by: Gretchen

Barbara Burns’ tapestry weaving and teaching (why not visit!)

 

Masterful tapestries of tradition, color, and humor…

Beyond The Pale, Barbara Burns

Whether you’re looking for inspiration, or hands on instruction, Barbara Burns delivers incredible tapestry experiences. Barbara has been weaving since 1994 and working in tapestry since 2003, having studied with master teachers and exhibited all over the world. Her pieces range from the subtle and sublime, to the satirical in content. All are marked by her impeccable craftsmanship and respect for technique.

Cowgirl, Barbara Burns

Lucky for us (and you!), Barbara lives and works in nearby Harpswell Maine, so we have the pleasure of regularly holding tapestry weaving workshops and guided studio times with Barbara here at Halcyon Yarn. Check out the video below of Barbara teaching one of her workshops at Halcyon Yarn’s spacious and well-equipped classroom.

Better yet, plan your visit to coastal Maine and spend some time learning tapestry weaving with a dynamic teacher. You can rent or purchase anything you’ll need to begin your tapestry journey here at the shop. Discover all of our upcoming Halcyon Yarn summer classes, with more dates for late summer/fall being added all the time. Learn more about visiting beautiful midcoast Maine at visitbath.com – we’d love to see you in “vacationland” soon!

Woman With Red Turban, Barbara Burns

by: Kate Comaskey

New Summer Classes at Halcyon Yarn

 

New classes added to the calendar – sign up now!

(above, natural colors by Jackie Ottino Graf)

Does the nice weather inspire your creativity? We’ve got just the thing! We’ve added some brand new classes to our summer line up, as well as more sessions of our most popular standbys – including three new sessions of Introduction to Rigid Heddle Weaving. Classes fill fast as we head into summer, so register soon to be sure you have a spot!

Learn to make your own yarn in what is sure to be an amazing Drop Spindle class with Lesley Fowler… Take a natural dye class (or two!) with Jackie Ottino Graf…  Before you know it you’ll be your own personal yarn shop. There’s something for everyone and more on the way this summer!

Materials are generally included in all our classes, and equipment is either provided or available to rent when needed. Class sizes are limited so that every student receives plenty of personal attention. Plus, students receive great discounts on all the fiber arts goodies at the shop during the class and for the month after the class. Click below to see  full descriptions for each class!

Weaving 101, Weaving on a Floor Loom, with Sybil Shiland (three day class)

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday May 12 – 14 • 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Introduction to Rigid Heddle with Sherry Cochran (two day class)

Three new sessions are available now – sign up now, these fill up fast!

Friday and Saturday, May 19 – 20 • 9:30 am – 3:30 pm

Friday and Saturday, June 16 – 17 • 9:30 am – 3:30 pm

Saturday and Sunday, August 26 – 27 • 9:30 am – 3:30 pm

Tapestry Weaving, Beginning and Beyond with Barbara Burns (three day class)

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday June 2 – 4 • 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Beginner Rug Hooking with Susie Stephenson (five evenings)

This class meets for 5 Tuesdays beginning June 6th. We will skip the week of July 4th and conclude on Tuesday, July 11th. Please note that there is a separate materials fee, which you do not need to pre-pay, as Susie is creating a special Maine Moose kit (above) just for this class!

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm each Tuesday

June 6^th
June 13^th
June 20^th
June 27^th
July 11^th

Natural Dyeing with Jackie Ottino Graf

Saturday, July 8 • 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Indigo Dyeing with Jackie Ottino Graf

Sunday, July 9 • 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Felted Vessels with Susan Mills

Saturday, July 22 • 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Learn to Spin Yarn on the Drop Spindle with Lesley Fowler

Saturday, July 29 • 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Beginning Tatting with Elaine O’Donal (two day class)

Saturday, August 12 • 10:00 am – 2:30 pm & Sunday, August 13 • 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Make a class at Halcyon Yarn part of your Maine vacation (or staycation) this summer!

Register now, or give us a call or email with any questions! If you’re visiting the area, we’re happy to help you find your way around, or you can check out maps, travel resources, and local attractions at visitbath.com. Halcyon Yarn is located in beautiful downtown Bath, just off of coastal route one. We’re about 40 minutes north or Portland, about an hour south of Camden/Rockland, and approximately 2.5 hours from Boston. We look forward to seeing you this summer!

by: Sierra Roberts

Getting started with a drop spindle

 

Looking to learn how to use a drop spindle?  Like driving a stick shift, it’s all about practicing until you get a feel for the rhythm.  But how does one get started?  We’ve set up a short photo tutorial to show you just that.  From one beginner to another: don’t let it intimidate you!

Here are some helpful tips while you’re getting started:

• You don’t have to draft while spinning!  Lots of drop spindle users will tuck the spindle between their knees or under their arm so they can draft comfortably without being rushed.  Give it a twist and allow that length to spin; once it’s spun you can “park and draft” again!

• Once you understand the process, I encourage you to play with different hand positions and grips until you find a comfortable combination.  I often change up my hand positions, and some work better for different fiber types.

• Don’t feel bad if you end up with thick and thin yarn.  Textured, slubby yarns are awesome!

• Try to keep the yarn you’re spinning from becoming too thin.  This will cause it to break, and your spindle will hit the floor with a crash.  It’s inevitable at first, so don’t worry when it happens. Your spindle will be OK even if your pride is slightly damaged.

• Most importantly: There is no such thing as “wrong” yarn;  I encourage you to get a feel for the motion, and don’t worry about creating a perfectly balanced, even yarn at first.  Just have fun with it!

by: Kate Comaskey

Spring and Summer Classes at Halcyon Yarn!

 

SPRING & SUMMER CLASSES AT HALCYON YARN

The time has come! Spring has sprung (at least according to the calendar) and we are moving full steam ahead into our Spring/Summer schedule. Take a peek at what we have lined up, and keep an eye out because we’ve got more exciting events on the way. For more details and class descriptions click on each class below. To register please visit halcyonyarn.com/classes or call us at 800-341-0282!

Interested in Rigid Heddle Weaving? We’re adding several dates for introductory and next-steps classes and we’ll let you know as soon as we do!

Begin to Spin: Part II, with Linda Clutterbuck

Saturday, April 8^th 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Tapestry Weaving Open Studios with Barbara Burns

Thursday, April 13^th 2:30 – 5:30
Thursday, April 27^th 2:30 – 5:30

Ann Budd at Halcyon Yarn (two full days – save 15% when you take both!)

Friday, April 21^st: A Skirt For All Seasons, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm

Saturday, April 22^nd: Knitting Steeks and Inserting Zippers, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm

Click here to read more about both of Ann’s classes, and to find out how to save when you sign up for both classes!

Weaving 101, Weaving on a Floor Loom, with Sybil Shiland (three day class)

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday May 12^th – 14^th 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Tapestry Weaving Beginning and Beyond with Barbara Burns (three day class)

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday June 2^nd – 4^th 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Beginner Rug Hooking with Susie Stephenson (five evenings)

This class meets for 5 Tuesdays beginning June 6^th. We will skip the week of July 4th and will conclude on Tuesday, July 11^th. Please note that there is a separate materials fee, which you do not need pre-pay, as Susie is creating a special kit just for this class!

7:00 – 9:00 pm each Tuesday

June 6^th
June 13^th
June 20^th
June 27^th
July 11^th

Natural Dyeing with Jackie Ottino Graf

Saturday, July 8^th 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Indigo Dyeing with Jackie Ottino Graf

Sunday, July 9^th 9:00 – 4:00 pm

Felted Vessels with Susan Mills

Saturday, July 22^nd 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Beginning Tatting with Elaine O’Donnell (two day class)

Saturday, August 12^th 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Sunday, August 13^th 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

More in store…!

As many of you know we’re renovating here in the store and things are looking good! We are open our regular hours and, when the work is complete, we look forward to offering you more space for great yarns, space to plan projects, and opportunities for trying your hand at a variety of crafts in new demonstration areas. Early this summer we’ll also start hosting more weekly drop-in groups, including knitting “office hours” plus regular craft demonstrations.

Our regular drop-in groups are going strong and always welcome new faces:

(please call first if the weather is iffy or it is a holiday)

Monday Night Sit & Knit, weekly from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Tuesday Twisted Spinsters, weekly from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Weave Share, third Wednesday of each month (please call to confirm if you’re new to the group!) 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Weaving Studio Space

Several of you have asked about renting loom time in the Halcyon Yarn classroom and we’re working on a studio rental program. For those of you who may not have space at home, aren’t sure whether a floor loom is right for you, or would just enjoy being in an inspiring environment with other fiber folks – this is for you. We’ll announce more details soon, so start looking at your calendars, dreaming up projects you’d like to try, send an email if you’re interested or have questions – and stay tuned!

Save the date! Saturday, May 6^th – Mayfair Maker Fair

Welcome spring in historic downtown Bath with a citywide celebration and demonstrations! Bath’s annual Mayfair Celebration features yard sales, sidewalk sales, and new this year a Maker Fair. Throughout the day there will be dozens of free educational, crafting, and hands-on activities happening downtown and in the Library Park – as well as at Halcyon Yarn!

We’ll have a community tapestry weaving loom set up on Front Street, as well as spinning and felting demonstrations at the shop. It’s a great way to explore Bath and enjoy family-friendly activities all day long. For more details: visitbath.com

See you there!

by: Amos

Knitting (and crocheting) for the greater good – fiber arts news

 

The need for animal adoption is something we’re all likely well aware of – but did you know that furry friends with black or dark hair may have a harder time finding a home? Not for long if a new trend takes hold: Dark-haired canines donning delightful jumpers! Thanks to volunteers, the outfits are a hit! Shelters report that fashionably adorned pups are finding fantastic families.

Believe it or not, we’ve seen articles on chicken knitting before. But this delightful article in the Boston Globe was too good to pass up. It seems that in another little-known corner of animal welfare needs, certain exotic breeds of chickens need help with cold New England winters: Residents of Fuller Village to the rescue! Story got picked up by many, there is also a great AP video here.

On the other end of the size spectrum: Knitting to keep elephants warm? Well, looking closely at the photos we’d guess it’s crochet. But we sure did look closely because the photos are amazing! Seems that the sanctuary where these elephants are protected gets a little colder than their comfort zone. Fiber arts to the rescue! Or more precisely, awesome fiber artists :-) to the rescue.

Finally, this story really is marvelous: Volunteers are providing premature babies with a comforting environment by giving them crocheted octopuses. Why octopuses? The theory is that the “tentacles” mimic the feeling the the premature babies had in the womb since the tentacles are similar to an umbilical cord. Of note for aspiring volunteers: the pattern and materials must be followed exactly, for safety’s sake.  The photo and story above are from the UK, but, the effort started several years go in Denmark. For some history and a free pattern, check out this Polish site or the original Danish site here. Hip-hip hurray!

by: Sierra Roberts

Learn to Knit!

 

With 2017 still fresh as a daisy, why not use these last few bleak months of winter to learn a new skill?

There are so many resources out there for knitting advice, techniques, lessons, etc. Every person has their own style of teaching, and every student has their own style of learning. I’ve put together a few videos and products that, in my opinion, are all you really need to get right down to clicking those needles. Today I want to tell you how easy it can be to make something fun and beautiful for yourself, even if you aren’t an expert knitter.

How to Knit

Actually, we made some videos to make it even easier. All you have to know to start knitting are a few basic skills, such as how to:

Cast On

In order to start knitting, you’ll have to start with some stitches on your needle.  There are a lot of different ways to do this, and each has its own purpose.  In this video, I show you how to make a slip knot to start, and then I demonstrate the way I learned how to cast on when I was a little girl, a method I’ve continued to use for most projects since.  Click the link here to watch it: https://youtu.be/sCUPND2pIu0

Knit

There are two basic stitches in knitting, and you’ve probably heard of them.  Knit and purl.  One thing at a time, though!  This video shows you how to make a knit stitch, which can be used alone to create a myriad of awesome things.  Click the link here to watch it: https://youtu.be/RZztuWx0AYA

Bind Off

Ok, so you’re done knitting and you’re ready to… well, stop.  In this video I show you the simplest way to “bind off”, which is how you finish your work in such a way as to not have it unravel on you.  Like casting on, there are a bunch of different ways to bind off.  This is the first way I learned, and it’s still my primary go-to method.  Remember to keep it loose!  Click here to watch the video: https://youtu.be/4GTrQohxE2g

You’ll notice that this cowl requires you to know how to sew a seam. We’ve got a video for that, too!

Sew Seams

Click here to watch it: https://youtu.be/W3TdNBaSECk

Easy: Learn to Knit Cowl Pattern Download

Lamb's Pride Bulky Yarn

Malabrigo Mecha Yarn

Malabrigo Caracol Yarn

Bamboo 12" Single-point Knitting Needles, Size 15

Large-eyed Tapestry Needles (Susan Bates) Sz 13

What else to make…? If you’re not so much into cowls as Fingerless Mitts, you can use all these same skills and resources to make a pair of those bad boys, too. Check out my post on easy fingerless mitts, which includes a free read-along pattern for how to make them!

Whole Wide World - Fingerless Mitts Download

DIY Woven Art

Related items of interest: • Knitting Books • Knitting Patterns • Our yarns • Bulky weight yarns • Wool yarns • Super Bulky weight yarns • Merino Wool yarns • Knitting Equipment • Multi-Craft Equipment • Weaving Books

by: Kate Comaskey

Feeling Restless?

 

Upcoming Classes

This time of year can start to feel relentless whether you’re a fan of the snow or not. One of the good things about this time of year is that it is a great time to focus on trying something new. The pace of everything slows down and new projects are on the horizon. We’ve got some great classes lined up that will hopefully inspire you! Or perhaps trying something new is part of a New Year’s Resolution! Here’s what’s coming up at Halcyon Yarn. Check our website website to register or for more details, and feel free to give us a call with any questions. Remember, classes always include a discount on your shopping during the class as well as a coupon for use during the month following the class. New, late winter and spring classes will be announced in a few weeks – stay tuned for more knitting, felting, weaving and more!

Begin to Spin

Offered in February and again in March, with Linda Clutterbuck. Each session meets on two consecutive Saturdays:

• February 4th and 11th  10:00 am – 2:00 pm each day

• March 4th and 11th  10:00 am – 2:00 pm each day

Meditative, productive, creative… Spinning is a wonderful skill for every fiber artist to try and a pleasure for anyone to learn. Who wouldn’t want to make their own custom yarn?! Learn the 3 T’s of beginning spinning: treadling, tension, and twist. You’ll learn to treadle your spinning wheel and adjust the tension to put twist in the fiber to create yarn. You will also learn basic wheel mechanics and maintenance to keep your wheel fine tuned and running smoothly. You’ll leave the class with a solid understanding of the types of wheels, and what features you prefer, as well as the basic techniques to keep you spinning on your own.

Begin to Spin Part II

With Linda Clutterbuck:  Saturday, April 8th 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. Do you already know the basics and are ready for the next step? This class will get you on your way to advancing your skills!

Linda Clutterbuck is a life-long knitter, a beginning weaver, has been spinning for ten years, and graduated, with distinction, in 2015 from the Ontario Handweavers and Spinners (OHS) spinning certificate program. She is a member of Maine Spinners’ Registry, Maine Fiberarts, Ontario Handweavers and Spinners, (she won an HGA award for a handspun half-moon shawl in the juried show at the spring conference), and has served on the board of the Northeast Handspinners’ Association (NHA), most recently as the chair for the 2014 Gathering.

Wheels are available to rent for any of our spinning classes. The rental fee can be applied towards the purchase of a wheel in the week following the class. Rental wheels may be taken home during the week between classes, please just let us know if you’d like to rent a wheel when you register.

The Tapestry Weaving Guided Studio

Thursday afternoons in February from 2:30 to 5:30. Students will continue their tapestry weaving explorations and discover the incredible range of creative expression this medium offers. Haven’t taken a class? Don’t let it stop you. This is a more casual, studio time opportunity with Barbara Burns. Instruction will be provided and it is great if you want to continue a project, begin something new, or brush-up on specific skills.

Barbara is offering four sessions, so sign up for as many as you feel are necessary. Please bring your own loom or arrange with us to rent or purchase equipment.

Barbara Burns studied tapestry at West Dean College in Sussex, England as well as here in the US, most notable with Archie Brennan and Susan Martin Maffei. She has taught private students and workshops in New York and Maine. Barbara’s tapestries have been exhibited both nationally and internationally. She has received awards from as far away as Serbia. Barbara is featured in the publication Fiber Art Masters.

Weaving 101

Quick – this one fills up fast! Sybil Shiland’s three-day class is next offered March 17-19, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day.

Weaving 101 students will learn the fundamentals of weaving on a loom with four or more harnesses. The round-robin approach to the class allows students to try weaving on different looms and really get a feel for different styles and materials. You’ll learn how to plan your project, warp the looms, as well as try various techniques. Weaving is such a creative and satisfying medium, don’t be intimidated, Sybil makes it easy to get underway. You’ll be delighted at the range of what you can make using simple drafts and a basic floor loom – scarves, blankets, table linens and even yardage for garments or home decor, are all within your reach. This is a great class for those of you who have always been curious about the idea of weaving or those of you who want to brush up on your skills. All materials and equipment are included.

by: Sierra Roberts

How to knit: cast-on, knit stitch, bind-off, and sew-seams! (with videos)

 

How to knit! A work in progress. A series of how-to-knit videos. Enjoy!

First, cast-on:

Then, knit stitch:

Then, bind-off:

Finally, sew seams: