the workshops

Yes, indeed, SAW was more than just a pretty place. There were workshops and plenty of them! First I'll share with you my Recycled Felting workshops. Each session we spent all day creating with felted wool sweaters. I taught the basics of felting (truly "fulling") second hand wooly finds into dense rich material. We experimented with seaming techniques, and embellishment that included applique, making rosettes and needle-felting.

Erica's working on her pillow front using my favorite wavy seam technique! She combined 3 different sweaters in lovely blues and greys.

Amal had NEVER used a sewing machine before and made this adorable tea cozy with needle felted polka-dots. She also made a coaster and learned how to do blanket stitch.

Donna made this sweet mini messenger bag utilizing the embroidered neckline from a former "Tweeds" sweater. (do you remember Tweeds?) Very clever!
Mary finished her bag (sorry, no photo! Please send it along if you can, Mary) and had time to make a few extra goodies, such as this headband!

Another Mary had fun completely transforming a manly argyle sweater into a feminine tote and pouch complete with rosettes and needle felted leaves. Love!
I could not keep Marianne away. Her daughter, Christine, took my class the day before and Marianne had to get in on the action. :) Marianne made this sweet duet. (Christine, send me a photo of your bag!)
At the end of each workshop, participants were encouraged to bring their projects to the dining hall gallery. It was great fun to get a look inside what other creative endeavors were happening all over camp. I wished I could have taken some of the classes as well!

Next post I'll share the other workshop I taught, called MYOB: Make Your Own Bag. In the comments a few posts ago someone asked where I'm teaching next. My answer: right here! Among the other things on my To Do List this summer, I am planning on offering some online workshops. Who's in? :)