|
Class Full. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
-
-
Fee: $160.00
Instructor: Kirsten Miller (she/her)
Student Age: 16+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 10
Seats Available: 0
Dates: 2/19/2025 - 2/26/2025
Times: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Days: W Sessions: 2
This hands-on course will guide you through each step of the natural dye process so you are able to confidently start your natural dye journey at home and beyond.
We will cover the important process of pre-treating fiber (scouring & mordanting), choosing and processing plants to create natural dye, and techniques to create patterns on fabric (shibori techniques and post-dye modifiers). The primary focus will be on mordanting cellulose fibers (cotton and other plant-based fibers). Students will take home a materials list, a guide, and a hand-dyed cotton bandana.
This course welcomes students with no prior knowledge as well as those with some basic experience with dyeing. All materials will be provided, but you may like to bring an apron or wear clothes that can get dirty and stained with dye. A notebook and pen are also recommended for taking notes.
|
|
|
-
-
Fee: $145.00
Instructor: Davey Stevenson
Student Age: 14+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 10
Seats Available: 5
Dates: 2/20/2025 - 2/27/2025
Times: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Days: Th Sessions: 2

In this two day course, students will create a small leather bag perfect for carrying pencils, makeup, or other treasures. Students will be introduced to a range of basic leatherworking techniques: working with a pattern, cutting, punching holes, and stitching. Students will also learn about choosing leather, what additional tools are useful in getting started, and finishing techniques for improving basic projects. The final product will be approximately 4" tall, with a base that measures 7 x 3.25". No prior knowledge is required. All materials are provided and students receive a basic kit of leatherworking tools to take home!
|
|
|
Class Full. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
-
-
Fee: $300.00
Instructor: Peter Yencken
Student Age: 18+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 1
Seats Available: -1
Dates: 2/21/2025 - 2/23/2025
Times: 6:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Days: Su F Sa Sessions: 3
Class Schedule: Friday (02/21) 6-10pm, Saturday + Sunday (02/22 + 02/23) 9am-5pm.

In this 3-session course, students will use vegetable tanned cow leather to make their own stylish backpack that properly fits their back. The backpack is for everyday use, yet roomy enough for an overnight hike. It will be strong and durable and if well looked after, it should last indefinitely.
This class is for beginners - no prior knowledge and experience are required. Students ages 13-17 may sign up if their parents are sure their youth is able to do the work and is prepared to stay for the duration. All materials and tools will be provided. If you would like to take notes, bring a notebook and pen. Please bring lunch (there are also many eateries nearby) and water bottle.
Please note that Make a Wooden Long Bow, Making Leather Shoes, Make a Wooden Pack Basket and Make a Leather Backpack run concurrently, and you may sign up for only one of these courses.
|
|
|
Class Full. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
-
-
Fee: $300.00
Instructor: Peter Yencken
Student Age: 18+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 4
Seats Available: -5
Dates: 2/21/2025 - 2/23/2025
Times: 6:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Days: Su F Sa Sessions: 3
Class Schedule: Friday (02/21) 6-10pm, Saturday + Sunday (02/22 + 02/23) 9am-5pm.
In this 3-session course, students will make their own pack basket out of Ash, Black Walnut, Poplar, or Cherry weavers, fitted with leather straps and a plywood lid! Students can design their own pack basket by mixing different wood colours if they wish.
Often called trapper or foraging baskets, pack baskets are durable storage devices that can be carried wherever you go or used for storage. They make a great alternative to a plastic backpack and, unlike a normal backpack, they are easier to load and unload. With the lid on, they can be used as a table and are strong enough to be used as a seat. Pack baskets do not slump when carried and, if you are carrying fragile or perishable food, they protect it with the hard shell. They weigh about 5 lbs unloaded. They can be used for anything a regular plastic backpack can be used for: walking in the woods, overnight trips, carrying the laundry, or grocery shopping. If oiled occasionally they will last indefinitely. Students can choose the height of their basket and the only man made chemical is a small amount of glue in the plywood lid.
All materials and tools will be provided. If you would like to take notes, bring a notebook and pen. Please bring lunch (there are also many eateries nearby) and water bottle.
Please note that Make a Wooden Long Bow, Making Leather Shoes, Make a Wooden Pack Basket and Make a Leather Backpack run concurrently, and you may sign up for only one of these courses.
|
|
|
Class Full. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
-
-
Fee: $300.00
Instructor: Peter Yencken
Student Age: 18+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 3
Seats Available: -2
Dates: 2/21/2025 - 2/23/2025
Times: 6:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Days: Su F Sa Sessions: 3
Class Schedule: Friday (02/21) from 6-10pm, Saturday + Sunday (02/22 & 02/23) from 9am-5pm.
Join master crafter Peter Yencken to make your own leather shoes that are perfectly fitted to your feet! In this 3-session course, you will make a pair of beautiful Moccasin style leather shoes; the sole and top are made from one large piece of leather. Shoes are one of the most important and useful things to learn to make as we wear them for long hours daily. Each pair of feet is uniquely complex and individually shaped, and only custom made shoes can provide that perfect fit!
This class is for beginners - no prior knowledge and experience are required. Mature youth, ages 13-17, may sign up if their parents are sure their youth is able to do the work and is prepared to stay for the duration. All materials and tools will be provided. If you would like to take notes, bring a notebook and pen. Please bring lunch (there are also many eateries nearby) and water bottle.
Please note that Make a Wooden Long Bow, Making Leather Shoes, Make a Wooden Pack Basket and Make a Leather Backpack run concurrently, and you may sign up for only one of these courses.
|
|
|
Class Full. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
-
-
Fee: $140.00
Instructor: Joan Hoffmeyer (she/her)
Student Age: 16+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 6
Seats Available: -1
Dates: 3/1/2025 - 3/2/2025
Times: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Days: Su Sa Sessions: 2
In this beginner's level course, you will learn about the different parts of a rigid heddle loom and the importance each part plays in the weaving process. You will learn how to warp a loom and weave a scarf. You will also learn hemstitching that holds woven yarn in place after the scarf is removed from the loom.
The class will discuss different weave structures and how color can really impact woven items. A traditional houndstooth pattern is made from very light grey or off white and a charcoal grey or black color palette. However, this is your scarf so whatever colors you choose will be perfect. Just make sure to pick light and dark solid colors to maximize the houndstooth effect!
The instructor will send an email to all registered students with information about which yarn to purchase for the course. Students will also need to bring scissors, tape measure, and a blunt tipped tapestry needle. Appropriate for all skill levels. No prior experience is required to participate in this course. Looms will be provided.
|
|
|
-
-
Fee: $75.00
Instructor: Roberta "Bobbi" Chase
Student Age: 18+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 10
Seats Available: 8
Dates: 3/1/2025 - 3/15/2025
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Days: Sa Sessions: 3
This course is for those of you who have some embroidery experience and would like to add new stitches to your repertoire, and/or brush up on the stitches you are already familiar with.
Over the three weeks, we will discuss and practice different aspects of embroidery - threads, needles, designs, fabrics, and transfer techniques. You will be encouraged to let the instructor know of anything else you would like to learn.
The course will start with a quick recap of stem stitch, french knots, fly stitch, blanket stitch, and any others you would like to review. We will then move on to new stitches including the coral stitch, cretan stitch, herringbone, and whipped spider stitch. We will also begin discussing and practicing the Satin Stitch (and time allowing, the Long-and-short). While this stitch strikes fear in the hearts of aspiring embroiderers, the instructor has many tips and techniques that will put you on the road to success! After this course, you will be able to tackle just about any embroidery project there is! There is no substitute for practice, so let's get started!
Students should bring $7 to the first day of class for a kit of embroidery materials which include fabric, a variety of threads, needles, and written instructions. Students will also need to bring the following to class: a small pair of scissors and a 5” screw-type embroidery hoop (or the instructor will have good quality hoops available for purchase for $9). Please note: this class meets upstairs and is accessible via a staircase of 22 steps.
|
|
|
-
-
Fee: $75.00
Instructor: Kirsten Miller (she/her)
Student Age: 16+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 8
Seats Available: 3
Dates: 3/5/2025 - 3/5/2025
Times: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Days: W Sessions: 1
Learn the basics of needle-turn appliqué quilting by hand to create your own designs for quilts, clothing, and more!
The course will delve into hand sewing techniques that facilitate the appliqué process as students create a template for a basic floral-design quilt square. We will discuss needle sizes, thread, pinning, and basting, and go over techniques for sewing concave versus convex curves, corners, and points, as well as techniques for creating circles. Students will leave with a materials list, a template for a basic floral quilt square pattern, and a start to their own neede-turn appliqué journey.
This course welcomes students with no prior knowledge of appliqué quilting, as well as those with some basic experience who would like to refresh or advance their skills. Some needle and thread experience is preferred and helpful for this class.
All materials will be provided. Please bring a notebook and pen, and reading glasses, if needed, for small detailed handwork.
|
|
|
Class Full. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
-
-
Fee: $300.00
Instructor: Kari Bown, KT Fyhrie
Student Age: 15+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 12
Seats Available: 0
Dates: 3/6/2025 - 3/9/2025
Times: 6:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Days: Su Th F Sa Sessions: 4
Note that the sessions begin at different times on different days: Thursday & Friday from 6-9pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am-2pm.
I am a weaver of baskets, a gatherer, an artist, a farmer, a teacher, a naturalist, a fermentationist, an upcycler and recycler, and a lover of wildness. I love to turn supple willow into beautiful and sturdy baskets that can carry the garden harvest or hold my yarn. I was introduced to this form by an old German man when I was a child. He had learned it as a child. He inspired me and weaving with willow has been a passion of mine for decades. As we weave together you will learn all aspects of this basket form: hoops, god’s eyes, ribs, weaving, and sustainable gathering. Come join me to weave willow and community. (Kari Bown)
Appropriate for all skill levels. No prior experience necessary. All materials will be provided. Students should bring (if you have them) a sharp knife (pocket knife, grafting knife, or carving knife) and pruners/clippers. The instructor has a few extra hand pruners and knives, and they can be shared to some degree. Baskets will be roughly 14 inches in diameter.
Please bring lunch (there are also various eateries nearby to purchase food), snacks, and water.
|
|
|
-
-
Fee: $0.00
Instructor: Roberta "Bobbi" Chase
Student Age: 18+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 10
Seats Available: 3
Dates: 3/9/2025 - 3/9/2025
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Days: Su Sessions: 1
Arbutus hosts an "Embroidery Circle" for those who would like to meet up with other stitchers to build a sewing community. If you have questions, need guidance, want to share what you are working on, or would like to make embroidery friends - this is the group for you! All levels of experience are welcomed. While the group will have a knowledgeable "guide," we will all learn from each other. Bring your ideas and projects and let's talk Embroidery!
Payment is by donation at time of session. If you register for a spot, please be sure to let us know if you are no longer able to attend so that we can offer your spot to other students. Ages 13-17 are welcome to register if accompanied by a registered guardian. Please note: this class meets upstairs and is accessible via a staircase of 22 steps.
March Embroidery Circle
|
|
|
-
-
Fee: $140.00
Instructor: Joan Hoffmeyer (she/her)
Student Age: 16+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 6
Seats Available: 2
Dates: 3/15/2025 - 3/16/2025
Times: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Days: Sa Su Sessions: 2
In this two day course, you will learn the parts of a rigid heddle loom and the importance each part plays in your weaving. You will be shown how to warp a loom and weave a towel. You will then learn hemstitching that holds woven yarn in place after the towel is removed from the loom. We will also discuss different weave structures and the impact of color in your woven items.
For this striped towel project, you will be using two or three different colors of cotton fiber. Each towel will be unique, depending on the colors that you choose and if you choose to weave with just one of the colors or using all colors, as in the sample. It is recommended that you purchase Berroco Pina 100 – one skein of each color. You may pick colors to match your kitchen or bathroom.
Appropriate for Beginner skill levels. Looms will be provided. Students will need to bring small scissors, a tape measure, a tapestry needle, and three different colored skeins of either Berroco or Cascade Pima 100 cotton yarn, at approximately 220 yards per skein (average cost $25). The Indigo Purls Yarn Boutique and Our Local Yarn Shop (OLYS) will give a 10% discount on these supplies if you mention your purchase is for a class at Arbutus. Please request the store to wind your yarn into cakes for you.
|
|
|
-
-
Fee: $75.00
Instructor: Rowan Green (he/him)
Student Age: 14+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 6
Seats Available: 2
Dates: 3/19/2025 - 3/19/2025
Times: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Days: W Sessions: 1
If you are new to the ancient and satisfying craft of spinning and dream of making your own yarn, drop spindle is the easiest and most affordable way to get started on your spinning journey. In this class we will discuss various types of wool and their characteristics, as well as different kinds of hand spindles. We will begin with lap spindling to get the motions down and quickly move to spindle spinning. Students will also learn how to wind a center-pull ball on their hand which they can use for making a 2-ply yarn during class.
Locally grown wool fiber will be provided. Please bring a drop spindle if you have one or bring $12 to the first class to purchase one from the instructor. This class is for beginning spinners - no experience is required. It is an excellent primer for the Make Your Own Yarn: Wheel Spinning for Beginners course, as it will help with the body mechanics of spinning.
Note: Please wear an apron or clothes that can get a little dirty from wool.
|
|
|
Class Full. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
-
-
Fee: $250.00
Instructor: Liz Frey (she/her)
Student Age: 15+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 6
Seats Available: -3
Dates: 3/22/2025 - 3/23/2025
Times: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Days: Su Sa Sessions: 2

This beginner-friendly workshop will take you through all of the necessary steps to design and create your own handwoven scarf or table runner.
Session 1: Students will be introduced to the different parts of a loom and how they work, various fiber types and their suitability for different uses, yarn set and how it affects drape, and how to calculate the amount of yarn needed for a project.
Then you will prepare the materials and dress the loom. This includes measuring out the warp, threading the heddles and the reed, winding the yarn onto the loom, adjusting the tension and beginning to weave.
Session 2: Students will weave and complete their projects.The instructor will cover how to wind and throw a shuttle, advance the warp, add more weft, fix a broken warp thread, maintain an even weaving beat, keep neat selvedges and finish the fabric. Students will leave with a completed project!
Appropriate for Beginner skill levels. No prior experience is required. Previous students are also encouraged to register if they would like to continue learning, practicing, and advancing their weaving skills. All materials, tools and equipment will be provided. Please bring lunch and water bottle, a notebook and pen for taking notes, and wear clothing that allows ease of movement.
|
|
|
-
-
Fee: $165.00
Instructor: Rowan Green (he/him)
Student Age: 16+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 6
Seats Available: 3
Dates: 3/29/2025 - 3/30/2025
Times: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Days: Su Sa Sessions: 2
This class is dedicated to creating space for LGTBQIA2S+ community members to explore a new craft with new friends, and is taught by Rowan Green, a queer transman.
Handspinning is for everybody! Come relax and learn this ancient craft in supportive queer and gender diverse community.
Join us for a two-day immersion introduction to the art and craft of spinning yarn. Students will learn about the different kinds of wheels available, how to choose the right one for their body and needs, and sample some of the different spinning fibers available. We will begin with lap spinning and progress from there to using a drop spindle. Then we will learn the parts of a spinning wheel and how to maintain and operate it. By the end of the first day, students will be spinning their own yarn.
On the second day, spinners will begin to refine their technique, learn how to make a center-pull ball on their hands, and learn to ply to create a balanced yarn. We will introduce some of the tools that fiber artists employ, such as a niddy-noddy and nostepinne. Students will leave the class with a handout filled with resources for connecting with the spinning community and their very first handspun yarn.
Ashford Traditional spinning wheels are provided by the school, but students are encouraged to bring their own wheel if they own one and would like guidance. If you plan to bring your own spinning wheel, please contact us at info@arbutusfolkschool.org. Rowan will help you assess whether your wheel will meet your in-class needs.
All beginners are welcome. No prior knowledge is required, however, this course is a great follow-up to the Drop Spindle for Beginners class. Students should wear clothes that can get a little dirty from wool. Bring water, snacks, and anything you need to feel comfortable sitting for the day. Most of all, bring your queer joy!
Sliding scale payment options are made possible in part by public funding through Inspire Olympia. There are 4 payment options available: $165, $125, $65, $20. If you would like to select $125, $65, $20, please create a student account here (if you haven't already), and then email us at info@arbutusfolkschool.org so we can provide some quick assistance with registration.
|
|
|
-
-
Fee: $0.00
Instructor: Roberta "Bobbi" Chase
Student Age: 18+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 10
Seats Available: 3
Dates: 4/13/2025 - 4/13/2025
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Days: Su Sessions: 1
Arbutus hosts an "Embroidery Circle" for those who would like to meet up with other stitchers to build a sewing community. If you have questions, need guidance, want to share what you are working on, or would like to make embroidery friends - this is the group for you! All levels of experience are welcomed. While the group will have a knowledgeable "guide," we will all learn from each other. Bring your ideas and projects and let's talk Embroidery!
Payment is by donation at time of session. If you register for a spot, please be sure to let us know if you are no longer able to attend so that we can offer your spot to other students. Ages 13-17 are welcome to register if accompanied by a registered guardian. Please note: this class meets upstairs and is accessible via a staircase of 22 steps.
April Embroidery Circle
|
|
|
-
-
Fee: $0.00
Instructor: Roberta "Bobbi" Chase
Student Age: 18+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 10
Seats Available: 4
Dates: 5/11/2025 - 5/11/2025
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Days: Su Sessions: 1
Arbutus hosts an "Embroidery Circle" for those who would like to meet up with other stitchers to build a sewing community. If you have questions, need guidance, want to share what you are working on, or would like to make embroidery friends - this is the group for you! All levels of experience are welcomed. While the group will have a knowledgeable "guide," we will all learn from each other. Bring your ideas and projects and let's talk Embroidery!
Payment is by donation at time of session. If you register for a spot, please be sure to let us know if you are no longer able to attend so that we can offer your spot to other students. Ages 13-17 are welcome to register if accompanied by a registered guardian. Please note: this class meets upstairs and is accessible via a staircase of 22 steps.
May Embroidery Circle
|
|
|
-
-
Fee: $0.00
Instructor: Roberta "Bobbi" Chase
Student Age: 18+
Location: Arbutus Folk School, 705 4th Ave E.
Max Class Size: 10
Seats Available: 4
Dates: 6/8/2025 - 6/8/2025
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Days: Su Sessions: 1
Arbutus hosts an "Embroidery Circle" for those who would like to meet up with other stitchers to build a sewing community. If you have questions, need guidance, want to share what you are working on, or would like to make embroidery friends - this is the group for you! All levels of experience are welcomed. While the group will have a knowledgeable "guide," we will all learn from each other. Bring your ideas and projects and let's talk Embroidery!
Payment is by donation at time of session. If you register for a spot, please be sure to let us know if you are no longer able to attend so that we can offer your spot to other students. Ages 13-17 are welcome to register if accompanied by a registered guardian. Please note: this class meets upstairs and is accessible via a staircase of 22 steps.
June Embroidery Circle
|
|
|