Workshops

Indigo Dyeing

Noon - 3:00pm
Instructor: Anel Meerholz

Indigo Dye is a natural dye and the dye process is unlike any other. From creating the starting solution and watching the “indigo flower” bloom to seeing the colours change during the oxidation, is all part of the science of indigo dyeing. You will be able to create patterns on undyed cotton shawl and watch the magic of the colour blue happens during the dipping process. The blue colour ranges from light to dark “jean blue”, but you can’t see the final colour until you wash the fabric. This makes indigo dyeing so much more exciting and unpredictable.

We will dye a shawl 43” x 90” made of cotton mull. Join me in this workshop where we will learn about indigo and have fun playing in an organic indigo vat.

$75 per person

Embroidery Workshop

9:00am - Noon
Instructor: Kara Perpelitz

Workshop includes: A short “Ted Talk” about the history and use of embroidery.
Instruction on 3-5 simple embroidery stitches, image transfer techniques, and time to implement those new skills on a 3 inch hoop.

A kit will be provided for the class, which includes a hoop, needle and thread, and 2 pieces of fabric.

$35 per person

Drop Spindling

Noon - 3:00pm
Instructor: Gail McCaskill

The workshop will begin by looking at different fibre preparations (roving and top) and discuss the merits and what to watch for when using each. We will learn about different types of drop spindles and how they differ from supported spindles.

You will spin two singles and ply them together to make a 2 -ply yarn. We will also discuss how to finish your yarn so it is ready to be used in a project.

$50 per person

Karaoke - Dye-your-own yarn

9:00am - 11:00am or 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Instructors: Lisa Tomaszewski & Becky Tomaszewski

Why Karaoke, you ask? Well, at Smiling Sheep, we’re all about colour. We just can’t get enough! While our passion for colour runs deep, we really have a thing for music, too. So, while we’re up to our elbows in the dye pots, we’re still boppin’ and groovin’ to the tunes on the stereo. We actually like music so much that we name all our colourways after some of our fave songs. Sometimes, we use the song title, like “Jungle Boogie”, and sometimes we give you a hint, a fragment of a lyric, such as “and I think to myself” and let you make the connection. So, when you dye with your own colour combinations, we think that‘s just like singing karaoke!

Here’s what you can expect in a Karaoke session with us:
We supply you with yarn and dye and you can express yourself as you see fit. But
don’t worry; we’ll also supply you with some PPE and instructions. We’ll start off with a little colour theory and some information on dyeing with acid dyes. There are many methods to dyeing with acid dyes, but we will be using a fun method to hand-paint your yarn. After the “how to” portion, we’ll suit up in some gloves and plastic aprons and head over to the dye stations where you will let your creativity (and dye) flow! When you are satisfied with your creation, we’ll wrap it up in plastic wrap and steam it for you to set the dye. Then, you’re off to do some shopping at the Fibre Fest!

Your yarn will be ready to pick up after 60-90 minutes. We’ll also tell you how you can dye at home without investing in special equipment.

$50 per person

Wet Felted Tote Bag

9:00am - noon
Instructor: Tara Dione
$85 per person

Australian Locker hooking

1:00pm - 3:00pm
Instructor: Dianne Murphy

We are excited to offer an Australian Locker Hooking workshop at the Biggar Fibre Fair.

This projects you can do with this technique are endless.
Learn this technique and walk away with a small sample piece.
No experience needed. All material provided.

$30 per person.

Demonstrations

Kim will be giving demonstrations of both sock machines at the Smiling Sheep Fine Yarns booth at the Biggar Fibre Fair. Stop by the booth and watch her crank out a sock. And be sure to ask her why the Dundas was nicknamed “The Knee Knocker!”

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Vertical Divider

Sheep sheering demonstrations will be located outside and happen throughout the day.