle Felting
For a more sculptural approach to felting, our needle felting workshop teaches the art of using a special felting needle to transform wool fibers into three-dimensional figures and shapes. Participants will create their own adorable needle-felted farm animals or whimsical figures.
Nuno Felting
Nuno felting is a unique technique that combines delicate fabrics like silk or chiffon with wool fibers to create lightweight, airy felt. In this workshop, participants will learn how to incorporate these fine materials to produce visually striking felted scarves, shawls, and other textiles.
Fiber Sources
At Crooked Pines Farm, we’re fortunate to have access to a wide variety of natural fiber sources, both from our own animals and from carefully curated providers. This allows our workshops to showcase the unique properties and applications of different fiber types.
Animal Fibers
In addition to the wool from our own flock of Merino sheep, we also work with the soft, downy cashmere from our herd of cashmere goats and the luxurious, silky fibers of our Angora rabbits. These animal-derived fibers each have their own distinct qualities that lend themselves to various spinning, weaving, and felting techniques.
Plant Fibers
For those interested in exploring plant-based fibers, we offer workshops featuring cotton, linen, and even bamboo. These versatile natural materials add unique textures and characteristics to handmade textiles, and participants will learn how to incorporate them into their fiber art projects.
Workshops
At Crooked Pines Farm, our fiber arts workshops cater to a wide range of skill levels, from complete beginners to seasoned fiber enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to try your hand at a new craft or refine your existing skills, our expert instructors will be there to guide you every step of the way.
Hands-On Classes
Our beginner workshops are designed to introduce the fundamental techniques of spinning, weaving, and felting, providing participants with the knowledge and confidence to continue exploring these fiber arts at home. For those with more experience, our intermediate workshops offer the opportunity to delve deeper into specialized techniques, experiment with advanced materials, and push the boundaries of their creative expression.
Farm Setting
One of the unique aspects of our fiber arts workshops is the immersive farm setting. Nestled among rolling pastures, towering trees, and our friendly herd of fiber animals, the tranquil atmosphere of Crooked Pines Farm provides the perfect backdrop for learning and creativity. Participants can expect to interact with our sheep, alpacas, and other fiber-producing creatures, gaining a deeper appreciation for the origins of the materials they’re working with.
Fiber Arts Community
Beyond the hands-on learning experience, our fiber arts workshops also foster a sense of community and camaraderie. By bringing together like-minded individuals who share a passion for these traditional crafts, we create opportunities for skill sharing, collaborative projects, and the celebration of sustainable fiber practices.
Skill Sharing
Throughout the workshops, participants are encouraged to share their own experiences, techniques, and insights with the group. This creates a dynamic, collaborative learning environment where everyone can learn from one another and expand their fiber arts knowledge.
Sustainable Practices
At Crooked Pines Farm, we’re committed to promoting sustainable fiber practices, and our workshops reflect this dedication. Participants will have the chance to experiment with natural dyes using locally sourced plant materials, as well as explore the art of upcycling by incorporating reclaimed fabrics and fibers into their projects.
Whether you’re a seasoned fiber artist or simply curious about the world of textiles, Crooked Pines Farm’s fiber arts workshops offer a unique and enriching experience. Join us on the farm and discover the joy of creating your own handmade treasures, all while immersed in the serene, pastoral setting that inspires our love of these timeless crafts.
