Journey of Creative Cloth: Dye, Spin, Weave
Visiting Artist-Textiles | Available
Join Internationally renowned fiber artist Esther Rodgers from Jazzturtle Creations in this fascinating journey from dyepot to loom!
Day I: INTUITIVE RAINBOWS-THE ART OF DYEING PROTEIN FIBERS Have you ever looked at fiber and dreamed of all the colors it could be, but are intimidated of the science behind dyeing- or the tools required? In this class we use fiber as our canvas, and using tools like a crock pot, induction burner and electric roaster, students will learn the essential elements of dyeing protein fiber, for successful dye strike. What makes colors bright, or pastel? What’s the difference between overdye and glazing color? How do you keep color from bleeding? We will talk about color theory and color blending, and how our choices on when to apply the elements of dyeing affect the color and blending we achieve. Students will dye fiber using kettle dyeing, low immersion dyeing and steaming. Students MUST wear a mask (provided) for safety in using the powder dye.
Day 2: Spinning day is broken into two half-day sessions -
CORESPINNING for FUNK and FUNCTION - Corespinning is a wonderful technique for creative spinners and traditional spinners alike. Ever wonder how preserve texture from a chunky batt, add inclusions like sequins, beehives and feathers, or make that cloud of expensive cashmere go as far as possible? In this corespinning class you’ll learn how to do it all! Combining the fun with the function, corespinning is a wonderful way to make the most of your expensive fibers, as well as preserve texture and spin those funky art yarns - even the expensive tailspun yarns. Students will learn techniques including how to corespin yarn with integrity and foundation, how to add all sorts textural of embellishments and how to manage overtwist in the core. Yarn and projects using corespun yarn will be avaiable for discussion and examination.
WILDPLYING- Beehives, Bobbles, Crescents and Coils and How to Use Them! Ever wonder how to how to spin those funky plied yarns with bobbles and coils? In this class we’ll cover the entire process by combining the function with the funky with the essentials of artplying. We’ll spin the singles needed, then we’ll “wild” ply into, coils, crescents, beehives, stacks and spirals! As a bonus knitted and woven samples will be available for examination and discussion. Students must be able to spin a single and ply on a wheel
Day 3: Wearing Beyond the Edges - starting with a pre-warped floor loom as a blank canvas, students will create their piece using fibers that they have dyed and spun.
A $170 materials fee collected at registration will cover all materials for the workshop, including: 2.5lb undyed fiber, color wheel, blending journal, dyes, citric acid, 4oz carded fiber, 1oz top, 1oz of locks and assorted add ins, cotton and mohair cores and cotton plying yarn.
Students should wear clothes they don't mind getting dirty. Students may bring their own wheel, bobbins, lazy kate, any assorted carded fibers (batts, rolags, roving), any other loose fiber (farm wool/locks/fleece) scissors, a tapestry needle, a niddy noddy if they choose.
This workshop is part of Sawtooth Luminaries, a long weekend of immersive and intensive workshops that will take place from October 11-13, 2024, in Winston-Salem, NC. This exciting new event welcomes nationally acclaimed artists to provide learning experiences for creative students of all skill levels. It expands Sawtooth's depth and scope as a community art school and aligns with our vision to be a creative hub for Winston-Salem and the entire region.
The weekend's programming will balance structured studio time in Sawtooth's landmark downtown facilities with communal lunch offerings and evening events that explore Winston's reputation as the City of Arts and Innovation.
Tuition includes three days of instruction and dedicated studio time, catered lunches, opportunities to socialize with other artists in attendance, and exclusive access to some of the city’s most beloved art institutions. Special rates at The Historic Brookstown Inn, Sawtooth’s preferred lodging partner, are available for enrolled students and guests. (Discount code is provided after registration.)
Learn more about this dynamic weekend and see the full list of workshops at sawtooth.org/luminaries
Esther Rodgers
Esther Rodgers is the fiber artist that masterminds Jazzturtle Creations and Woven Heart Fiber Studio. She is known for her creative art yarns, unique fiber preparation, and always innovating her spinning techniques to create new textures. She is on the cutting edge in terms of yarn design & spins true Art Yarns that tell stories. Being an expressive weaver gives her a unique perspective of how these extra special yarns can be used. She loves showcasing creative yarn by creating garments & other items out of her woven cloth.
Esther is an enthusiastic and patient teacher; possessing virtual, national & international teaching experience. She loves to challenge her students to embrace their design elements rather than “mistakes” and to learn from every experience at the dyepots, wheel and loom
Some of the events she has taught at include Maryland Sheep and Wool, MAFA, John C Campbell Folk School, PlyAway, Majacraft Fibre Camp, Ashford Wheels and Loom Fiber Retreat & Rhinebeck.
You can find Esther’s blog, more about classes, shop her fiber & yarn peruse tutorials & more at www.Jazzturtle.com