Experience Level: Beginner

Learn the basics of working with a loom at Beginning Weaving I (Morning) on Saturdays, Oct. 24 through Nov. 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium.

This 5-week class led by Sharon Bowles will encompass all aspects of beginner weaving as students create a table runner. Participants will become familiar with weaving terminology, parts of the loom, figuring the weaving pattern for the width of the loom and project, measuring out the warp, beaming the warp back to front, threading heddles, threading the reed, tying on the warp, and winding bobbins.

$250/person*. Registration will close Oct. 17 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.

*Students should bring a 4-shaft loom if they have one. All other supplies will be provided, including a loom if needed.

Learn more about the space where your course will take place here. If you will need disability-related accommodations to participate, please email Olivia at owarren@illinois.edu.

By attending, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken.

About the instructor

Sharon Bowles began weaving in 1990 and started teaching shortly after. She was taught to weave in a one-on-one class and wove two table runners in 12 (approximately) 2-hour lessons, and she teaches the same method when she teaches. Sharon has experience in weaving with silk, lace weaving, 8-shaft pattern weaving, parallel weaving, block weaves, and Shaker reproduction towels.

She has taught many workshops and classes to weavers’ guilds in Florida, Ohio, and Champaign-Urbana. She earned her Journeyman certification from the Weavers Guild of Boston in 2021 and a master’s certification in April of 2022. Most recently, Sharon taught Beginning Weaving I at The Farms, and a 2-day workshop in four shaft patterns for the Champaign-Urbana Spinners and Weavers Guild.

About The Farms

The Farms: An Allerton Folk School, offers classes, workshops, and gatherings focusing on art, health & wellness, history, nature & outdoor education, or science. All experiences value hands-on, experiential teaching and learning, and are facilitated by and for the members of the community.

Experience Level: Beginner  

Are you interested in learning the basics of woodworking? Build something you would be proud of at Woodworking Basics: Wooden Tray on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 1-5 p.m. in The Studio. 

Learn how to safely use a drill, miter saw, nailer and clamps to build a small 15” x 8” x ”3 wooden tray with decorative metal embellishments. The tray can be used to help you organize small items in just about any room in your house! All tools and supplies are included. 

$130/person. Registration closes Oct. 19 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.  

Learn more about the space where your course will take place here. If you will need disability-related accommodations to participate, please email owarren@illinois.edu. 

By attending, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken. 

Experience Level: Beginner

Learn the basics of working with a loom at Beginning Weaving I (Afternoon) on Saturdays, Oct. 24 through Nov. 21 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium.

This 5-week class led by Sharon Bowles will encompass all aspects of beginner weaving as students create a table runner. Participants will become familiar with weaving terminology, parts of the loom, figuring the weaving pattern for the width of the loom and project, measuring out the warp, beaming the warp back to front, threading heddles, threading the reed, tying on the warp, and winding bobbins.

$250/person*. Registration will close Oct. 17 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.

*Students should bring a 4-shaft loom if they have one. All other supplies will be provided, including a loom if needed.

Learn more about the space where your course will take place here. If you will need disability-related accommodations to participate, please email Olivia at owarren@illinois.edu.

By attending, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken.

About the instructor

Sharon Bowles began weaving in 1990 and started teaching shortly after. She was taught to weave in a one-on-one class and wove two table runners in 12 (approximately) 2-hour lessons, and she teaches the same method when she teaches. Sharon has experience in weaving with silk, lace weaving, 8-shaft pattern weaving, parallel weaving, block weaves, and Shaker reproduction towels.

She has taught many workshops and classes to weavers’ guilds in Florida, Ohio, and Champaign-Urbana. She earned her Journeyman certification from the Weavers Guild of Boston in 2021 and a master’s certification in April of 2022. Most recently, Sharon taught Beginning Weaving I at The Farms, and a 2-day workshop in four shaft patterns for the Champaign-Urbana Spinners and Weavers Guild.

About The Farms

The Farms: An Allerton Folk School, offers classes, workshops, and gatherings focusing on art, health & wellness, history, nature & outdoor education, or science. All experiences value hands-on, experiential teaching and learning, and are facilitated by and for the members of the community.

Experience Level: Beginner 

Fall is the perfect time to knit a winter hat. Knit a hat for yourself, a new baby, or a knit worthy friend or family member at Knitting 201: Hats on Sunday, Oct. 25 & Nov. 1 from 1-4 p.m. in the Studio.  

“Knitting 201: Hats” is designed to further your knitting skills by expanding on “Knitting 101: Knitting for Beginners,” or for someone who is proficient in knitting garter stitch. In this workshop, students will practice reading knitting patterns, determine size, gauge, cast on in the round using those mysterious double pointed knitting needles, learn to work magic loop on a long circular, stay on track with stitch markers, knit rib stitch, work garter and stockinette for visual interest, decrease, and correct mistakes. Additionally, the class will talk about pom poms, blocking and caring for hand knits. 

$95/person*. Registration closes Oct. 18 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.  

Students should bring the following: 

OPTION 1 YARN 

--1 skein (2 skeins of the same dye lot for adult large) Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Merino. This is classified as DK/Light Worsted weight yarn made of 100% Merino Wool. There are 220 yards per skein. Available in 82 colors. It is machine washable. Avoid purchasing a dark colorway. 

OR 

OPTION 2 YARN 

--1 skein (2 skeins of the same dye lot for adult large) Lion Brand Wool-Ease DK. This is classified as a Light/DK 3 weight yarn made of 80% acrylic and 20% wool. There are 232 yards per skein. Available in 18 colors. It is machine washable. Avoid purchasing a dark colorway. 

AND 

OPTION 1 NEEDLES 

--1 set 7” long bamboo #4 (3.5 mm) Clover Takumi double pointed knitting needles. There are five needles in a set 

--1 set 7” long bamboo #6 (4 mm) Clover Takumi double pointed knitting needles. There are five needles in a set 

OR 

OPTION 2 NEEDLES 

--1 set 8” long natural bamboo ChiaoGoo double pointed knitting needles. There are five needles in a set 

--1 set 8” long natural bamboo ChiaoGoo double pointed knitting needles. There are five needles in a set 

AND 

--pair of small sharp scissors 
--laptop, iPad, or smartphone 
--pencil 

Learn more about the space where your course will take place here. If you will need disability-related accommodations to participate, please email owarren@illinois.edu. 

By attending, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken.

About the instructor 

Billie Theide is Professor Emerita and a former Chair of the Crafts Program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Theide is a metalsmith, jeweler, textile artist, and ceramicist. Her work is in public art collections around the world including the Smithsonian, Museum of Arts & Design in New York City, Nelson Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, and the Racine Art Museum, among others. She is the recipient of a Visual Arts Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts and five Artists Fellowship Grants from the Illinois Arts Council. Theide has been recognized for her excellence in teaching and is a Distinguished Member and Past-President of the Society of North American Goldsmiths. 

Experience Level: Beginner

Come experience this fascinating textile art in action at Beginning Bobbin Lace on Tuesdays, Oct. 10 through Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in The Studio.

Instructor Robin Bagwell will show students what to expect in bobbin lacemaking! Learn the basic movements of cross and twist to form beautiful lace from hanging bobbins wound with thread. Think “Connect the Dots” as stitches are made and pinned to the dots on a card stock pattern.

$115/person*. Registration will close Oct. 13 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.

*Students can choose one of the following options for class materials upon registration. 

--Bring your own Bobbin Lace kit using one of the suggestions below
     -Bobbin Lace Kit from the Lase Museum
     -Bobbin Lace & Lacemaking Kit from Van Sciver Bobbin Lace
     -Wooden or Beaded kit from Snowgoose Lace
     -search Bobbinlace kits on Etsy or Amazon.

     -Lacis Pillow Kits are NOT recommended for this class

OR

--Use one of the instructor’s kits with the option to purchase at the end of class 

If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate, please email Olivia at owarren@illinois.edu.

By attending, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken.

About the instructor

Robin Bagwell learned bobbin lace at a park in 1994 after running across a lady she just happened to meet! That led to Sunday afternoon sessions during the summer to learn the textile art form. She has been enjoying and teaching bobbin lace since.

About The Farms

The Farms: An Allerton Folk School, offers classes, workshops, and gatherings focusing on art, health & wellness, history, nature & outdoor education, or science. All experiences value hands-on, experiential teaching and learning, and are facilitated by and for the members of the community.

All Skill Levels (ages 15+)  

Make your own delicious, flaky creations at Whole Grain Pie Dough Workshop on Sunday, Nov.1 from 2-5 p.m. in the Mansion Kitchen.  

During this workshop instructor Hannah Fink will teach how to make a flaky, buttery pie crust using locally grown wheat from Janie’s Mill. Participants will work with whole grains for a flavorful and nutritious bite. Class time will allow each student to create pie dough to bring home with them as well as work with pre-made pie dough to showcase several ways to build sweet and savory treats for the upcoming season of feasts. We will utilize local and seasonal fruit and produce. Best of all, participants will snack and enjoy each other’s company!  

$85/person*. Registration closes Oct. 18 or when the capacity is reached. All sales are final.  

*Students should wear clothes suitable for getting flour on. Students should bring a rolling pie and their favorite pie recipe to share.  

Learn more about the space where your course will take place here. If you will need disability-related accommodations to participate, please email owarren@illinois.edu. 

By attending, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken. 

About the instructor 

Hannah Fink, a baker and local food enthusiast, started Tooth Butter Bakery locally in Urbana, IL. The bakery started as a cottage bakery, moved to a commercial space in downtown last year after several years of operation, and currently is dormant, waiting for its next configuration as Hannah is off on maternity leave with her second child. She revels in naturally leavened bread and quality pastries, with a focus on organic, whole grains, mostly stone-milled and local from Janie’s Mill in Ashkum, IL. She hopes to be a positive force in our community and centralizes her work on participating in our local food systems. Hannah has been baking bread for nearly 10 years and has been supported over the years by many mentors and inspirations, she is looking to pass on the knowledge she has gained and continue this pass-down wisdom. Bread and grains are a staple in our community, teaching the skills of baking help preserve their heritage. 

Experience Level: Beginner  

Are you looking for a unique and experimental experience?  Join us for Thread Bowls on Wednesday, Nov. 4 from 12-4 p.m. in the Dining Room.  

Explore color theory and design as you create a beautiful decorative thread bowl that can resemble glass. Using a special fabric base, sewing thread, yarn, fabric scraps, and dimensional embellishments, you'll transform everyday materials into a richly textured, functional work of art. Bring your imagination, leftover thread, yarn, embroidery floss, small fabric scraps, and an optional sewing machine. No experience is necessary.  

$100/person*. Registration closes Oct. 28 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.  

*Students should bring the following: 
-one 12” ruler 
-two blue or black ink pens 
-one pair of scissors 
-one roll of paper towels 
-sewing machine (optional) 
-a few sewing needles 
-blow dryer (optional) 
-and a monochromatic collection of: 
     - spools of left over sewing thread  - bits of left over yarn in any fiber 
     - partial skeins of left over embroidery floss 
     - left over crochet thread 
     - left over fabric scraps 

Learn more about the space where your course will take place here. If you will need disability-related accommodations to participate, please email owarren@illinois.edu. 

By attending, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken. 

About the instructor 

Billie Theide is Professor Emerita and a former Chair of the Crafts Program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Theide is a metalsmith, jeweler, textile artist, and ceramicist. Her work is in public art collections around the world including the Smithsonian, Museum of Arts & Design in New York City, Nelson Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, and the Racine Art Museum, among others. She is the recipient of a Visual Arts Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts and five Artists Fellowship Grants from the Illinois Arts Council. Theide has been recognized for her excellence in teaching and is a Distinguished Member and Past-President of the Society of North American Goldsmiths.