President's Corner Welcome back! We missed you these past two months, but we have certainly not forgotten about you. We have been meeting as a board this summer and were blown away by the wonderful response we had to the member survey that was distributed during the June meeting. 266 members completed the survey! Even with such a large response there were some common themes mentioned. People stated that they enjoy the stitches bus and spring safari as well as the UFO weekend, and of course our speakers and the Knit-In. But what really caught our attention is that an overwhelming 71% of responders said that they would like to see small group skill learning opportunities provided by MKG. Well, we are looking forward to shaping the guild to meet our members’ needs this year, so you can look forward to small group lessons being held by our members for our members. We are planning to have approximately 6 small group lessons offered throughout the upcoming year at various locations around Madison. This will be a wonderful opportunity for members interested in sharing their skills to offer lessons. It will also provide a chance for members to improve their knitting skills. Get Connected Being such a large guild it can be difficult to get to know people during the monthly meetings. We would like to encourage everyone to let us know when you planning to get together and knit, even if it is not a formal “knitting group” or a recurring event. We would be happy to post your get-together on the calendar or you can tell us about it yourself on our Facebook page. What a great way to get connected with the guild and make it more personal. Volunteer Another great way to get connected with the guild is by volunteering. Whether you would be willing to join a committee and help throughout the year or if you are able to help out with a one-time project, there are volunteer opportunities in all sizes. Look for our “Help Wanted” ads that will be posted during the September meeting and will be a great way to find the volunteer opportunity that fits your schedule and abilities. If you are unable to attend the September meeting or want to sign up later please fill out our Volunteer Form online any time! We are excited to be back. A special thank you to Cynthia Robey-Duncomb for creating our member survey and compiling the results. We anticipate more improvements in the future based on your feedback.

Speaker: Cheryl Oberle

Cheryl Oberle is a freelance knitting designer, author, and instructor living in Denver, Colorado. She received a BA in philosophy and in psychology from the University of Denver, studied art and architecture at Harvard and did graduate work at Northwestern University. Cheryl learned to knit at the age of four and she enjoys sharing her knowledge through her Knitaway ™ retreats and the classes and workshops she teaches around the country. Cheryl is the author of Folk Shawls, Folk Vests, and the new Knitted Jackets: 20 Designs from Classic to Contemporary. Her work has been featured in Handpaint Country, A Gathering of Lace, and the One Skein Wonder series and she has designed for major knitting magazine and companies. Cheryl also has her own line of self-published designs and kits featuring her hand-dyed yarn. You can find more information at www.cheryloberle.com. When not knitting, Cheryl can often be found touring the Colorado high country with her husband, Gary.

The topic of Cheryl’s presentation is Running with Ideas: Confessions of a Diversifying Designer. She’ll be sharing one of her personal favorite approaches to design that focuses on taking an idea/design element or two and generating multiple styles and garments, something any knitter can use to personalize his/her work. Models will illustrate how garments can evolve from each other, what works and what doesn’t, and how to move beyond just another “copy.”

- Written by Kate Findley and Jeanette Sundstorm

Community Projects

This month we will be recruiting members for the Community Projects Committee. Members are needed to help in the areas below. If you’d like to help, check Community Projects on your membership form or email [email protected].

1. Delivery of donations to community agencies. 2. Distribution of donated . 3. Storage of yarn from 1 guild meeting to the next.

Knitted items donated in September will be given to the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County. They need hats, mittens and scarves sized for 7-18 year old boys and girls.

Below is an easy pattern for some great fingerless gloves, designed by Maggie Smith, who graciously permitted us to use. If you have your own pattern that you are already familiar with, go ahead and use that one. Let me know if you have a great pattern guild members would enjoy. I’ve found the designers of the free patterns on are generous with their patterns for charity knitting. For ongoing community projects please see the MKG Community Projects page. - Bonnie Dill, Community Projects chair

Easy Fingerless Mitts Materials: 120 yds worsted weight yarn Size 7 double point needles 3 Stitch markers

Gauge: 5 sts and 7 rows = 1 inch in circular stockinette swatch

Size: Kid’s (women’s, men’s)

Abbreviations: Inc – by knitting into the front and back of the stitch. Rnd – round K – knit

Pattern Cuff: Cast on 32 (36, 40) sts, place marker and join into a round. K2, p2 for 2”.

Begin knitting in stockinette stitch for 1.5” from end of . Thumb shaping: Rnd 1: K2, inc in next stitch, place marker, k to last 3 sts of rnd, place marker, inc in next stitch, k2. Rnd 2: Knit around plain. Rnd 3: K to one stitch before inc marker, inc in next stitch, slip marker, work to second marker, slip marker, inc in next stitch, k to end. 36 (40, 44) sts Rnd 4: Knit around plain.

Repeat rnds 3 and 4 until there are 46 (50, 54) sts.

On last plain round, knit around to last inc marker, remove marker, k3 sts, then begin bind off. Bind off 14sts for all sizes, knit one more round, removing thumb inc markers and begin k2p2 for 2” or until mitt is as long as you like. Bind off loosely in rib. Use the tail to sew up the slight gap at the thumb join. Weave in ends and wear with joy!

©Calypso Knits 2011 – Designed by Maggie Smith – calypsoknits.blogspot.com – [email protected]

Book Review: Knitting with the Color Guys

Knitting with the Color Guys: Inspiration, Ideas and Projects from the Studio by Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably (Published Feb. 2012)

Everyone responds to color. It mystifies and entrances us while its secrets confound all but the most artistic. Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably are arguably two of the most renowned color artists in the fiber field. First acclaimed for his Glorious series (Knitting, Needlepoint, Color, Interiors and Inspiration), Kaffe has written over 30 extravagant design books. Brandon Mably is the author of Knitting Color, a book of designs inspired by natural settings around the globe that are presented in a workshop format. The two collaborated in Knitting with the Color Guys to create an eye- popping collection that bursts from the pages in (Kaffe’s words) “full-on” color. Every shot in the book is carefully staged, showing the project piece in close detail in an eclectic setting filled with ceramics, antiques, linens, wallpapers, rugs and furniture of an English countryside.

The book is a contrast of styles; Kaffe’s bright and bold colors that flow plays off Brandon’s use of high contrast and geometric patterns. The projects are presented as a personal workshop with Kaffe and Brandon, categorized by color inspiration. Depending upon your mood or preference, you can choose to work with soft tones like pink, cream, baby blue and honey. Graphic-patterned designs are worked in the singing colors of bright primaries while muted moody hues are used in a chapter filled with cushions, throws and blankets. Saturated jewel tones create the rich tones used for stoles and textured scarves that have dramatic appeal. In all, there are more than 30 projects in the book. Some projects splash wide color ranges across large scale pieces like blankets, stoles and cushions; others apply high contrast to accessories like leggings, gloves and hats. There are no complex garments in this book, but every project is a lesson in color shading and contrast. Dig into your stash and try out some color.

Both designers work exclusively with Rowan yarns. Consequently the projects in this book are all knit using a variety of Rowan products like Regia sock yarn, Rowan Summer Tweed, Felted Tweed Aran, and Kidsilk Haze to name just a few. If a yarn is discontinued, you can follow the suggestions about substituting yarns, but it is the color choices that make these projects sing. If you want to substitute colors, do as the authors did: knit at least 10 inches before you judge. Kaffe has a wonderful solution to “really awkward” color choices: duplicate stitch over the offending row or rows with a better color! Choose the level of complexity that you want to work with.

Some projects use as many as 20 (!) different colors, while others use handpainted yarns that do all the shading for you. The projects are displayed in fabulous set pieces swarming with color. Some of the projects are doppelgangers for needlepoint while others have to be inspired by traditional quilt patterns. Regardless the source, the color vision is extraordinary and worthy of careful study. After all, yarn is not like watercolor or oil paint that can be mixed to create whatever the artist imagines. Yarns are available in limited color palettes but by juxtaposing and mixing colors, Fassett and Mably magnify the possibilities exponentially.

There are four main chapters in the book, each reflecting a different color mood. In turn, the chapters are divided into two parts: a two page full color spread of each object precedes a section with the knitting instructions. Everything, from the background color choices to the carefully staged set pieces displays the authors’ mastery of color. Difficult as it is to tear your eyes away from the luscious pages, you will soon be enchanted by the lively discourse that describes the projects. When you finish this book, you will feel as if you just had a long conversation with Kaffe and Brandon. In a very personal conversational style, each author speaks directly to the reader, discussing the inspiration behind each project and how you can take inspiration from your surroundings and travels. Observe how Guatemalan textiles inspired a multi-stripe cushion and a folk painted circus wagon in Afghanistan inspired the triangle cushion.

The Color Guys point out characteristics of the yarn used in the project, construction techniques, and how the colors play off one another. They’ll tell you whether something is “dead easy” to knit and how they arrange color swatches to test which colors work best with one another. They even describe the set pieces, explaining how they combine pieces like the dotty cushions, stone triangles cushion and Amish blanket. Look and learn how you can combine pattern, color and texture for exuberant interiors.

You will get loads of enjoyment from this book if you just look at and savor the color displays, using it minimally as an interior decorating guide or coffee table book. Once you start reading the conversational and engaging text, you’ll snicker at the sly humor even as you marvel at the logic of the suggestions Kaffe and Brandon offer. Finally, take the plunge and try one of the more than 30 projects in the book to see where your color sense takes you. Like a family quilt, these timeless designs will give you pleasure for years.

Brandon’s wish is that there is something in this book that will “tease your imagination and inspire you to pick up the needles and have a go.” Even if it you are inspired only to daydream, the projects and photography in Knitting with the Color Guys will lift your spirits and open your eyes to color. Have a go, indeed. Experiment with color! You wouldn’t buy a food magazine without trying at least some of the recipes, so try some of the projects in this book. Enjoy the adventure as you knit with the Color Guys.

- Article Written by Barbara Rottman

Reflections on Knitting Camp 2012

A Different Kind of Camping Exuberant knitters from Texas who were regulars at ’s knitting camp used to tell their friends they were travelling to Wisconsin on a fishing vacation. The idea of a fishing trip evoked keen interest and lots of probing questions, whereas the honest truth that they were attending knitting camp brought reactions like “Why would you want to do that?” Insiders know there is magic about knitting camp. The irresistible lure of camp has called knitters to Shell Lake and now Marshfield for 39 years and counting. We asked MKG members who attended Knitting Camp 2012 “Why would you want to do that,” and learned that it sounds like a lot more fun than fishing. MKG Member Attendees , along with the friendly camp staff and Schoolhouse Press employees welcomed 9 MKG members to Knitting Camp Retreat 3 during the last weekend in July. First-time camper Susan Kolstad-Onken*, third year--and now committed regular camper Beth DiLoreto, semi-regular campers Marie Duquette, Mary Jo Harris and Barbara Rottman, along with serial campers Connie Burmeister, Sara McGregor and Ruth Sybers were there. Ann Seybold has attended camp since 1983. Our talented Amy Detjen, is both a camper and staffer. Becoming a Camper Campers plan and often wait for years to score an open spot at camp. They hover nervously over their computers, waiting to be first in line when registration opens in February. It is crushing to learn the spots have been filled without you. First time camper Susan Kolstad-Onken had been yearning to attend camp since 1992 when she first read about it. She says she requested camp as “payment” for a favor to her husband in 1994 and finally got her chance to attend when a spot opened up late this year. Although a bit nervous to attend camp alone, not knowing anyone, Susan said all campers genuinely made her feel welcome and, with the common shared interest of knitting, camp immediately felt like being with friends. Staff and campers immediately welcome everyone into the circle. Oft-timer Beth DiLoreto attends camp to meet new knitters and to have the time to really get to know them better. That's the main reason she joined the Madison Knitters' Guild, too. Connie Burmeister was a solitary knitter until she discovered camp but has been a regular for 12 years. She had to cancel one summer because of knee surgery and thought she’d be ok without camp, but found herself thinking about what was happening nearly every hour of every day she missed. Ann Seybold and her sister Alicemay Glover (North Carolina) have gotten together at camp for a sisters’ knitting retreat every year since 1985. A History Lesson Yarn, patterns and books ornament the classroom, but it is the knitting that campers come to see. They’ve read about EZ’s and Meg’s designs nearly all their knitting lives. Like reuniting with old friends, all the iconic designs return to camp annually. Campers are ever-awed by the mastery of these objects. Shetland shawls, Pi shawls, Pelerines, rib warmers, long collared jackets, Fair Isles, Bavarian twisted cables, and garter stitch galore are piled on tables to inspire campers. Marie Duquette was attracted by the opportunity to look at and touch EZ’s and Meg's original garments; she has returned several times since her first camp in 1995. Every year, one of these designs is bound to catch the fancy of the group, leading to fevered discussions that spawn re- interpretations shown at the next year’s camp. Suspender sweaters, Hand-to-Hand jackets, mitered jackets, surprise sweaters, , and lace in all its glory are but a few of the crazes that have raged through collective campers’ minds. As if they were channeling one another, several campers knit versions of the Icelandic Over-blouse, then marveled at the similarities and differences in their interpretations. Craft Time Camp might appear unstructured and rambling to non-knitters, but one astute participant cogently observed it is more like an advanced seminar in abstract conceptual design, with ideas pinging around the room from one participant to another. Meg leads off with a preview of spectacular new books and trends. This year’s collection included the amazing Designs and Patterns from Muhu Island A Needlework Tradition from Estonia, Haapsalu Shawls, and Haapsalu Scarves. Oohs and aahs followed each turn of the page. Q&A, short tutorials led by campers, and general discussion bring out opinions, ideas and theories.

Campers get down to nitty gritty questions like how to invisibly graft I-cord, the best way to strand and trap in Fair Isle, and how to reduce slack in the left side of a rib stitch so that it perfectly matches the right side. Inspired solutions rise from the group as when skilled finisher Barbro Hardy (Ohio) recommended steaming a crochet before taking the leap of faith to cut it open. This solved the very minor but worrisome tendency noted by one camper of the floats working themselves free of the crochet. Show and Tell Some campers work the entire “off season” on their Show and Tell presentation but that doesn’t intimidate newer members. Susan Kolstad-Onken reported that she was overwhelmed by the knitting skills she saw exhibited in the stunning pieces shown by campers. Worried that she was “just a knitter”, she feared taking her turn until another camper encouraged her to share. Beautifully executed garments followed one after the other. First time camper Jen Money’s (Minnesota) Fair Isle coat and Shawn Brown’s (Colorado) stunning rendition of the Phoenix cardigan from Meg Swansen’s Knitting brought campers to their feet for a close look. The hits kept coming day after day.

Connie Burmeister says she had read Vogue Knitting cover to cover for years. That’s where she first learned about Knitting Camp. She had knitted all her life and believed, with much reassurance from her grandma, that there was nothing knitting related that she couldn't do. She still remembers her shock at how much she learned at Camp 1; “one aha moment after another!” Struggling with a lace scarf, Amy Djeten said "markers" and Meg added "the most common error in lace is a missed ." Connie says “I took off and lace became my favorite knitting.”

Even after the formal class day ends, campers can’t bring themselves to leave the classroom and companionship of other knitters. Tips, tricks and advice are shared on all things knitting or otherwise. Even the most experienced knitters continue to learn from one another. Simple inspirations like using the plastic bag closure “thingie” as a bobbin for cast on ends flash around the room like the wave at a Badger football game. Others offer assistance as follow-up on the day’s general discussion. Meg’s demonstration of garter and ribbing stitches led Susan Kolstad-Onken to agonize that she loathed and avoided Kitchener Stitch. Favorite MKG Knit-In teacher Carol Anderson (Iowa) offered a one-on-one lesson and a complimentary copy of her booklet, Still More Projects for the Community and Family. Susan says she is now looking forward to practicing on samples, as Meg recommended. The collegiality doesn’t end there, either. Connections are strengthened by sharing tips via mail, e-mail and through Ravelry and other online discussion groups.

Campers repeatedly report they are inspired by other campers to try new techniques, new designs and generally stretch themselves. Marie Duquette says she always hears about a book or pattern that was not on her radar before Camp. This year she purchased a shawl pattern after seeing so many lovely versions at Camp. Social Time Camp would not be a true camp experience without a camp jokes, songs, catch phrases and EZ quotes. Both during class and after hours, shrieks of laughter rise to the ceiling as campers revert to their ten year-old selves, giggling at the mention of the word “awkward” or “fascinate”. The only thing missing is a campfire and s’mores, but that has probably been done, too. There’s an active challenge on the table to add verses to a Camp version of Camptown Races” (Gonna knit all day, gonna knit all night . . .). Join the fun by sending your suggestions for lyrics to [email protected]. Like bedtime stories, campers plead with one another to repeat favorite camp jokes “just one more time.” Carol Anderson and Nancy Ellingson (Minnesota), who tell jokes as well as they knit, are begged for encore performances.

Mishaps, accidents, knitting disasters and triumphs are memorialized as near legends. Some even earn the annual “Bent Needle Award.” The 2012 award went to Renée O’Leary (Virginia), the most optimistic camper who proudly owns the longest Ravelry queue -- over 2000! Other tales reinforce camp lore, like Connie Burmeister’s inner (knitting) goddess who led her in pajamas and robe, after a sleeping pill, on a late night trip through the hotel to the classroom. Just as she was falling asleep, Connie remembered her brown book page had to be turned in that night in order for her book and yarn order to be delivered before her departure. No knitter wants to return home without a trunk full of materials to fuel all that inspiration and resolve. Support & Community A scholarship fund makes grants available to campers who might not otherwise be able to attend. Money is raised through a raffle of yarns, books, and paraphernalia. The family of Jean Krebs, a sadly-missed camper who was one of several campers holding the distinction of having continuously attended Knitting Camp since the first-ever Shell Lake camp, donated books and yarns from her estate for the scholarship fund raffle. Jean’s daughter, Mary, was deeply touched by the warm response of the knitters and happy to see her mother’s treasures in appreciative hands. Scholarships cover any of the camp sessions; send nominations to Schoolhouse Press. Nice as these knitters are, there is a deep competitive streak that runs through all of them. What better affirmation than to receive admiration from those who really know what it takes to flawlessly knit a technically complex garment or lace that fits perfectly. Camp ends with a challenge to return the next year with a knitted item in response to a theme. Humor and creativity are encouraged. This year knitters brought garments inspired by Knit One Knit Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Garter Stitch Designs. Diana Antonacci (North Carolina) won with the most votes for her Suspender Sweater featuring “lace suspenders” and a pleated back panel. Other entrants were inspired to add suspenders to socks and gauntlets to Sideways Gloves. One knitter ran out of time and yarn (who among us hasn’t?), so she turned a single Knitted Clog into a -masted sailing ship.

Campers also missed Joyce Williams, designer, master knitter and MKG friend who died in 2011. A tender moment occurred when her family displayed a sampling of Joyce’s unfinished projects. The spectacular butterfly shawl that Joyce designed from a photograph left the chatty crowd completely speechless. This incredible piece brought tears to the eyes, and inspired campers to knit some of her designs. The 2013 camp challenge is to knit à la Joyce Williams or one of her published designs. Everyone left determined to get out the fine yarn and tiny needles to start at once. Saying Goodbye On the last morning, spirits are noticeably dampened with the realization that camp is finally over. Tokens of gratitude are offered to Meg, Amy, the Schoolhouse Press staff and Christy Jacobs, camp administrator. Meeting every camper with a smile and answers to all questions, these hard working people create the wow factor in the camp experience. The very definition of “Wisconsin nice”, they are beloved members of this knitting family. Hugs, tears and long good-byes follow – until next year.

Beth DiLoreto is already missing the campers she had to say good-bye to on July 30 and is looking forward to seeing them next year. Ideas are swirling around in her head for the contest. She says she gets “so inspired to knit new things, try new techniques, and to challenge myself that I can't decide what to put first in my queue for this year! Also, Meg Swanson is AMAZING and it is incredible to meet her and speak to her in person. Our own extremely talented and knowledgeable knitter in the MKG, Amy Detjen, is a Camp icon.”

Keep an eye on the Schoolhouse Press website for details about 2013 Knitting Camps at http://schoolhousepress.com/camp.htm. When next you see one of the campers, be sure to ask, “Do you remember?”

Have you got a knitting camp story? Please share it by sending it to [email protected].

- Article Written by Barbara Rottman

2012 Annual Report

The Madison Knitters’ Guild 2011-2012 operating year opened with a balance of $21,688.50 on July 1, 2011 and closed with $21,315.75 on June 30, 2012 or a small reduction of $372.75.

Notable achievements during the year included:

 enrolling 519 members  successfully transitioning meeting location to Bishop O’Connor Center  adding a special members-only meeting in June (Arne and Carlos)  improving and updating the MKG website  celebrating MKG’s 30th anniversary  redesigning the MKG logo  expanding the library to 1024 items (340 books/pamphlets; 64 tapes/DVD’s; 620 magazines)  hosting the annual Knit-In with 398 attendees  sponsoring a bus to Stitches with 30 riders  arranging a Knitting Safari bus trip with 28 participants  facilitating the annual Unfinished Objects knitting weekend getaway for 75 knitters  offering PayPal as a payment option for activity fees  collaborating with the Madison Children’s Museum to teach knitting during two 5-week periods  collecting over 200 knitted toys in support of the Monona Public Library summer reading program  supporting monthly knitting for charity with more than 200 donations to local organizations  raising $794 for Second Harvest Food Bank by selling donated knitting tools, books and supplies  conducting a member satisfaction survey  archiving past newsletters on the website for permanent access to all members  revising the bylaws to expand the Board by naming the Knit-In and Programming chairs Board level positions  One-time purchases during the year included:  Purchase of a projector ($936.16) for use during meetings. The projector is used to flash announcements about upcoming guild activities and project speaker slides. Although this expense was unbudgeted, MKG saved approximately $80/month in future rental fees as well as fees for Knit-In rentals by purchasing rather than continuing to rent.  Commemorative key chain stitch to each member in recognition of our 30th anniversary. Cost for this one-time expense was $800.  The library storage system was upgraded with heavy duty casters and new plastic bins as part of the permanent move to Bishop O’Connor center. These items cost $319.82; labor was donated by a member’s spouse.  Purchase of software to enhance the website.  PayPal expenses totaled $214 for all activities.  Several new Board activities are already planned for the 2012-2013 year:  implementing a member/association management tool  continuing to improve and expand the website with a Members Only page  standardizing speaker arrangements and implementing a letter of understanding for speakers  promoting knitting by offering monthly classes for members taught by certified instructors  formalizing an agreement with Madison Children’s Museum to provide ongoing teaching

September Sponsors

Fiddlehead Yarns (Vending this month) Fiddlehead Yarns was opened by Mindy and Brian McTernan (along with their then year old son Jack) in the fall of 2006 in a beautiful Kenosha residential area near Lake Michigan. The hope was to create a place to bring beautiful, natural fibers to knitters and crocheters, promote all things handmade and foster the creative spirit. Following this mission, Fiddlehead Yarns offers classes for all levels and is home to yarn from many local artists, luxury fiber for those special occasions, traditional Shetland wools, popular favorites along with the staples that are tried and true.

6 years and 3 children later, the shop continues to grow and so does the shop family. Stop in and let Anneliese, Judy, Lori, Nan or Mindy help you choose the perfect project! Visit Us! Location: 7511 26th Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53143 Phone: 262.92.KNITS (262.925.6487) Email: [email protected] Website: www.fiddleheadyarns.com Store Hours:KL

Sievers School of Fiber Arts

Sievers School of Fiber Arts has offered classes for adults in , knitting, spinning, dyeing, quilting, basketry, paper and book arts, feltmaking, beadwork, wearables, surface design and more since 1979. The enrollment averages 500 students each season, May-October. Sievers is nationally recognized and has over 45 instructors that travel to Washington Island to teach week-long, weekend, 3-day and 4-day classes. Two studios are used for instruction and dormitory facilities are available.

Our shop is open to the public and features handmade items on consignment from our students and teachers along with quality weaving and knitting yarns and equipment, books, and fiber art supplies of all kinds. The shop is open daily, May – October. Our website has information on our classes, teachers and dormitory. The class schedule goes online February 1st for the coming year.

An 1895-built schoolhouse on Jackson Harbor Road makes a good setting for the sale of original fiber arts and fine crafts handmade by Sievers students and teachers. Over 120 artists send their work, including baskets, jewelry, handwovens, clothing, household accessories, notecards and more for our shop. We also carry fine knitting and weaving yarns and equipment, books, notions and fiber art supplies.

Sievers is also recognized for a mail-order product made on and shipped from Washington Island year-round, Sievers Benchwork. Sievers Benchwork is a system of open-grid modular sections made of quality pine lumber that provide the underlying support for model train layouts. Visit Us! Location: 986 Jackson Harbor Road, Washington Island, WI 54246 Phone: 920-847-2264 Website:www.sieversschool.com Hours: Hours are 10-5 daily, May – October.

Spry Whimsy Fiber Arts (Vending this month) At the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival in 2010 Ingrid McMasters learned to felt, brought home the concept to her husband Peter and next thing she knew, Peter had become a felting addict. Having farmed alpacas since 2002, Ingrid had been spinning for some time and is working on her Master Spinner Certificate from Olds College. Peter started felting for art shows throughout 2011. Spry Whimsy Fiber Arts opened in historic downtown Stoughton, Wisconsin in November 2011. We specialize in teaching felting arts and spinning, providing felting and spinning supplies, handspun yarn and sourcing locally farmed alpaca, mohair, angora and varieties of wool. We are south central Wisconsin’s only dealer for Spinolution spinning wheels. The store is full of finished goods for that one- of-a-kind unique handmade gift that you just can’t find anywhere else. From scarves to purses, tablet cases to hats, Peter turns raw animal fibers into fabulous works of usable and wearable art.

Classes are scheduled per the student so there is no pre-determined schedule or minimum number of students, so refer to our website for the most current class offerings. Visit Us! Location: 171 W. Main Street, Stoughton, WI 53589 Phone: 608-239-0809 Website: www.SpryWhimsy.com Store Hours:DFEUN<;UK?LIU=I@-6 | tues 10-9, spinning 5-9 | sat 9-5 | sun 11-4 (Classes on evenings are held after hours so we can devote our full attention to you!)