News from Sievers School

We teach classes to Islanders!  This year we are offering a few classes in November with the rest in January and February.  Our class schedule includes:

A Family of Mittens with Kathleen Morris - November 22

Japanese Temari with Susan Greenfeldt AND Needle Felted Angel with Kathy Sorensen  - November 29

Quilting: Advanced Techniques, Better Basics with Ellen Graf - January 6-9

Needle Felt Embellishment with Jeanne Shay - January 12 - 14

Basket Totes with Jeanette Biederman & Rich Prange -                          January 16 - 18

Knitting Retreat with Sandy De Master - January 19 - 21

Japanese Temari with Susan Greenfeldt & Judie Yamamoto -             January 22 & 24

Beginning Weaving with Judie Yamamoto - January 26 - 29

Fast & Fun Random Warps w/ Connie Westbrook - February 2 - 5

Viking Knit Bracelet with Barbara Heike - Feburary 11

As you can see, we will have a few fun and busy months! 

Our yarn sale is still in progress with all yarns 30% off their original price (except wind-offs from coned yarn).  If you would like to call and order, we can ship it to you the next day.  We don’t have a catalog, but we’re able to see what is still available in the shop for you.

We began our 2008 classes on May 18th and finished just two days ago, on October 25th with our enrollment this year of 517 students.  Among those 517 students we had two firsts.  In Landscape Quilting we had our first man quilter and in Lace Weaves, our first student from the state of Idaho, completing our map of the U.S. with at least one student from each state.  Now that 2008 is “in the books”, 2009 is not far away!  We’ve already received replies with date choices from many of our teachers. 

We have heard from two of our weaving instructors, Jean Hutchison and Louise French, that they are retiring from teaching at Sievers.  Both have contributed so much to our weaving program here, not only by giving their weaving students a wonderful set of skills but also by making helpful suggestions and contributing towards equipment purchases in the studio.  Together they also updated the look of the Teacher’s Cottage by rearranging the furniture and art work.  Part of their legacy includes a number of students who have gone on to become teachers at Sievers after taking classes with Jean and Louise.

  Jean Hutchison first came to Sievers as a student in Beginning Weaving in 1982.  Jean eventually became a weaving instructor in 1987 and has offered 66 classes since then with her last class, Lace Weaves held in September this year. In the photo above, Jean is on the right assisting a student in that class.  Jean has also been a student in 28 classes. 

  Louise French first came to Sievers as a student in Ecclesiastical Weaving in 1984.  Louise taught her first class here in 1999, offering 24 classes in these past 9 years, including the last class of 2008, Beginning Weaving where she is shown in the photo above on the left, assisting one of the students. 

Jean and Louise have taught many classes together, team-teaching Beyond Beginning and Weaving Workshop for several years.  They have also each taught with assistants who have gone on to become Sievers teachers as well as individually.  There is no doubt that our weaving program would not be what it is today without Jean Hutchison and Louise French.  We are grateful to them, wish them the best and hope to see them again as students!

It has been an exceptionally beautiful Fall.  Some years there are select roads or locations on the Island that are perfect for Sunday (or any day) drives.  This year, the entire Island is showing the most vibrant reds, oranges and yellows on each and every road. 

Nature’s colors weren’t in the leaves alone.  Willow harvested from the patch behind the Walter Studio created a fall rainbow of their own.

What could be better than spending a crisp fall day enjoying the colors while knitting or weaving at Sievers?  

   The Creative Knitting Retreat Class taught by Sandy DeMaster and Mary Germain spent some time knitting inside and some time outside in the fall sunshine.

  Deb Sharpee’s Diamond Rag Rug class worked hard and had fun this past week.  These are two of three rugs woven by Pamm S.

Two classes are in session as of 2 p.m. this afternoon: Stained Glass Sweater Vest with Jeanette Biederman and Chair Caning with Rich Prange.  Our last class for 2008, Beginning Weaving with Louise French, will start Monday afternoon and finish on Saturday morning, October 25.  The consignment shop’s last official day will be Saturday, November 1st.  By then, plans for 2009 will already be in progress!

The weather was beautiful, the Friday workshops and evening program were fun, new, and interesting; the Saturday garage sale was a big hit as usual and the demonstrations that followed were engaging. Vendors brought an array of handmade baskets, jewelry and fiber art supplies. Items for the Student Fiber Art Exhibit and the Style/Quilt Show were inspiring.  The dinner was delicious and the music by Cindra and Dan was the “icing on the cake”.

 Each of the three workshops on Friday afternoon had 10 students.  Here Jo Campbell-Amsler is teaching the Baby Melon Basket Workshop.

Those who attended Stephanie Robertson’s Instant Silk Screen, Instant Fun and  Barbara Heike’s Viking Knit Bracelet workshops commented on how much fun they had in each.

Friday evening’s program, “Behind the Scenes” with Dick Purinton was a two-part program with the first half being photos from the Washington Island Ferry Line’s archives along with some “behind the scenes” looks at the Ferry Line.  The second half of the program introduced The Roundheads (bendable characters purchased at the Twice-Around Shop) posed in a number of different Island locations, including the Island Clinic, Ferry Dock and Sievers.  About 85 people attended Friday’s program. 

Thirteen of our instructors were introduced to the audience on Friday night.  They were: Jacki Bedworth, Jo Campbell-Amsler, Mary Curran, Christi Ehler, Diane Ericson, Ellen Graf, Barbara Heike, Donna Kallner, Stephanie Robertson, Lynn Schuster, Kathy Sorensen and Judie Yamamoto.

The Fiber Arts Garage Sale started early Saturday morning with items ranging from knitting needles to an antique dress form to a used 36″ Sievers Loom.  Proceeds from the garage sale were over $1400 with donations being made to the Sievers Scholarship Fund, the Washington Island Preschool and the Island Memorial Medical Fund. 

 (Diane Ericson’s Baskets From the Heart)

The vendors opened shop in the Sophie Studio while demonstrations were ongoing in the Walter Studio.  Here you can see Lynn Schuster demonstrating Coiled Basketry, Judie Yamamoto with Polymer Clay, Donna Kallner with ”Fiber Mojo”, Jeannie Shay with Needle Felting and Jacki Bedworth and Thelma Boeder in their re-enactment location near the Walter Studio:

The Style and Quilt Show featured everything from silk garments to felt hats to quilted and woven garments to queen-size bed quilts.  Mary Curran and Jo Campbell-Amsler coordinated and provided commentary for the show. 

The winners of our Student Fiber Art Exhibit were announced at this time with the top three votes going to: Cheryl Stewart with a landscape “confetti” quilt, Anne Landre with her Mother’s Day Project (stitched tribute to U.S. servicewomen who have died in Iraq), and to Judy Douglas for her tray basket using techniques learned in a Donna Kallner class.

Before dinner, a number of Gathering folks stopped into Fiddler’s Green for wine and conversation.  At the dinner, Maren Schutz, great-granddaughter of Sievers Founder Walter Schutz, played piano as background music.  The winners of the Silent Fiber Art Auction were announced at the dinner.  Thank you to all the instructors who generously donated handmade items for the silent auction where close to $1000 was raised.  In the past, proceeds from the Silent Auction have gone to install air conditioning in the studios as well as other equipment purchases.  Four $100 Sievers class gift certificates were given as door prizes.  The winners were:  Muriel Hanson, Ruth Kieffer, Cheryl Stewart and Lana Roberts.

Cindra and Dan topped off the evening at the TPAC with a wide range of songs that included ”You Are The Sunshine of My Life” , “Walkin’ After Midnight” and “Monster Mash” (in full costume, I may add).

Thank you so much to everyone who helped make this Gathering the best yet! (P.S. - We already have ideas for 2010!)

The Sievers Gathering is coming up soon!  Only a little more than a week away, we’ve got great workshops, vendors, demonstrations and some yarn and fiber art garage sale bargains, too.  A delicious dinner and perhaps saving the best for last, Cindra and Dan’s musical entertainment program will no doubt make for another fun Gathering weekend.              

There are still spaces available in each of the three workshops.  Instant Silk Screen, Instant Fun has room for seven more students, Viking Knit Bracelet has room for four and the Baby Melon Basket workshop has room for six more students.  The workshops range in size from 10 - 15 students each. 

These are only three of the many handmade items have been sent or brought to us by our instructors for our Silent Art Auction.

More items seem to arrive each week for the Fiber Arts Garage Sale.  Our Yarn Shop sale will begin on Friday where all yarns will be 30% or 50% off, all magazines will be 50% off and all Susan Bates knitting needles and denim shirts will be 30% off.

We hope to see you at the Gathering - Friday, October 3 and Saturday, October 4!

There’s been a decided change in the weather this past week. Last night there was a short hailstorm on parts of the Island, including Sievers.  The air was chilly enough that it took quite a while for the hail to melt.  You can see the foliage has started to turn yellow and brown and a few maple trees are beginning to show that they’re ready to give us beautiful colors this fall.

We still have some openings in upcoming classes, some of which have a fall “flavor” including the Antler/Driftwood Table Lamp class (Sept. 19-21), the Willow Harvest and Weave class (Oct. 7-10), the Chair Caning class and the Stained Glass Sweater Vest/Coat class (both Oct. 17-20).

Antler Lamp   Willow Harvest   Stained Glass Vest   Chair Caning

We’ve received a number of Gathering workshop and dinner reservations.  There are still openings in each of the workshops.  Two vendors have been added to the Gathering as well:  Diane Ericson - Baskets from the Heart (Handwoven baskets) and Patty Bakke - Izora’s Beads (Beads and supplies).  We are looking forward to the Gathering Weekend (October 3 and 4) and the gorgeous fall colors that should be near their peak at that time. 

Sometimes a picture can say a thousand words.  This gallery of photos show some of the classes these past few weeks and some that are coming up in the next month.

 Landscape Quilting (Aug. 12-15)

Willow Shapes: Baskets Gone Green (Aug. 15-17)

Airy Fairy Felted Scarf (Aug. 15-17)

Beginning Weaving on a Floor Loom (Sept. 21-26)

Soft Jewelry That Tells A Story (Sept. 28-Oct. 1)

Schoolhouse Beach at Sunrise (Any day the sun shines!)

  Our fifteenth biennial Gathering takes place soon!  Begun by founder, Walter Schutz, the Gathering is a great way to keep in touch with each other and is an opportunity to return to the Island and share a sample of what happens at Sievers School as well as a little of the “Island magic”.  All visitors are welcome and all events are open to the public.  Here’s what’s waiting for you…

Yarn Sale - Starting at 10 am on Friday, October 3, all of our yarns will be sold at 30% - 50% off their regular price.  Stock up for your winter knitting and weaving projects!

Workshops - Three workshops are scheduled for Friday afternoon from 2 pm-5 pm: “Baby Melon Basket” with Jo Campbell-Amsler,  “Viking Knit Bracelet ” with Barbara Heike and “Instant Silk Screen, Instant Fun” with Stephanie Robertson.  (Enrollment is limited, so register right away!)

Baby Melon Basket with Jo-Campbell Amsler - $65

This is a perfect basket for beginners in willow.  A twisted handle and rim, simple X-lashing and traditional shaping of ribs will create this pleasantly round “baby” basket.  (Size 4″H x 4″)  Workshop fee includes  basket materials.  Students will need to bring a pair of basket shears, small awl and a beach towel.  For all levels.  Sign up on the Sievers School website for Class G1 or call 920-847-2264.

Viking Knit Bracelet with Barbara Heike - $75

Before the advent of chain mail, and as early as 850 A.D., the Vikings used this knitting technique in making armor.  Viking Knitting is a perfect technique for making wire-woven bracelets.  It involves weaving sterling silver wire around a wooden dowel, and then pulling the weave through a draw plate.  Participants in the class will learn the wire working techniques involved in Viking Knitting and complete a bracelet in class.  Handouts will be provided.  Workshop fee includes materials for bracelet: copper wire, sterling silver wire, end caps, clasp, drawplate, dowel and card stock.  Students will need to bring a wire cutter, roundnose pliers, chainnose pliers, small awl or metal knitting needle.  For all levels.  Sign up on the Sievers School website for Class G2 or call 920-847-2264.

Instant Silk Screen, Instant Fun with Stephanie Robertson - $65

Create instant silk screens with a thermofax machine, water soluble pencils and watercolor inks.  For those of you who have been wondering how this works, or if you enjoy an environment of fun and experimentation, here is your opportunity.  We will work with copyright-free images, drawings and rubbings to create silk screens that can be printed on fabric.  Workshop fee includes: inks, screens and various supplies.  Students will need to bring 1 yard of cotton, silk, linen or rayon fabric, ebony pencil, paper, photocopied images NO BIGGER than 7″ x 9″, photo-copied text from the computer and a willingness to try something new. For all levels.  Sign up on the Sievers School website for Class G3 or call 920-847-2264.

Friday Evening Program - We begin at 7 pm with social time and refreshments in the Sophie Studio.  At 7:30 pm, Washington Island Ferry Line Manager, Dick Purinton presents a program: “Behind the Scenes”, Island scenes and narrative that promises to be a change from the ordinary.

Sievers Fiber Arts Garage Sale - This has been such a popular event at the Gathering, that we’re holding it again!  The Fiber Arts Garage Sale will be on Saturday from 9:30 am - 1 pm at Sievers.  Many items have been donated for this already, and we welcome yours, if your have any to donate.  The proceeds will go towards the Sievers Scholarship Fund, offering scholarships to students who wish to attend a Sievers class and to Washington Island High School graduates that have been involved in the arts. 

Silent Art Auction - Our generous instructors have again donated their beautiful handwork for an art auction with the proceeds to benefit Sievers School.  Among the items that will be available are a willow basket made by Jo Campbell-Amsler; a framed woodland scene made by Bill Kallner; a vest sewn by Diane Ericson using Carol Gresko and Doreen Speckmann fabric designs; a stuffed lamé lizard made by Blanche Young; a reproduction of a Great Lakes fish basket (ca. 1900) made by Jacki Bedworth; a wall quilt made by Francie Ginocchio from Doreen Speckmann-designed Provence! fabrics; a handwoven rag rug made by Ann Young; a basket made by Christi Ehler and more!  Bidding will begin on Friday at 10 am in the Sievers Shop and ends Saturday night, 7 pm at the buffet dinner at Trinity Lutheran Church. 

Vendors - A favorite part of the Gathering!  Booths will be open from 10 am - 3 pm on Saturday.  Visit the Washington Island Art Association’s display of local artwork; Patty Bakke of Izora’s Beads will have a great selection of beads; Heidi Brodersen, owner of Door County Embroidery, will demonstrate and sell custom machine-embroidered items such as tote bags and hats; Jacki Bedworth’s “Wicker Woman” outdoor camp with traditional handwoven willow baskets; an assortment from Apple Hollow Fiber Arts, including triangle frame looms and demos, assorted yarns, books and supplies; Diane Ericson’s “Baskets from the Heart” handwoven baskets; plus “Circle of Hope” Bracelets, beaded bracelets made by volunteers as a symbol of life and a visible connection among women in the fight against cancer. Most bracelets feature a combination of various crystals, sterling silver Bali beads and silver-plated spacers.

                                          Demonstrations - Here’s a chance to meet Sievers teachers and students, as they demonstrate a variety of the types of subjects that are taught in Sievers classes, answer your questions and share their enthusiasm for fiber arts.  Demonstrations will be held both in the morning and afternoon on Saturday and will include:  Polymer Clay Beads & Buttons with Judith Yamamoto, Temari with Susan Greenfeldt, Coiled Basketry with Lynn Schuster, Spinning with Virginia Thomas, “Fiber Mojo” with Donna Kallner, Needle Felting with Jeannie Shay, Recycled Wool Mittens with Kathleen Morris and Twining with Jacki Bedworth.                                

Student Fiber Work Display - Bring your work to share with your Sievers friends.  Maybe it’s something you began in a class, or an entirely new project.  Don’t be shy…you worked hard to create something unique.  Whether it’s a basket, quilt, handwoven, knit work, piece of jewelry, article of clothing or woodcarving, we’d love to have it on display. For each item you bring, please also bring a 4″ x 6″ card filled out with the following information: Your name and city, the type of artwork, a description (title, how made, fibers/type of fabric used, techniques used), your inspiration. Let your creativity and craftsmanship shine!

Viewers’ Choice Award - Since the 1992 Gathering, this has been offered as a way to allow everyone to show their admiration for the students’ work in the Fiber Work Display.  Each person who attends the Gathering will be given a ballot and the three items that receive the most votes will earn awards for their creators, which will be presented at the Style Show.  There is no judging, just a non-competitive opportunity to applaud your favorites!

Style and Quilt Show - Come, be entertained and inspired on Saturday afternoon by a wide variety of beautiful handwoven, quilted, beaded, felted, batiked, and creatively sewn garments and accessories (hats, purses, scarves and jewelry) and quilts created by Sievers teachers and students.  Instructor Mary Curran will coordinate and serve as commentator for this highlight event. For each item you bring, please also bring a 4″ x 6″ card filled out with the following information: Your name and city, the type of artwork, a description (title, how made, fibers/type of fabric used, techniques used), your inspiration.  If you’d like to be a model in the Style Show, please let us know when you arrive. 

Cash Bar/Social Hour - At Fiddler’s Green on Jackson Harbor Road.at 5 pm.  New in 2008, Fiddler’s Green has an eclectic lounge atmosphere and serves wine, specialty beers and soda.

Buffet Dinner - This year at the Trinity Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall on Town Line Road at 6 pm. Catered by Lois Jessen of Karly’s, a delicious dinner of turkey, beef, seafood lasagne and all the accompaniments will be served.  $20 per person includes tip and tax. (Advance reservations are required for this. On the Sievers School website, note in the “Comments” section the number of dinner reservations you would like or call Sievers at 920-847-2264 by September 29th. Reservations can be paid in advance with a credit card.) 

Gift Certificates - Another highlight!  You could be one of the winners of a $100.00 Sievers gift certificate that may be applied to any Sievers class.  Four winning names will be drawn.

Musical Entertainment Program - Dan Hansen and Cindra Hokkanen return for their fourth Gathering program.  Titled “www.sievers.song: Musical Interweavings,” the program will feature a selection of vocal and piano music, laughter and memories, at the Trueblood Performing Arts Center on Main Road at 7:30 pm.  $12 Adults, $6 Students.  (No pre-sales; tickets will be available at the door.)

Accomodations - Sievers will have limited group housing available.  Please call us at 920-847-2264 regarding housing.  For other Island accomodations, please visit www.washingtonislandchamber.com or call 920-847-2179.

Ferry Schedule - For the October Washington Island Ferry Line schedule and fares, please visit www.wisferry.com or call 800-223-2094.

2008 SIEVERS GATHERING

OCTOBER 3 & 4

Friday, October 3

10:00 am - 5: 00 pm (Sievers Shop)    Yarn Sale/Silent Art Auction/Register Items for Student Fiber Arts Display and Style Show 

2:00 pm - 5:00 pm (Tomson Hall)   “Baby Melon Basket” Workshop

2:00 pm - 5:00 pm (Sophie Studio)  “Viking Knit Bracelet” Workshop

2:00 pm - 5: 00 pm (Walter Studio)     “Instant Silk Screen, Instant Fun” Workshop                                                       

7:00 pm (Sophie Studio)     Social Time with Refreshments

7:30 pm (Sophie Studio)   Evening Program: ”Behind the Scenes” - Dick Purinton, W.I. Ferry Line

Saturday, October 4

9:00 am - 5:00 pm (Sievers Shop)     Yarn Sale

9:00 am - 10:30 am (Walter Studio)     Register Items for Student Display and Style/Quilt Show

9:30 am - 1:00 pm      Fiber Arts Garage Sale

10:00 am - 3:00 pm (Sophie Studio)  Silent Art Auction & Vendors:   Apple Hollow Fiber Arts - Kathi Cascio & Jon Huber; Izora’s Beads - Patty Bakke;Wicker Woman/Tradional Willow Baskets - Jacki Bedworth; Door County Embroidery - Heidi Brodersen; Washington Island Art Association; “Circle of Hope” Bracelets; Diane Ericson - Handwoven Baskets       

10:30 am - 12:00 pm (Walter Studio)  Student Fiber Arts Display & Demonstrations:   Polymer Clay Buttons and Beads - Judie Yamamoto; Japanese Temari - Susan Greenfeldt; Coiled Basketry - Lynn Schuster; Spinning - Virginia Thomas; Twining - Jacki Bedworth                                                                                          

1:30 pm - 3 pm (Walter Studio)  Student Fiber Arts Display & Demonstrations:   ” Fiber Mojo” - Donna Kallner; Needle Felting/Embellishment - Jeannie Shay; Recycled Wool Mittens - Kathleen Morris; Twining - Jacki Bedworth                                                                                               

3:00 pm     Student Fiber Arts Display Viewers’ Choice Award Voting Ends

3:30 pm (Tomson Hall)     Style and Quilt Show - Mary Curran, Commentator and Viewers’ Choice Awards Announced

5:00 pm (Fiddler’s Green)    Cash Bar/Social Hour

6:00 pm (Trinity Lutheran Church)     Buffet Dinner and Silent Art Auction

7:00 pm (Trinity Lutheran Church)  Silent Art Auction Ends/Winning Bidders Announced and Door Prize Drawing: Sievers Class Gift Certificates                                                         

7:30 pm  (TPAC)   Dan Hansen & Cindra Hokkanen Entertainment Program  ”www.sievers.song:  Musical Interweavings”                                                                                       

Things Sure Have Changed!

(Excerpted from the Farmgirl Connection™)

We got a chuckle from this “advice” one of our farmgirls came across in her 1949 Singer Sewing Manual:

“Prepare yourself mentally for sewing.  Think about what you are going to do.  Never approach sewing with a sigh or lackadaisically.  Good results are difficult when indifference predominates.

Never try to sew with a sink full of dirty dishes or beds unmade.  When there are urgent housekeeping chores, do these first so your mind is free to enjoy your sewing.

When you sew, make yourself as attractive as possible.  Put on a clean dress.  Keep a little bag full of French chalk near your sewing machine to dust your fingers at intervals.  Have your hair in order, powder and lipstick put on…(If) you are constantly fearful that a visitor will drop in or your husband will come home and you will not look neatly put together, you will not enjoy your sewing as you should.”

(Thanks to Jeanette Biederman for bringing us a copy of this.)

Beginning Papermaking taught by Tom Grade saw nine students create many, many colorful and imaginative pieces.  The bright sunshine was perfect for drying paper out on the back deck of the Walter Studio.  Here’s a sample of some of the work in progress last weekend:

We will revisit paper in two other forms, Making Silk Fiber “Paper”  with Deb Menz on August 1- 3 and Handmade Paper Lampshades with Michelle Workowski on August 29 - 31.  We have some of these lovely paper lampshades (on lamps) available for sale in the shop.

Sievers Knitters…Iowa Needs You!

We received a letter from Sievers instructor Carol Anderson (of Cottage Creations) regarding her plan to collect and distribute through the Red Cross and Salvation Army, hand-knit items such as: mittens, caps, scarves, afghans, prayer shawls, baby blankets, dishcloths, socks, infants, children’s and adult sweaters to communites across the flooded Cedar River and tornado-ravaged Parkersburg, IA.  She notes that 11 years ago, Cottage Creations did the same for the flooded Grand Forks, ND area and people were so appreciative.  “It was heart-wrenching”, writes Carol. 

If you’d like to participate, one or two articles is sufficient and should be mailed or sent UPS before November 1st.  Please attach a card to items with the following information: 1. Name of item, 2. Size, if applicable, 3. Fiber content (most items should be machine washable and dryable), 4. If desired, your name and address and any words of encouragement.

Send to: Post office

Cottage Creations, At the Farm on Deer Creek, Carpenter, IA 50426

UPS or FED EX:

Carol Anderson, 4562 Zinnia Ave, St. Ansgar, IA 50472