The public is invited to enjoy a day of fiber arts demonstrations at the Farm & Ranch Museum’s third-annual Fiber Extravaganza. Skilled demonstrators from around the state will do wool carding, spinning, weaving, sewing, Colcha embroidery, cotton ginning, and more. Regular Museum admission applies to the demonstrations on Saturday, which are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A big part of the event this year is the addition of workshops, planned for June 16-17. The fee for each workshop is a non-refundable $25, with an additional material fee for the instructor in some of the workshops (see below). Unless specified otherwise, workshops are open to ages 16 and older.
Space is limited for the workshops. To register, please contact LuAnn Kilday at the Museum at luann.kilday@dca.nm.gov or call (575) 522-4100. All workshops are supported by the Friends of the Museum.
Basket Weaving Workshop
June 16
10 am to Noon
Workshop participants will get the opportunity to create a basket or tray using primarily pine needles. The workshop includes pine needles and all other materials necessary to create a basket or tray with handles. Also included is an instructional booklet, written by instructor Ric Rao. Material fee to instructor: $15.
Nålebinding
June 16
10 am to Noon
This technique predates knitting and crochet. In Danish, the word nålebinding literally means “binding with a needle” or “needle-binding;” also naalbinding, nalbindning, or nalebinding. The technique is distinct from crochet or knitting in that it involves passing the full length of the working thread through each loop. The workshop will be taught by Susan Jewell. Material fee to instructor: $5.
Colcha Embroidery
June 16
10 am to 1 pm
As part of our Fiber Extravaganza, a colcha embroidery workshop will be taught by two award-winning colcha artists from northern New Mexico, Julia R. Gomez and Annette Gutierrez Turk. The kit includes fabric with the design imprinted, yarn sufficient to complete the design, needle, and booklet on the technique. The workshop is limited to 12 people and open to ages 13 and up. All levels of expertise are invited. Simply bring your sewing scissors and your enthusiasm. Material fee to instructor: $15.
Beginning Stitching
June 16
10 am to Noon
In this class, Sara Greer will teach the basics of crocheting from the chain stitch to the double crochet. We will cover pattern reading and learning the language and abbreviations in the crochet world. If you choose knitting, you will learn how to cast on, knit, purl, bind off, and pattern reading. This class is open to ages 13 and up.
An Introduction to Painting on Silk
June 17
10 am to Noon
Instructor Judy Licht will guide participants in creating a 10-by-10-inch silk painting. There will be stencils and many images to inspire you. Painting on silk is an addictive medium! There is no other surface so lively and receptive.
The Art of Color
June 17
10 am to Noon
Learning how to use color effectively in an art endeavor adds excitement and cohesiveness to your work. Sally Quillin will cover the basics of using a color wheel, creating a mood through use of color, and choosing colors that go well together. You will also create a fun project to experiment with the color theories learned. Material fee to instructor: $5.
Tatting
June 17
10 am to Noon
Shuttle tatting is an old form of lace making. Utilizing knots and picots, tatters create a lace that can be made into almost anything. Tatting requires very minimal equipment and only a few different types of stitches, so it is an economical and portable craft. In this introductory class, Tiffany Ward will teach basic tatting: the double stitch, rings and chains, and joining stitches. Reading patterns and best types of thread will also be covered. All required materials will be provided. Students may wish to bring a pair of scissors and/or thread crochet hook, though these are optional. Material fee to instructor: $6.
