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.

Experience Level: Beginner  

Learn the basics of woodworking and build something you can be proud of at Woodworking Basics: Wooden Tray on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 1-5 p.m. in The Studio.

Instructor Lou Ann Koebel will teach students 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 organize small items in just about any room!

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

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.

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  

Experience Level: Beginner

Come experience this fascinating textile art in action at Beginning Bobbin Lace on Tuesdays, Oct. 27 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.

*All materials will be provided. If you have bobbinlace supplies, feel free to bring them. 

Experience Level: Beginner (All ages; parents/guardians are not required to register with their children, but they are encouraged to be present for those 13 and younger.)

Create a unique piece of art out of locally sourced alpaca fiber at Needlefelt Goldfinch on Thursday, October 29 from 5 to 8 p.m. in The Studio.

Stephanie Block of Sundrop Alpacas will walk students through the needlefelting process to make a goldfinch, which can be customized to make them look authentic, whimsical or anything in between. The class is perfect for those wanting to learn a new art form.

Take advantage of a fun opportunity to bring a friend or family member for a $10 add-on fee as you work together on a single project kit!

$65/person* + $10/person for add-on (limit one). Register here. Registration will close Oct 22 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.

*A $15 discount is available during registration for those who bring their own needlefelting tools.

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.  

Instructor Hannah Fink will share how to make a flaky, buttery pie crust using locally grown wheat from Janie’s Mill. Students will make pie dough to take home, working with whole grains for a flavorful and nutritious bite. In addition, students will work with pre-made dough to showcase several ways to build sweet and savory treats, utilizing local and seasonal produce. Best of all, students 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.  

Experience Level: Beginner (ages 18+) 

Learn what stories your teacup has to tell at Mystic Mondays: Intro to Reading Tea Leaves on Monday, Nov. 2 from 6-8 p.m. in the Mansion Library.

Who remembers their granny reading the tea leaves after a heartfelt conversation? Instructor Charlie Rainbow Wolf will teach students how to recognize shapes in the tea leaves and interpret what those shapes mean when it comes to understanding the issues that life tends to throw at us now and again. By the end of this lively, hands-on class, students will have a basic understanding of reading tea leaves for themselves and others.

$65/person*. Registration closes Oct. 30 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.

*Students should bring their own cup and saucer; the cup should have angled rather than straight sides, so that the tea leaves have a place to settle. Tea will be provided – please email owarren@illinois.edu with any allergies