Macrame' Workshop

It is a busy time of year but we had our last fiber arts workshop of our series last night. This one was on macrame'. I didn't think I had ever done macrame' but after a little research I realized the friendship bracelets we made in middle school and high school were a version of macrame', we just used embroidery floss instead of hemp.

The youth were excited for their last workshop. We had touched on so many topics, I was hoping this time there would actually be some finished projects. I have come to realize the true meaning of a sewing bee. It is definitely an opportunity to get together, socialize, and maybe work on a project. Same was true for this group of girls. New friends were made during the process and new skills were learned.

One of the best comments I heard last night was, "I could sit here and do this all day. This is so much fun!" Is great when that is the sentiment that is floating around (instead of one of frustration and desire for it to be over.)

Hopefully we will be able to schedule more workshops in the future. Right now we are switching gears to some technology games and activities, so will see.

Bracelet made by one of the youth (which ended up being a necklace!)

Hard at work!

Needle Art Workshop

One of our workshops we learned about needle art. We used a cookie cutter to make a pattern on our handkerchief. Works great since you can erase the line and if you wash it the pencil disappears. We used a cookie cutter for the clover and free-handed the H's. With a little patience it turned out great!

4-H Knitting & Weaving Workshop

Watching a new technique!

We held a fiber arts workshop for our county 4-H'ers. It was great to be able to bring someone else in to teach so I could learn more also.

It was interesting for me since the way I was taught to knit is different then the method being taught. In order to help the youth I had to really focus on how the instructions were presented. Little tools to help them out, like making a puddle to cast on or grabbing a carrot. The idea of going through the front door, picking up your coat and going back out the door in order to make a knit stitch. Made perfect sense to some of the kids once you told them this.

After a few hours of practicing and working on our technique, many of us ended up with small washcloths made from cotton yarn. No two looked the same (mine ended up being more diamond instead of square due to an added row in the middle) but that is the great thing about knitting, every project is unique, even if you use the same pattern!

Weaving using pins, cardboard, a needle, and yarn!

In the afternoon we switched from knitting to weaving. This is something I have not done a lot of (unless you count basket weaving.) Using items many would have around their house we made little looms and made small items like bookmarks or bracelets. Seemed like it would be easy but trying to keep your tension the same and have the sides be even instead of being wider or smaller. Something to continue to work on and practice.