2022 Fiber Arts Program
Montgomery County and the surrounding communities have a long history of textile production, beginning with early European settlements and well into the 19th century. Wool production was pursued both for sale of fleeces for the woolen industry, but also for home use. Smaller, water-powered mills in the Mohawk and Schoharie Valleys produced woolen cloth, including mills on the Schoharie Creek at Burtonville.
Recognizing the long history of fiber production in the Schoharie Watershed, the Schoharie River Center presents a series of fiber workshops in 2022.
June 11 & 12 - Rug Braiding
Helen Condon, traditional Braided rugs. Using woolen scraps, braided rag rugs are a economical and creative way to adorn one’s home. Participants will complete a small rectangular rug.
More Details and Registration Here
August 13 - Tour: World's End Farm
A tour of World's End Farm led by farm manager Heidi Woolever. This one to two hour tour will give participants the opportunity to visit the Farm's flock of Icelandic sheep, observe how the sheep are cared for and how the land is managed. Heidi will talk about silvopasture, intensive rotational grazing and how these practices both work to improve the lives of the animals and the quality of the Land. She will also discuss the unique aspects of Icelandic sheep and why it is a special breed.
August 14 - Natural Dyeing
Foraging for Natural Dyes with Cece Tkaczyk of Cece’s wool. Discover the natural dyes found within local fields and forests. Participants will forage the nature preserve of the Schoharie River Center and will learn techniques for dying with these natural materials.
More Details and Registration Here
September 10 &11 - Crazy Quilts (rescheduled from May 14 & 15)
Betty Pillsbury, Crazy Quilts - Quilt Making
Learn to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind art by hand in the historic style of the "crazy quilt". Participants will make a "Crazy Quilt Heart" which can be framed. or incorporated into a wall hanging or pillow, journal cover, etc. Betty will teach you embroidery stitches and combinations to enliven seam work. Learn to apply beads, laces, trims and any 3-D pieces you may want to incorporate. Color, composition, texture and layers will all be considered to create interest and cohesive crazy quilt art.
All skill levels welcome.
More Details and Registration Here
September 17 &18 - Rug Hooking
Rug hooking with Marty Liptak. This two-day workshop is for those who have always wanted to learn the techniques and design elements of traditional rug hooking. A materials fee will provide all of the materials needed to master this art at the beginner’s level.
More Details and Registration Here