Needle and Fiber Arts
EMBROIDERY, KNIT & CROCHET, OSHI-E, SEWING, AND QUILTING

*N-200: KNITTING LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS
*N-300: CROCHET LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS
INSTRUCTOR: JULIE BENNETT
Wed., 10:00 a.m. – noon, or by arrangement
TUITION: $20 per one-hour lesson, $50 for three one-hour lessons.
You’ve always wanted to learn how to knit or crochet, admit it. Make beautiful scarves, shawls, mittens, anything you can imagine, as a gift for someone special or for yourself. Knitting and crocheting are relaxing, mindful, and communal activities which have rewarding end results. Please contact the School at least 2 days in advance to select your choice of date and lesson time. Our instructor also excels at helping students with incomplete projects or confusing patterns.
*N-300: CROCHET LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS
INSTRUCTOR: JULIE BENNETT
Wed., 10:00 a.m. – noon, or by arrangement
TUITION: $20 per one-hour lesson, $50 for three one-hour lessons.
You’ve always wanted to learn how to knit or crochet, admit it. Make beautiful scarves, shawls, mittens, anything you can imagine, as a gift for someone special or for yourself. Knitting and crocheting are relaxing, mindful, and communal activities which have rewarding end results. Please contact the School at least 2 days in advance to select your choice of date and lesson time. Our instructor also excels at helping students with incomplete projects or confusing patterns.
**CN-107: HAND SEWING - MITTEN WORKSHOP FOR CHILDREN AGES 5-10
INSTRUCTOR: BRENDA MARTIN
Saturday, January 26
CN-107a: 10:00 a.m. - noon
CN-107b: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
TUITION: $20
It’s winter and nothing is better than a warm pair of mittens! Each student must bring in an old long-sleeved sweatshirt (one with cuffs on the sleeves). Brenda will teach you how to transform it into a very cozy and fun pair of mittens to keep you warm until spring! Hot chocolate provided to keep you warm while you’re sewing :)
INSTRUCTOR: BRENDA MARTIN
Saturday, January 26
CN-107a: 10:00 a.m. - noon
CN-107b: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
TUITION: $20
It’s winter and nothing is better than a warm pair of mittens! Each student must bring in an old long-sleeved sweatshirt (one with cuffs on the sleeves). Brenda will teach you how to transform it into a very cozy and fun pair of mittens to keep you warm until spring! Hot chocolate provided to keep you warm while you’re sewing :)

**C-112: EMBROIDERY WORKSHOP
INSTRUCTOR: AMIE DURRMAN
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
C-112a: February 2
C-112b: March 2
C-112c: May 25
TUITION: $25, includes materials
Students will learn embroidery techniques and have the opportunity to choose their own imagery, which they will then apply to colored burlap. Ages 7+. Students who take more than one class will be provided with new embroidery projects.
INSTRUCTOR: AMIE DURRMAN
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
C-112a: February 2
C-112b: March 2
C-112c: May 25
TUITION: $25, includes materials
Students will learn embroidery techniques and have the opportunity to choose their own imagery, which they will then apply to colored burlap. Ages 7+. Students who take more than one class will be provided with new embroidery projects.
N-201: SOCK KNITTING
INSTRUCTOR: JULIE BENNETT
Tues., 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
February 12, 19 & 26
TUITION: $60
In this three-week, advanced beginner class, you will learn how to make socks with several options for the heel. Materials to make one pair of socks will be included for this class (please bring one pair of size 2 or 3 knitting needles). The skills to make dozens more will last a lifetime!
INSTRUCTOR: JULIE BENNETT
Tues., 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
February 12, 19 & 26
TUITION: $60
In this three-week, advanced beginner class, you will learn how to make socks with several options for the heel. Materials to make one pair of socks will be included for this class (please bring one pair of size 2 or 3 knitting needles). The skills to make dozens more will last a lifetime!
*CN-106: PIONEER HAND QUILTING
INSTRUCTOR: BRENDA MARTIN
Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., February 23, March 16, April 6 & May 11
TUITION: $95 plus the student’s cost for fabric.
Learn to hand quilt the way your ancestors did, before sewing machines and rotary cutters! Students will supply their own fabric but will be given patterns for each of the 14 blocks in this remarkable log cabin project. You will use your winter and spring as your ancestors did, meeting once each month to plan and sew with Brenda and will have sewing to complete between each class meeting. By springtime you will be ready to assemble your work of art. A materials list of yardage will be provided at the time of registration. This class is an ambitious project for children, but we welcome students age 12 and up who have suitable experience in hand-sewing, hand-quilting, and assistance with the the measurement aspect of a log cabin quilt. A great project for old or new fabrics.
INSTRUCTOR: BRENDA MARTIN
Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., February 23, March 16, April 6 & May 11
TUITION: $95 plus the student’s cost for fabric.
Learn to hand quilt the way your ancestors did, before sewing machines and rotary cutters! Students will supply their own fabric but will be given patterns for each of the 14 blocks in this remarkable log cabin project. You will use your winter and spring as your ancestors did, meeting once each month to plan and sew with Brenda and will have sewing to complete between each class meeting. By springtime you will be ready to assemble your work of art. A materials list of yardage will be provided at the time of registration. This class is an ambitious project for children, but we welcome students age 12 and up who have suitable experience in hand-sewing, hand-quilting, and assistance with the the measurement aspect of a log cabin quilt. A great project for old or new fabrics.
**CN-103: BUNNY FAMILY WORKSHOP: A BEGINNER SEWING CLASS FOR AGES 6-10 - Easter Weekend Class!
INSTRUCTOR: BRENDA MARTIN
Saturday, April 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
TUITION: $20
It’s so important for children to learn how to make things from simple materials. In the spring, the bunnies are out and about, but Brenda will be working with children to make (and dress) their own family of bunnies. Our goal is to give children the skills and confidence to make their own stuffed animals and dress them with little cost by using affordable remnant or recycled fabrics and lots of imagination.
INSTRUCTOR: BRENDA MARTIN
Saturday, April 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
TUITION: $20
It’s so important for children to learn how to make things from simple materials. In the spring, the bunnies are out and about, but Brenda will be working with children to make (and dress) their own family of bunnies. Our goal is to give children the skills and confidence to make their own stuffed animals and dress them with little cost by using affordable remnant or recycled fabrics and lots of imagination.
*CN-102: CALICO TEDDY BEAR WORKSHOP
INSTRUCTOR: BRENDA MARTIN
Saturday, May 11, 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
TUITION: $30, includes materials
In this class students will learn basic machine sewing techniques and produce a delightful teddy bear! Students will make one bear in class and be supplied with materials to make a second at home. Students who have their own portable sewing machines are asked to bring them, but the School will also have some available. Suitable for children aged 12ish that have used a sewing machine, teens, and adults.
INSTRUCTOR: BRENDA MARTIN
Saturday, May 11, 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
TUITION: $30, includes materials
In this class students will learn basic machine sewing techniques and produce a delightful teddy bear! Students will make one bear in class and be supplied with materials to make a second at home. Students who have their own portable sewing machines are asked to bring them, but the School will also have some available. Suitable for children aged 12ish that have used a sewing machine, teens, and adults.
CONTEMPORARY OSHI-E
(pronounced oh-she-aye)
The School of the Arts is thrilled to bring a new fiber art to the Alleghany Highlands. The art of oshi-e (pronounced oh-she-aye) is for creatives and makers (ages 13+) who love to play with fabric! Contemporary Oshi-e (pronounced ‘oh-she-aye’) is based upon an ancient fabric art from the Far East. Besides being hung on a wall, oshi-e can be used in scrapbooking, card- making, jewelry, ornaments, and so much more! No art or sewing skills are required. All students will go home with one completed piece. Class size is limited to 4. Our Instructor, WENDY CHRISTINE DUKE, has been making oshi-e for over four decades, having learned the technique while living in northern Japan. Her work has been commissioned for more than 50 residential and corporate settings and has won awards regionally, nationally and internationally. These classes are part of her research on a book she is writing as an Introduction to Contemporary Oshi-e. A display of her work and details of the process is on display at the School of the Arts.

F-400: INTRODUCTION TO CONTEMPORARY OSHI-E, PART 1
INSTRUCTOR: WENDY CHRISTINE DUKE
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
F-400a: March 16
F-400b: April 13
F-400c: May 11
TUITION: $35 (includes tools and materials)
You will learn the basics of oshi-e while assembling a quilt-like HEART-shaped image to be used as a coat pin or ornament using only mat board, padding, fabric, and glue, with only simple tools that most every crafter has used. Students are asked to bring a three-ring binder for handouts, a snack, and water.
INSTRUCTOR: WENDY CHRISTINE DUKE
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
F-400a: March 16
F-400b: April 13
F-400c: May 11
TUITION: $35 (includes tools and materials)
You will learn the basics of oshi-e while assembling a quilt-like HEART-shaped image to be used as a coat pin or ornament using only mat board, padding, fabric, and glue, with only simple tools that most every crafter has used. Students are asked to bring a three-ring binder for handouts, a snack, and water.

F-401: INTRODUCTION TO CONTEMPORARY OSHI-E, PART 2
INSTRUCTOR: WENDY CHRISTINE DUKE
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
F-401a: March 30
F-401b: April 20
F-401c: May 25
TUITION: $45 (includes tools and materials)
For those who want to continue learning and creating more complex oshi-e pieces while expanding the skills acquired in the Part 1 class. You can take this class more than once as there are many designs to choose from! Students are asked to bring back their three-ring binder and bring a lunch and water.
INSTRUCTOR: WENDY CHRISTINE DUKE
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
F-401a: March 30
F-401b: April 20
F-401c: May 25
TUITION: $45 (includes tools and materials)
For those who want to continue learning and creating more complex oshi-e pieces while expanding the skills acquired in the Part 1 class. You can take this class more than once as there are many designs to choose from! Students are asked to bring back their three-ring binder and bring a lunch and water.
NEEDLE & FIBER ARTS CLASSES IN OUR COURSE CATALOG NOT OFFERED THIS SEMESTER
(LET US KNOW IF YOU'D LIKE TO SEE THEM NEXT SEMESTER!)
CN-104: MAKE A PUFF QUILT (age 12 to adult)
INSTRUCTOR: BRENDA MARTIN
Saturday, Nov. 10, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (bring lunch)
TUITION: $40, includes some materials
In this class students will use hand-sewing skills to make a small quilt. Bring either scraps of fabric or two one-yard pieces of quilting fabric. We will supply the fiber to help you make a beautiful quilt puff.
THIS CLASS IS NOT OFFERED THIS SEMESTER. PLEASE CONTACT THE SCHOOL FOR INFORMATION ON FUTURE CLASSES.
INSTRUCTOR: BRENDA MARTIN
Saturday, Nov. 10, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (bring lunch)
TUITION: $40, includes some materials
In this class students will use hand-sewing skills to make a small quilt. Bring either scraps of fabric or two one-yard pieces of quilting fabric. We will supply the fiber to help you make a beautiful quilt puff.
THIS CLASS IS NOT OFFERED THIS SEMESTER. PLEASE CONTACT THE SCHOOL FOR INFORMATION ON FUTURE CLASSES.
CN-103: TURNED-APPLIQUE HAND QUILTING: LOLA'S GARDEN (age 12 to adult)
INSTRUCTOR: BRENDA MARTIN
Saturday, Sept. 29, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 (bring lunch)
TUITION: $40, includes materials
This class celebrates the heritage of hand quilting in the Alleghany Highlands. Learn to quilt by hand and make a beautiful applique wall-hanging (finished size 12” x 24”) of a flower garden with the School of the Arts' celebrity kitty, Lola, wandering among the blooms. Perfect for someone with a little bit of quilting/hand-sewing experience.
THIS CLASS IS NOT OFFERED THIS SEMESTER. PLEASE CONTACT THE SCHOOL FOR INFORMATION ON FUTURE CLASSES.
INSTRUCTOR: BRENDA MARTIN
Saturday, Sept. 29, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 (bring lunch)
TUITION: $40, includes materials
This class celebrates the heritage of hand quilting in the Alleghany Highlands. Learn to quilt by hand and make a beautiful applique wall-hanging (finished size 12” x 24”) of a flower garden with the School of the Arts' celebrity kitty, Lola, wandering among the blooms. Perfect for someone with a little bit of quilting/hand-sewing experience.
THIS CLASS IS NOT OFFERED THIS SEMESTER. PLEASE CONTACT THE SCHOOL FOR INFORMATION ON FUTURE CLASSES.
CN-101: TURNED-APPLIQUE HAND QUILTING (age 12 to adult)
INSTRUCTOR: BRENDA MARTIN
TUITION: $40, includes materials
This class celebrates the heritage art of quilting by hand in the Alleghany Highlands. Learn hand-quilting and make a beautiful applique wall hanging (finished size 12” x 12”) featuring Lola, the beloved kitty of the School of the Arts.
THIS CLASS IS NOT OFFERED THIS SEMESTER. PLEASE CONTACT THE SCHOOL FOR INFORMATION ON FUTURE CLASSES.
INSTRUCTOR: BRENDA MARTIN
TUITION: $40, includes materials
This class celebrates the heritage art of quilting by hand in the Alleghany Highlands. Learn hand-quilting and make a beautiful applique wall hanging (finished size 12” x 12”) featuring Lola, the beloved kitty of the School of the Arts.
THIS CLASS IS NOT OFFERED THIS SEMESTER. PLEASE CONTACT THE SCHOOL FOR INFORMATION ON FUTURE CLASSES.