Classes and Workshops
There are a variety of classes and workshops available at Withers Wool. (The distinction between classes and workshops is that workshops utilize some equipment that would not generally be available outside Withers Wool - e.g. a felt loom; while classes utilize equipment, skill and techniques that one could perform generally in their own home.) Classes and workshops are occasionally scheduled but mostly we encourage those interested for themselves or their group to reach out to Withers Wool directly - either via email, text or the form at the bottom of the page - and we will get back to you to coordinate a date/time for you and/or your group. Note the class/workshop you are interested in. Classes and workshops taught include Needle Felting (with the Felt Loom), 3D needle felting (by hand), Wet Felting, Beginning Spinning, Art Yarn Spinning, Carding (using a drum carder), Beginning Knitting and Beginning Crochet. Classes and workshops are led by different instructors depending on the session.
There are appropriate classes/workshops that can be done with children. The specifics depends upon the age. For younger children, making felted soap is very doable. Older children can use the felt loom to make things like coasters and/or cat mats and have also successfully made pictures in the Painting with Wool workshop. If you want a session involving children, you can reach out and we can appropriately target an activity.
Anyone taking a class or workshop will receive 10% off anything purchased in the shop that day.
Beginning Spinning Class
Learn about the parts of a spinning wheel and the basics of spinning a yarn. We will also go over how to ply and finish a skein of yarn. Either bring your spinning wheel or use one of ours. (If you need a spinning wheel provided, please note that when you fill out the Class Registration Form.) Roving will be included as part of the class price. ($50 for the two hour class.) At class end you will have a yarn you can then use.
Painting with Wool Workshop
The object of this workshop is to create a work of art using wool (& mohair) as the medium and needle felting as the technique. The session will briefly go over the various tools & materials, color theory, and composition basics. The cost of the workshop is $25 + the cost of the fiber and is ~ 2 hours. The picture is composed of batts run thru the Felt Loom and then detail was added by needle felting by hand.
3D Needle Felting
Learn how to shape wire armature and create felted shapes to match a pattern and work with different types of fiber. Watch your very own little animal (lamb, cow or alpaca) come to life as you sculpt the little body and face. Each class will take ~4 hours to complete your own little friend and costs $50.
Beginning Crochet Class
Learn the basics of how to crochet and get going! This $50 class is in two parts. In Part 1, ~ 2 hours, you will learn: how to hold your hook & yarn; tips to control yarn tension; how to create a slip knot and chain stitch; and how to execute basic crochet stitches. You will be given a project to take home and complete. For Part 2 you will return to review the project, ask questions and explore more techniques and stitches.
Shawl Workshop
Withers Wool and Farm has a Felt Loom that allows the rapid creation of a variety of innovative products, to include the shawl you see here - a lovely shawl embellished with mohair locks. (Besides shawls, mats, bolts of cloth, and coasters are just a few of the items that can be created on the loom.) The cost of a workshop is $25 + the cost of the fiber and is ~ 2 hours.
Art Yarn Spinning Class
First learn how to spiral ply and make coils. Then learn how to spin a beautiful Thick and Thin art yarn. Finally, we will do some core spinning. Either bring your spinning wheel or use one of ours. (If you need a spinning wheel provided, please note that when you fill out the Class Registration Form.) Some fiber and add ins are included in the class price. ($50 for the two hour class.)
Beginning Knitting Class
Learn the basics of knitting and discover a relaxing hobby. Students will learn how to hold the knitting needles and knitting basics: casting on, the knit stitch, the purl stitch, binding off, and combinations of stitches. The class is $50 and comes in two parts. Part 1: learn the basics and then go home to knit a simple project. Part 2: return to review the project, ask questions, and explore other stitches and correcting mistakes.
Carding Workshop
A $25 one hour workshop on how to use a drum carder to create a batt. You can either bring your own raw fiber or utilize fiber from the shop (at cost). You will learn how to prepare the fiber to feed through the carder, how to blend fiber to produce the batt you desire, and how to create interesting special affects. (After taking the workshop, you can utilize the carder for $20 an hour.)
CLASS REGISTRATION FORM BELOW
Classes are taught in the red bank barn that we have fully renovated and turned into our shop. The address of Withers Wool is 6401 Woodbine Road, Woodbine MD 21797. Please either fill out the form, call (or text) 520-390-5935, or email jmarckathy@aol.com, if you are interested in taking a class not currently scheduled.