The first class is titled How To Dye Wool (And Other Fibers). It will be hosted at Fort Garland Museum on Tuesday, May 11, starting at 9 am.

Acid dyes are used on wool and all other fibers from animals, as well as silk and nylon. In this class, attendees will learn the basics of using acid dyes, using a microwave to heat-set the dyes. This class will completely cover studio safety, choosing and mixing dyes, how to make them wash fast, and how to finish up dyed articles. Every attendee will be able to take home samples, written guidelines, and a list of supply sources. Students should wear clothes they do not mind getting dye on and closed toe shoes, and bring a pair of kitchen-type rubber gloves. All other minimum safety equipment will be provided.

This class is for ages thirteen and up; or age ten and up with a registered adult. The price is $65.00 per person with a material fee of $25.00.

The second class will be titled Drop Spindle Spinning. It will be hosted at Fort Garland Museum on Saturday, May 18, starting at noon.

Knitters, and anybody who plays with yarn, benefit a lot from understanding how yarn is made, and this hands-on class will help add some valuable knowledge to any crafter’s toolbox. Yarn will be de-constructed to demonstrate its twist and structure, and attendees will use that information to construct some yarns of our own. This will also be a great introduction to spinning for anyone interested in learning how to use a spinning wheel.

The fee for this second class is $55.00 per participant with a $15.00 material fee. The material fee includes a drop spindle and extra wool, both of which attendees will be able to keep in order to continue to practice at home.

Both classes will be presented by Michelle Bowman, a local fiber artist. She is a Colorado native, and she’s been involved in fiber arts of one kind or another for over 40 years. Michelle loves making yarn, knitting, and working with the fibers of the various sheep breeds we have here in Colorado. On any particular day, you might find her knitting, spinning, dyeing (either protein or cellulose materials), felting, or sewing. She is proud to be a level 1 Certified Knitting Instructor through the Craft Yarn Council. She’s based out of Westminster, Colorado, and enjoys traveling around the state spreading the love of fiber arts. She is @ChelleColoradoFiberArt on Facebook, chellecolorado on Instagram, and her website can be found at chellecolorado.com.

For more information, call Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center at 719-379-3512.

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History Colorado's mission is to inspire generations to find wonder and meaning in our past and to engage in creating a better Colorado. We serve as the state's memory, preserving the places, stories, and material culture of Colorado through our museums, educational programs, historic preservation grants, research library, collections, and outreach to Colorado communities. Find History Colorado on all major social media platforms. Visit HistoryColorado.org or call (303) HISTORY for more information.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Zach Werkowitch
Community Relations Manager
719-583-0453 | zach.werkowitch@state.co.us