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Oh, Darn Those Socks!

Don't let your gorgeous hand knitted or crocheted socks languish because you're afraid to wear them out.
Wear them fearlessly with delight! Then, when they get holes in them, give them a badge of honor by darning them. 
Darning socks is actually fun! Really! And guess what? There are all kinds of ways to darn your socks.
Noreen will show you old ways and clever, easy new ways of fixing those holes! Never be afraid of wearing out your sockies again! Just darn it! and wear those darn socks proudly!

3 hour workshop

Wild Socks- Embellishing Handmade or Purchased Socks

This fun workshop will inspire you to take your socks to the next level with wild and wonderful embellishments.
There are so many fun ways to make even plain old store bought socks outrageously fabulous!
Noreen will show you how to use spool knitters, tatting shuttles, flower looms, pompom makers, crochet, knitting, beading and small loom weaving to make your socks totally unique and glorious!

3 hour workshop

All About Yarnie Gadgets,  Gizmos & Tools

Over the years, all kinds of wonderful (and some that are not quite so wonderful)
gadgets and gizmos have been designed and sold to yarn lovers.
Many of them are no longer in production, but can still be found on eBay, in second hand and thrift shops, yard, estate and garage sales. Sadly, they are often missing their instructions, which can make them un-useable.
Noreen has spent years sleuthing out the mysteries of many delightful yarn gadgets and gizmos, so that you can happily use them to create all kinds of neat motifs and embellishments for your crochet, knitting and weaving.
Also, are you wondering about purchasing a new yarn gadget, but aren't sure about it?
We can talk about some of the pros and cons. What if there is a glorious gadget that you long for, but just can't find? Often, Noreen can show you some ways to reproduce the glorious gadget so you can get yarning with it!
So, if you have a yarn gadget, gizmo or tool that you want help with, this workshop is for you!
Feel free to  bring along some of your favorite yarn gadgets, gizmos and tools, or ones that have you baffled!
Turn that mystery gadget into a useful working tool!

3 hour workshop

Wild and Wonderful Crocheted Pin Dolls

This wild and wonderful fairy pin doll is completely charming. She's a show stopper that will dazzle people as she graces your lapel, hat or bag. Crochet her in thread for a smaller version, or in yarn for a slightly larger doll. Embellish her with your choice of charms, beads, buttons or found objects to make her one of a kind and totally unique!

Please bring:A charm or a small bit of a pop can or a paper clip (for glasses); small spool of 28 gauge wire for wings, scissors; safety pin or jewelry pin; tapestry needle; beads; buttons; found objects; red pencil crayon.
YARN or Thread: Crochet cotton, sock, lace or baby weight yarn or embroidery floss in hair, skin, and clothing colors. HOOKS: Steel hooks (1.5 mm or finer)  if you prefer to work with threads, or 2.75 mm hook (US 'C') if you prefer to work with fine yarns.

Skill level: Workshop participants must be able to work ch, sc  hdc.

3 hour workshop

Thrifty Little Dolls- Rosie Recycle Dolls
to knit or crochet or spool knit
and make with recycled bits & pieces

Rosie Recycle dolls are charming little one of a kind dolls that are
an inspiration to 'go green', and become a thrifty 'eco crafter'.

Combine  your stash of scraps of yarn & embroidery floss
with colorful bits of junk mail, old magazines
and packaging to create enchanting & unique little
Rosie Recycle Dolls.
The Rosie Recycle Dolls can be made by knitters, crocheters or those who prefer to spool knit.

Please bring: thick craft glue;   fine tip black permanent pen; a paper clip (for glasses); small scraps of fabric for hat; scraps of ribbon and lace;  scissors; safety pin or jewelry pin; tapestry needle; toothpick; spool knitter; hole punch; beads; buttons; found objects; red pencil crayon. YARN or Thread: Approximately 9 yards or 8 m of crochet cotton, sock or lace or baby weight yarn or embroidery floss for skirt. Approximately 9 yards or 8 m for bodice. Approximately 5 yd/4.5 m for legs. Approximately .5 m or ½ yd of hair color yarn or floss or a couple of inches of roving. HOOKS AND NEEDLES: Knitted Version: size 3 mm or 3 ¼ mm (US size 3, Cdn size 10) knitting needles Crocheted Version: 2.75 mm hook (US 'C'), If making the spool knitted version, then please bring a 5 or 6 peg spool knitter. (More pegs are fine)

Skill level: Knitters must be able to cast on and off, knit, & purl. Crocheters must be able to work ch, sc  hdc.

3 hour workshop

Weaving Big Projects on Narrow Looms

Narrow looms like the Schacht Cricket and Ashford Knitters Loom, are very popular.
And, the  inkle loom is a perennial favorite.
But -  weavers often think that they are limited by the width of their loom.
Nothing could be further from the truth!
You can weave all kinds of gorgeous and gratifying garments,
 accessories, dolls, toys and other treasures.
Weave up some bands
and bring them to this workshop,
 and you'll discover how wonderful your narrow loom is!
This workshop is all about thinking outside the box on narrow loom weaving.
Please bring: Your narrow loom with a warp on it (Inkle, belt loom, Cricket, Ashford Knitters Loom or other narrow loom), shuttles, yarn or thread, a box of straight pins, scissors, needle and thread, darning or tapestry needle, please bring along some narrow bands that you have already woven.

Cross Current Vests:
Versatile Vests that bring together many techniques
to create one of a kind garments!

Vests are versatile garments that have endless potential for embellishment.
Join Noreen in a Cross Currents voyage of discovery as she shows you how to create wonderful vests with small looms, crochet, knitting, spool knitting, and other optional methods of embellishment.
No matter what your size, Noreen will show you how to get the perfect fit for your Cross Currents vest.
You can create any kind of vest that your heart desires, from an elegant, understated vest                                                     to a wildly exuberant work of free form artistry.

Homework: Workshop Participants will be asked to create modules (woven, and/or knitted, and/or crocheted) before the class. Noreen will need to be in email contact with workshop participants before the workshop to talk with them about their homework.
Please bring: Small loom (Potholder loom, and/or small frame loom), and if you have a band loom, then that is great (Inkle, belt loom, Cricket, Ashford Knitters Loom or other narrow loom), shuttles, yarn or thread, a box of safety pins, crochet hooks, spool knitter, scissors, needle and thread, darning or tapestry needle . Optional but fun: Flower looms, beads, charms, buttons, found objects that you'd like to incorporate into your vest.
Note: This workshop is an excellent choice to complement the 'From T-shirt to Template to Fabulous Fit' workshop.

From T-shirt to Template to Fabulous Fit

Do you have trouble making your knitted, crocheted or woven garments fit you properly?
Would you like to design your own one of a kind garment  in knitting, crochet or small loom weaving?
Then this workshop is for you!
Noreen will show you how to take a t-shirt
and turn it into a template
that you will then use to create fabulous, one of a kind garments that fit you, beautifully, comfortably,
no matter what your size or shape!
Please Bring:At least one t-shirt that you WILL be cutting up; scissors; needle and thread; ruler or tape measure; straight pins and safety pins, duct tape
This workshop can be presented as a 3 or 6 hour workshop
Skill Level: No previous experience necessary, but being  crafty helps.
Note: This workshop is an excellent choice to complement the 'Cross Currents Vests' workshop.

Woven 'Prim' Angel

What's a 'Prim' Angel?
'Prim' is short for primitive or folkloric.
These charming folkloric angels are quick and easy to weave with your favorite yarn -
whether you spin it yourself, combine yarns and threads to make a one of a kind yarn,
or use your favorite store bought yarn. 
You can also use fabric strips to weave the Prim Angels.
The Prim Angels are woven on either potholder looms or small peg looms.
What to bring: A potholder loom or a peg loom; scissors; darning needle; a weaving hook (a long crochet  or wire hook that reaches from one side of the loom to the other); a size 'H' or 5 mm crochet hook; a few ounces of yarn; buttons or charms or beads to trim.

 Goddess of the Small Loom  Doll

The Goddess of the Small Loom Dolls are woven on simple small looms,
 like a potholder loom, peg loom or frame style loom.
The arms can either be spool knitted or woven.
The Goddess of the Small Loom is  the perfect way to use small bits of special yarns or fabric strips.
What to bring: A potholder loom, frame or  peg loom; scissors; darning needle; a weaving hook (a long crochet  or wire hook that reaches from one side of the loom to the other); a size 'H' or 5 mm crochet hook; a few ounces of yarn; buttons or charms or beads to trim.

Woven Mermaid Doll

The Woven Mermaid Dolls are woven on simple small looms,
 like a potholder loom, peg loom or frame style loom.
The arms can either be spool knitted or woven.
The Woven Mermaid can be woven with  yarns or fabric strips.
What to bring: A potholder loom, frame or  peg loom; scissors; darning needle; a weaving hook (a long crochet  or wire hook that reaches from one side of the loom to the other); a size 'H' or 5 mm crochet hook; a few ounces of yarn; buttons or charms or beads to trim.

Hand spun Paper Knitted Dolls

Here's a whole new way of making paper dolls!
Learn how to spin tissue paper, brown paper, newspaper, gift wrap and other papers into yarn using a drop spindle! Then, knit a charming doll with your paper yarn. It's fun, it's fabulous, and it's oh so GREEN!
The dolls can be painted and embellished in unlimited ways.

Skill Level: Beginner: Workshop participants must be able to work plain knitting (garter stitch). No previous hand spinning experience necessary.
Supplies to bring: Drop spindle (Noreen can supply some if workshop participants don't have one), a selection of knitting needles; scissors; white glue; newspaper or brown paper,  several sheets of tissue paper - such as old sewing patterns or tissue paper gift wrap. OPTIONAL: You may wish to bring acrylic paints and brushes with you, but this is optional- you can paint your doll at home if you prefer.
3 hour workshop

Spool knitted Menopause Fairy Doll

This charming Menopause Fairy Doll is an exuberant celebration of life's changes. She is made with a cord maker that Noreen has designed for this workshop, so you don't have to know how to knit OR crochet!  The Menopause Fairy Doll will make any voyage of change a whole lot more whimsical!
Kit fee: $5

 Menopause Fairy Cord maker available from Noreen for  $15 (optional – workshop participants are welcome to bring their own spool knitters).
Please Bring:Yarn: 1 small ball (1 oz /28 gm or less) of each of the following colors: Wing color, Hat color, Body color; scissors; needle and thread; ruler or tape measure; tapestry needle.
3-hour workshop
Skill Level: No previous experience necessary

Spool knitted Friendship Dolls:

Spool knit a token of your friendship!
Make  wild and wonderful or sweetly simple spool knitted friendship dolls for your friends, family and yourself , too!
Spool knitted dolls are fun to wear as pins or to decorate hats, bags or cell phones. Noreen will show you how to make fabulous and fanciful spool knitted dolls that will delight your friends and spark your imagination and creativity!

Please Bring: A spool knitter; several colors of yarn (approx. 2 oz/50 gm  of each  color; a small crochet hook (size 'e' or smaller), scissors; ruler; tapestry needle.
Length of Workshop: 1, 2 or 3 hours          
Skill Level: No previous experience necessary

Friendship bracelets are a great way of saying: "I treasure you!" to your friends. Join Noreen as she shows you how to create a medley of wonderful spool knitted friendship bracelets that are stylish, fun, fast and fabulous.  You'll be learning all kinds of beading techniques for spool knitting, including how to use buttons as beads.
Please bring : A 3, 4 or 5 peg spool knitter; a loop lifter; yarns, threads, cords, or string; beads; buttons; found objects; a small steel crochet hook; tapestry needle; scissors
Skill Level: No previous experience necessary
Length of Workshop: 3 hours

Spool knitted Hearts, Flowers
 & Butterfly Bookmarks

You can never have too many bookmarks. And, they're the perfect little quick and easy gift. Join Noreen for a fun workshop on making all kinds of charming  bookmarks with spool knitting. Come and learn the basics and beyond of the delightfully contemplative craft of spool knitting.
Please bring: A spool knitter,  measuring tape,  tapestry needle, scissors, a selection of yarns, beads, buttons and charms.
Skill Level: No previous experience necessary
Length of Workshop:  3 hours

Random Lace clutch style bag

Make a one of a kind gorgeous clutch bag in an amazingly easy, but spectacular  lace technique. Combine crochet,spool knitting, and other fun techniques to make these wonderful bags. You can make your bag in thread or yarn.  This is a great way to bring together old pieces of crochet and lace, swatches and motifs to create a unique bag that you'll treasure forever.
Please bring: An 18 inch square of fleece fabric; a spool knitter, scissors, small steel crochet hook; a size G or H crochet hook, sewing needle and thread, yarn, embroidery floss or crochet cotton/thread, buttons, charms, beads, 50-100 safety pins.
 Optional: Motifs, swatches, lace trim, doilies etc.
Skill level: Able to work ch and sc in crochet.
3 hour workshop

Hand spun Tissue Paper Basket

Recycle old tissue paper gift wrap and sewing patterns by spinning it into an 'up-cycled' yarn.
Then, crochet a one of a kind basket with your handmade yarn. You can paint it and embellish it in all kinds of ways. Noreen will show you how to use a hand spindle to create yarn from tissue paper and how to crochet these unique baskets.

Unlocking the Mysteries of the
 Vintage Lily Speed-O-Weave Loom:
How to Make a Fabulous Knitting Bag

Vintage Lily Speed-O-Weave Looms show up in attics, second hand stores, and on eBay all the time, mostly without  instructions.
Without the instructions,  the Lily Speed o Weave loom can be very frustrating. 
Noreen will show you how they work and how to create wonderful bags, shawls, and fashion and home accessories on the Lily Speed o Weave loom.  These looms are contemplative and a pleasure to work with ! 
You’ll make a wonderful knitting bag in this workshop.
 What if you don't have a Lily Speed-O-Weave Loom? Luckily, there is an alternative.
 The Butterfly loom is a new approach to this wonderful vintage technique.  They are available online.
 Please bring: A Lily Speed-O-Weave loom (Noreen has extras that she can loan workshop participants) or a Butterfly loom; Noreen will have copper shuttles available if your loom didn't come with a shuttle, yarn, scissors, tapestry needle, G or H crochet hook, a spool knitter; a pair of bag handles. Optional: Buttons, beads, charms, found objects.
Skill Level: No previous experience necessary

Multi Color Weaving
On The Potholder Loom:

Yo &  Cro Workshop:
Combining fabric yo-yo's and crochet to make one of a kind garments and accessories
   

Here's a fresh new approach to a vintage craft- yo-yo making.
Noreen will show you how to create a one of kind heritage garment or home accessory, using a combination of favorite fabrics and crochet.
In the workshop, you'll be making a scarf that could be  expanded to become a shawl, stole or table runner.
 This is a wonderful way to recycle worn out fave garments and create a new treasure that is full of memories.

Please bring: Scissors, a steel crochet hook, a size G or H crochet hook,  a sewing needle and thread, scraps of fabric, yarn, embroidery floss or crochet cotton/thread, 50-100 safety pins, a piece of fabric 12 inches (30 cm) wide by 72 inches (1.8 m) long for the template for class project. Optional:Found objects, buttons, charms, beads, swatches.
Skill level: Able to work ch and sc in crochet.

If you would like to talk to Noreen about having her come and teach any of these workshops,
please click

noreen