Knitting & Natural Dyeing at the Window Community Art Shop

Yes there are more workshops to be had!  This time they are in Vancouver at The Window Community Art Shop.  First let me tell you a bit about The Window; it's a pretty special place.  The Window is a non-profit social enterprise which showcases local art and crafts.  Part of what they do is offer people with barriers to the workplace an opportunity to learn art-making techniques which they might use to create products to sell in the shop.  They also support local artists and are always looking for local work to sell so check it out if you have your own product line.  It just might be the place for you.  

Something else that is really special about this place is that it offers its space to sewers and ceramic artists.  So, after offering sewing and ceramic workshops their space is available to use to experiment with your new found techniques.  They have wheels, kilns, sewing machines and sergers right in the space!  So convenient and accessible!  Love it.

I'll be offering at this wonderful space: 1) Beginner Knitting ~on August 8th, 15th and 22nd~ and 2) Natural Dyeing ~on August 9th, 16th and 23rd~.  Both occur between 1pm-3pm on those dates.  

Beginning Knitting at The Window is for those of you who have never picked up knitting needles and are dying to learn.  Participants willleave the three-session workshop feeling comfortable with casting on, knitting, purling and binding off - You'll learn that that's all you'll ever need too.  Half way though the sessions students will have the opportunity to start a quick and easy project like this cowl (yes, by then fall will be just around the corner).  Other projects can be discussed based on the wants and needs of the students.

The Window has a community garden near by so I'm hoping to spend the bulk of the Natural Dye workshop there (weather permitting).  Students will learn how to make dye stock solutions using both found plants and store bought natural dyes for immersion dyeing and eco printing, and we'll use shibori resist methods to create pattern and design.  We will be experimenting with mostly silk but I'll have wool and other fibre there to sample with too.