News From Sievers School

We have a few updates to our Gathering Weekend, coming up on October 1 and 2.  Jacki Bedworth, one of our willow basketry instructors will be demonstrating during the morning session (10:30 a.m. – Noon).  Jacki uses the stake-and-strand method  of weaving willow. She will be making a “chicken basket”:

Also added to our vendors is Michelle Zahn, “The Soap Lady”.  Michelle has been a student here at Sievers and for the past few years we’ve been selling some of her handmade soaps and handwoven facecloths in the shop.  Michelle began making soap in 1977 and has developed recipes for soaps for specific skin conditions and for general use.  She was featured on the cover of Country Woman Magazine and now sells her soaps and products by mail order all across the country and world.  We’re excited to have Michelle join us for the Gathering.  Her website is www.thesoaplady.com.

Last Friday night, September 3, Sievers was one of the sponsors of the final Red Barn program of the summer, Eric Lewis & Friends. A highlight of the Red Barn season, Eric Lewis, Tommy Burroughs and others make the trek from Memphis to Door County each year bringing their bluegrass sound to share.     

    The Red Barn is one of the organizations that will benefit from the proceeds of the Gathering Fiber Arts Garage Sale.  This was the Red Barn’s 38th season, hosting live music or entertainment every Friday night in July and August at 7:30 p.m. (this year Saturday nights were added as well) with local and visiting artists.  A Children’s Story Hour is held each Thursday night, the Island Players Acting Camp is held at the Barn as is the W.I. Music Festival’s Music Appreciation talks.  For the past several years, Dan Hansen has been the program director.

Another recipient of our Garage Sale proceeds will be the W. I. Recreation Center.  Built over 20 years ago, the Rec Center was a gift to the Island through one family’s generosity and matching donations from Island residents and visitors.  Housing a swimming pool, exercise room, (outdoor) tennis courts and community room, the Rec Center is a place for all ages.  Over 14,000 Islanders and visitors patronized the Rec Center last year. Friday “Teen Nights”, swimming lessons, excercise classes both in and out of the pool, watercolor painting classes, community theater and meeting spaces are part of what the Rec Center has to offer.  We have even held our Friday evening Sievers Gathering program at the Rec Center a number of times.  This spring, the Rec Center replaced pool filters and carpeting and added air conditioning.  The Rec Center is funded through memberships and donations to an endowment.

The Island Players’ Dramatic Arts in Education will also share some of the Garage Sale proceeds.  Island Players has been offering community theater experiences on the Island since 1984.  During the school year, Carissa Mann visits the elementary and middle school classes weekly using theater games, improvisation and original writing to help them become “comfortable with their surroundings and peers and self-confident as speakers”.  She also directs an after school drama club for high school students.  They have presented plays for the school and general public and attend a live theater production each year(in 2009 they saw Wicked in Appleton, WI). 

In one way or another, all of us here at Sievers have attended events at, served on boards and committees for, or enjoyed what these three offer the Island.

It was quite a sight to walk into the Walter Studio and see 14 spinners with their wheels in a large semi-circle trying new fibers, spinning and plying yarns with some time for dyeing, too.  The instructor, Deb Jones, can do it all (and beautifully, we might add)!

Across the road, Daryl Lancaster was inspiring her students to create fabulous, fashionable jackets and vests from a variety of fabrics.  There were handwovens, including yardage woven by the husband of one of the students, some Kathy Sorensen dyed fabric and even an army blanket that had belonged to one student’s grandfather. 

 Daryl’s class wore their jackets to visit the spinners, and after getting a fun and informative demonstration from each of the spinning students, there was an impromptu fashion show with commentary.  Walter Schutz used to describe the Island and Sievers as “a magical place”.  Late yesterday afternoon,  the Walter Studio held some of that magic!

  Our sixteenth 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 1, all of our yarns will be sold at 30 – 50% off their regular price.  Stock up for your winter knitting and weaving projects.

Workshops and Round Table Discussion – Two workshops are scheduled for Friday afternoon from 2 pm – 5 pm: “Beaded Heart Pin” with Anita Luvera Mayer and “Local Color Jewelry” with Donna Kallner.  We will also have a round table discussion on “What To Do With Variegated Yarn” led by Judith Yamamoto from 3 pm – 5 pm on Friday.

Beaded Heart Pin with Anita Luvera Mayer – $85

Complete a fabric covered heart-shaped pin featuring a beaded edge and beaded fringe.  Types of beads, various edge techniques and methods of creating beaded fringe will be presented.  Clothing and accessories featuring beading will be displayed as well.  The instructor will provide a “pin kit” including complete written instructions and sources for all the materials.  Workshop fee includes all materials.  Students will need to bring small, sharp scissors, a smooth white cloth to hold beads, and fabric or Elmer’s glue.  For all levels. Friday, October 1 from 2 pm – 5 pm. Sign up on the Sievers School website for Class G1 or call 920-847-2264.

Local Color Jewelry with Donna Kallner – $85

Create jewelry that celebrates the local color of Washington Island.  Using photographs taken during the 5-day Local Color class, you will learn an image transfer technique, how to assemble pins and cuff bracelets and sample two beaded edgings.  Along with the images shown, there will be additional images to choose from.  Plan to make one pin in class and have everything you need to finish more at your leisure.  Workshop fee includes all materials. Bring sharp embroidery scissors and the glasses you use for close work.  For all levels.  Friday, October 1 from 2 pm – 5 pm. Sign up on the Sievers School website for Class G2 or call 920-847-2264.

  What To Do With Variegated Yarn (Round Table Discussion) with Judith Yamamoto – $25

Anyone who collects yarn probably has balls, skeins or cones of variegated (space-dyed) yarn.  If you are wondering what to do with these lovely yarns, here’s a session for you.  In a group discussion, led by weaver/knitter Judie Yamamoto, we will discuss various types of variegated yarns and ways to use them, as well as some suggestions on how not to use them.  Bring along either a project you have done with variegated yarn or some yarn that you would like suggestions for using – or both.  For all levels.  Friday, October 1 from 3 pm – 5 pm.  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, Mary Jo Scandin, a Sievers instructor since 1982 in batik and silk painting, will share her inspiring “Artist’s Journey” through images and through several examples of her work.

Sievers Fiber Arts Garage Sale – This has continued to be a popular event at the Gathering.  The Fiber Arts Garage sale will be on Saturday, October 2, from 9:30 am – 1 pm.  Many items have been donated for this already, and we welcome yours, if you have any to donate.  Proceeds from the garage sale will be shared with these three Island organizations:  the Red Barn, the Recreation Center and Island Players’ Drama in the School program.

30th Anniversary Mittens – Last year in honor of the 30th anniversary of Sievers, Ann Young knit 30 pair of mittens as one way to commemorate the event.  A number of these mittens will be available through a silent auction.

Door Prizes – With a registration fee of $10, you will receive 10 tickets that will give you 10 chances at a number of different door prizes, including 2 – $100 Sievers Class Gift Certificates, 2- $50 Sievers Class Gift Certificates, a Sievers cookbook, apron, sweatshirt and more. 

 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; Apple Hollow Fiber Arts will return with assorted special yarns, books and supplies, and Patty from Izora’s Beads will bring lots of tempting beads and beadwork supplies. New will be the Island Bread Company and Bleating Heart Haven.  Island Bread Company breads are baked in the brick oven at the Washington Hotel.  Owner Heidi Gilbertson bakes rustic, crusty breads and pastries using certified organic grains and local ingredients whenever possible.  Whole grains are fresh ground and the baked goods have natural levians, no artificial preservatives.  Bleating Heart Haven owners Cindy Ellenbecker and John Rezachek will bring their own hand-dyed (and some handspun) wool, mohair and alpaca, all fiber from only their own animals.  They will also have finished knitted and/or felted wearing apparel and accessories.  In addition, John will bring a set of hand-built bent willow chairs, a loveseat, side tables and lamps.  Cindy will also be demonstrating spinning and needlefelting at their booth. Michelle Zahn, “The Soap Lady” will be offering her handmade soaps, handwoven washcloths, gift baskets and more.  Michelle has developed recipes for soaps for certain skin conditions, as well as for general use.

   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 take place in the Walter Studio.  Demonstrations include: Woodcarving with Harvey Stahl, the Trinity Lutheran Church Quilters, Digital Imagery and Printing Fabric with Donna Kallner, Basketry with Kay Normann and Drew Tibbetts and demonstrating Silk Painting both in the morning and afternoon will be Kathy Sorensen.  Kathy will also have a demonstration in how to wear a silk scarf to lead off the afternoon session.  In addition,  you may paint (and take) your own silk scarf using a simple shibori method.  The fee for each fun, easy and colorful scarf is approximately $20, payable directly to Kathy during the demonstration time.

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 or article of clothing, 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 and a description (title, technique, fiber/types of fabric used, your inspiration).  Let your creativity and craftsmanship shine! 

Viewer’s 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 Trunk Show.  There is no judging, just a non-competitive opportunity to applaud your favorites!

  Trunk Show with Mary Sue Fenner

Mary Sue has the distinction of being the first instructor Walter Schutz ever found when establishing Sievers School of Fiber Arts.  Mary Sue has taught all 31 seasons at Sievers and for the past number of years has offered a class titled, “Weave, Cut & Sew” where students weave fabric while here in class, cut it up and sew it into a garment, all within 5 days.  Each week ends with a fashion show on the boardwalk of Sophie Studio.  We’ve always been amazed by the many different styles of garments Mary Sue brings for inspiration, by her own wardrobe and by her enthusiasm.  This year at the Gathering, all the items in the Trunk Show will be Mary Sue Fenner Originals!

Buffet Dinner – This year again at Trinity Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall on Townline Road at 6 pm.  Catered by Lois Jessen of Karly’s, a light and delicious buffet dinner will be served.  $18 per person includes tip and tax. (Advance reservations are required for the dinner.  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 25th.  Reservations can be paid in advance with a credit card.)

Gift Certificates – In addition to the door prize chance gift certificates, one person attending the dinner will be the winner of a $100.00 Sievers gift certificate that may be applied to any Sievers class.

Musical Entertainment Program – Dan Hansen and Cindra Hokkanen return for their fifth Gathering program.  This year’s musical program promises to be in very good “taste” as Dan and Cindra are already “cooking up” their selections of vocal and piano music, laughter and fun.  The musical program will be held in the same location as the dinner, Trinity Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall.  The music will begin at 7:30 pm.  Cost is $12 for adults. You may pay in advance or 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.washingtonisland-wi.com.

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

2010 Sievers Gathering

October 1 & 2

Friday, October 1

10: 00 am – 5: 00 pm (Sievers Shop)   Yarn Sale/Door Prize & Mitten Silent Auction Location/Register Items for Student Fiber Arts Display

2:00 pm – 5:00 pm (Sophie Studio) “Beaded Heart Pin” Workshop

2:00 pm – 5:00 pm (Walter Studio) “Local Color Jewelry” Workshop

3:00 – 5:00 pm (Tomson Hall/Barn) “What To Do With Variegated Yarns” Round Table Discussion

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

7:30 pm (Sophie Studio)  “An Artist’s Journey” with Mary Jo Scandin

Saturday, October 2

9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Sievers Shop)  Yarn Sale/Door Prize & Mitten Silent Auction Location

9:00 am – 10:30 am (Walter Studio) Register Items for Student Display

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

10: 00 am – 3:00 pm (Sophie Studio) Vendors: Apple Hollow Fiber Arts; Izora’s Beads; Washington Island Art Association; Bleating Heart Haven; Island Bread Company, The Soap Lady.

10:30 am – 12:00 pm (Walter Studio)  Student Fiber Arts Display and Demonstrations: Silk Painting/Make a Silk Scarf - Kathy Sorensen; Woodcarving – Harvey Stahl; Trinity Lutheran Church Quilters; Willow Basketry – Jacki Bedworth

1:30 pm – 3:00 pm (Walter Studio) Student Fiber Arts Display and Demonstrations: Digital Fabric – Donna Kallner; Basketry – Kay Normann and Drew Tibbetts; Silk Painting/How to Wear a Silk Scarf/Make a Silk Scarf – Kathy Sorensen

3:00 pm Student Fiber Arts Display Viewers’ Choice Award Voting Ends.  Door Prize and Mitten Silent Auction Close.

3:30 pm (Tomson Hall/Barn) Mary Sue Fenner Trunk Show; Viewers’ Choice Awards Announced; Door Prize and Mitten Auction Winners Announced

6:00 pm (Trinity Lutheran Church) Buffet Dinner

7:30 pm (Trinity Lutheran Church) Dan Hansen and Cindra Hokkanen Musical Entertainment Program

From silk screening to jewelry to weaving to knitting and now to paper mosaics, we’re trying to cover a lot of the fiber arts in just about a week.   Here’s a few photos of the past week at Sievers:

   We are discussing all the events for our Sievers Gathering on October 1 and 2 and will soon have the official posting of titles, times and locations.  We do know that Donna Kallner, Anita Mayer and Judie Yamamoto will hold Friday afternoon workshops and that Mary Jo Scandin will speak on Friday night telling us all about her journey as an artist.  The garage is starting to fill up with items for the fiber arts garage sale and we will be donating part of those proceeds to the Red Barn, the Rec Center and Island Players’ Drama in the School program.  There will be vendors and several demonstrations including Kathy Sorensen with her “Make and Take” painted silk scarves.  This year’s fashion show will be a Mary Sue Fenner trunk show and again, Cindra and Dan Hansen will entertain us after dinner with their musical talents.  Mark your calendars for a fun Sievers/Island weekend!