Classes: Custom Classes I Off-Site Teaching I Esther's Place Classes
Education about sustainable fiber farming and fiber arts is part of our mission at Esther's Place. We offer a wide range of educational opportunities ranging from elementary to university level workshops and presentations on sustainable farming and fiber arts to in house workshops and classes. For school visits in the Northern Illinois area, we come to your class(es) with all the materials for a delightful age-appropriate fiber arts project as well as various educational materials.
Our in-house classes and workshops
are held in two lovely rooms adjoining our shop.
We have some very exciting classes scheduled at Esther's Place for the coming year for the very beginner to the experienced fiber artist. Classes are designed to be warm, fun, informative, and succesfull for all.
In addition to our scheduled classes we can host a class – anytime, any day- for a group of 3 or more.
Custom Classes
Gather your group of three or more and we can host a class specifically designed by you and your friends! Whether you want to felt, knit, weave, dye or enjoy any other fiber art, we can put together a great class guaranteed to make you relax, laugh and learn something new. Some fun classes are the needle felted hat, purse, small knitting project, drop spinning, nuno felting and so much more!
Call 630-556-9665 and talk to Natasha to pick your project, day, time and class.
Gift Certificates and Private Lessons are also available!
To register use our registration form to mail or email to
info@esthersplacefibers.com
or telephone 630-556-9665.
Teaching
We can come to your meeting, home or group and bring a hands-on activity! You can choose from any of the workshops listed on the retreat page and we will bring all of the supplies needed. Makes a fun girls night for your friends and neighbors. Minimum of five participants.
$10/ person and $35/ flat travel fee
If your group would like to learn more about how we got started, the process from the sheep to the finished product and see the whole process in action, we offer an hour-long, engaging presentation. From art guilds to schools, libraries and more, this is a great way to learn more about fiber arts.
$50 and $35/ flat travel fee
If you are looking for a workshop, class or intensive study for your group, we can provide a variety of classes tailored for your needs. From novice to intermediate skill levels, we offer instruction in many areas of fiber arts. Please give us a call and talk to Natasha for more details.
Holiday Classes
Santa’s Workshop for Kids!
Good for kids 5-14 ! Cost: $28
Fri. Nov. 26th 10-3 pm
It’s time for little elves to get busy! Come for a fun day discovering fiber, making special gifts and meeting new friends. Bring a lunch and a some holiday spirit !
NEW! Knitting Sheep Ornament
Cost: $18
Tues. Dec. 7th 10-noon OR Sat. Dec. 18th 2-4 pm
Create a three dimensional wooly sheep with set of knitting needles, yarn and holly accents. Perfect gift for the fiber lovers in the family!
Felted Nativity Scene
Cost: $28
Sat. Nov. 27th 9-noon OR Sun. Dec. 19th 1-4 pm
Make Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, a star and three sheep with needle felting techniques. Start a family tradition this year!
Nativity Kings and Camels
Cost: $28
Sat. Dec. 11th 9-noon OR Mon. Dec. 20th 1-4 pm
Continue the tradition in making a king and camel in this class! Includes a kit to make three of each.
Nativity Shepherds and Barnyard
Cost: $28
Sun. Nov. 28th 2-5 pm OR Tues. Dec. 21st 1-4 pm
Add to the scene with a shepherd, shepherd boy, donkey and chickens. We will be making several figures in class, and it includes a kit to make all.
Nativity Angels
Cost: $28
Sat. Dec. 11th 1-3 pm OR Wed. Dec. 22nd 1-3 pm
Herald the news! We’ll create an angel and you’ll also have a kit to make two more.
NEW!!! Nativity Scenery
Cost: $28
Sat. Nov. 27th 1-3 pm OR Thurs. Dec. 23rd 1-3 pm
Create the landscape of Bethlehem to your home with three palm trees, boulders and a sandscape. Perfect for your nativity set!
Felt Pine Trees Cost: $18
Wed. Dec. 8th 2-4 pm OR Sat. Dec. 18th 4-6 pm
Using a form, we will felt hand dyed wool locks into a charming, life-like trees. With this technique, you can create a whole set for a mantle.
Father Christmas
Cost: $24
Thurs. Dec. 2nd 10-1 pm OR Sat. Dec. 11th 10-1 pm
Celebrate the kind hearted man who blessed many families in secretive ways around the Christmas season. Needle felt a 6” figurine with richly dyed wools, and a curly beard!
NEW! Felt Christmas Ball Ornaments
Cost: $18
Wed. Dec. 1st 4-5 pm OR Sat. Dec. 11th 3-4 pm
Make perfect balls to use as ornaments, or to fill a bowl or vase as a holiday centerpiece. You’ll learn an easy and quick way to make dozens of balls with needle and wet felting and a few tricks (including nylon pantyhose!) Choose from fun holiday colors and be inspired to decorate with wool!
Snowflake Table Runner
Cost: $40 +materials $20
Sat. Dec. 18th 10-2 pm OR Tues. Dec. 7th 1-4 pm
Select colors and use a special “wet inlay design technique” to draw on your felt surface. The entire piece will be wet felted for a unique piece to carry from the holidays into the winter season.
Felt Stocking
Cost:
$40 +materials $20
Fri. Dec.10th 10-2 pm
Using a piece of plastic resist, we will create a one-piece stocking with the design built right in! This will be the showcase of your decorations for sure.
Cookie Cutter Ornaments*
Cost: $10
Thurs. Dec. 9th 7-9 pm OR Wed. Dec. 22nd 10-noon
Create cute little wool ornaments with needle felting! A great kid-friendly project. These make fun gift tags as well, dressing up any package with a special touch.
Poinsettia Garland
Cost: $40
Thurs. Dec. 2nd 2-4 pm OR Fri. Dec. 17th 1-3 pm
Create a beautiful 3’ poinsettia garland using needle felting and wire. This is a beautiful addition to your home for the holidays!
NEW! Felted Vintage Elf
Cost: $18
Sat. Nov. 27th 3-6 pm OR Thurs. Dec. 16th 1-4 pm
Remember that mischievous elf from your childhood? This year you can share him with your children and grandchildren! Create his sculpted face, cute green and red outfit and sparkling grin.
Knitting
Call ahead for needle size needed for classes Knitting 101
Cost: $45+ materials $15
Sat. Sept. 25th, Oct. 9, 16th 4-6 pm
Come learn with us as we teach to cast on, knit, purl, cast off, and more as you start on a beautiful scarf.
Thrummed Mittens
Cost: $45 ; materials extra
Fri. Oct. 8, 15 and 22nd 10-noon
Skill Level: Beg. knitter; comfortable with knit and purl
Create the coziest pair of mittens you may ever have- they are lined in tufts of the fluffy roving. Pick out your colors of yarn and roving at the class.
Socks 101
Cost: $45; materials extra
Wed. Sept. 22, 29th, Oct. 6th 3-5 pm
Skill Level: Beginning knitter, adventurous to try more
We’ll use the traditional method of double pointed needles and a simple pattern that will have you making a pair in no time at all.
Knitting 102
Cost: $35
Sat. October 23 and 30th 4-6 pm
Expand your skills! We’ll cover increases, decreases, as well as fixing knitting mistakes. The other half of the class will be devoted to helping you start a project, so bring an idea, yarn and pattern or come ahead for help in picking out something fun!
Crochet With Amber Corbett
NEW! Introduction to Crochet
Cost: $35 + mat. $15
Sat. Sept. 11 and 18th 10-noon
Learn to crochet with a fun and adorable chicken placemat. You’ll learn how to properly hold your yarn, chain, single and double crochet and simple shaping. Start your crochet adventure this fall!
NEW! Artful Crochet
Cost: $35+ mat. $20
Wed. Oct. 13 and 20th 1-3 pm
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Design and crochet a scarf that incorporates yarns woven throughout, felted embellishments, beads and more. Open work crochet stitches will be explored, and your scarf will be fun and inventive.
NEW! Stockings in Crochet
Cost: $35
Tues. Nov. 2, 9, 16th 2-4 pm
Skill Level: Intermediate
Starting with a basic stocking pattern, you’ll learn to create a three dimensional shape in crochet. Then, embellish it with needle felted embellishments!
WET FELTING
Nuno Felted Scarf
Cost:
$50 + materials : $12
Sat. Oct. 23rd 10-2 pm OR Fri. Nov. 19th 1-4 pm
We’ll dye the silk, choose our fibers and have fun. This class is a wet felting process that is a fun exercise for creativity and the body! Bring a bag lunch and two towels.
Tree Bark Scarf
Cost: $45 + materials : $20
Tues. Sept. 21& 28th 2-4 pm
OR Thurs. Nov. 11&18th 7-9 pm
Learn to manipulate wool to create thin felt material, which we will then resist dye the second week.. Shibori stitching will be taught along resist principles for great texture and color.
Felted Checkerboard and Pieces
Cost: $35+mat. $20
Fri. Sept. 24th 10-2 pm OR Tues. Oct. 12th 10-2 pm
This class will teach many techniques of wet felting as we make all the pieces! Bring 1 towel and lunch.
Vessels, Bowls and Vases Oh My!
Cost: $50 +mat. $28
Sat. Oct. 9th 10-2 pm OR Thurs. Nov. 18th 10-2 pm
If you like working with ceramics, this is a neat class to learn to work with fibers in a similar way! Bring 1 towel with you!
Dyeing
Shibori Dyeing
Cost: $30 + materials : $15
Tues. Oct. 5th 1-4 pm OR Wed. Nov. 17th 10-1 pm
Learn to fold, pleat, scrunch and manipulate material to create a unique, one-of-a-kind dye pattern! We will teach basic color theory and dye a 100% silk scarf and shawl during class. Great for holiday gifts.
Jewelry
NEW! Super Easy Stretch Magic Felt Bracelet
Cost:
$25 (includes supplies)
Tues. Oct. 5th 6-8 pm OR Wed. Nov. 17th 1-3 pm
We’ll make our own felt beads, then assemble using stretchy clear elastic. This is definitely a great gift idea!
NEW! Floating Beads Necklace
Cost:
$25 (includes supplies)
Thurs. Sept. 30th 2-3:30 pm OR Tues.Oct. 26th 7-8:30 pm
You’ll learn how to use crimp beads and beading wire along with my wonderful stash of beads to create a beautiful necklace that looks as though the beads are floating! Bring a crimp tool.
Hammered Copper Pin
Cost:
$25 (includes supplies)
Thurs. Oct. 28th 6-7:30 pm OR Tues. Nov. 30th 2-4 pm
Use semi-precious stones and beads along with copper wire to create a gorgeous pin! Great for shawls, and other knitted garments. Bring a pair of smooth pliers.
Needle Felting
The age suggestions are guides for younger felters, but call if you have questions! We welcome all ages young and older to join us for these fun, easy felting classes.
Felted Animals- Good for kids 8+
Birds Cost: $17
Wed. Sept. 15th 3-5 pm OR Tues. Nov. 23rd 10-noon
Create your choice of a cardinal, bluejay or chickadee.
Dogs and Cats Cost: $17
Sat. Oct. 30th 10-noon OR Thurs. Nov. 18th 4-6 pm
Bring a picture of your pet to felt a figurine of it!
Safari Cost: $17
Wed. Oct. 6th 1-3 pm OR Sat. Nov. 20th 4-6 pm
Create your elephant, lion, giraffe, or zebra!
Needle Felted Clutch Purse
Cost: $35 + mat. $18
Thurs. Sept. 30th 10-2 pm OR Tues. Nov. 23rd 5-9 pm
.We’ll help you select a beautiful blend of colors by the end of class you will have a purse completed! Great for Christmas gifts. Bring a bag lunch and a felting tool.
Needle Felted Slippers
Cost: $35 + materials : $25
Wed. Sept. 29th 10-2 pm OR Sunday Oct. 17th 2-6 pm
Combine needle and wet felting in these comfy slippers that make great gifts! Bring a bag lunch and felting tool.
Needle Felted Hats
Cost: $35 + materials : $25
Tues. Oct. 19th 10-2 pm OR Sun. Nov. 21st 1-5 pm
Winter is coming and you’ll want to keep that head warm! No better way than with a felt hat. We’ll pick out a great combination of colors, your sized form and we’ll show you how to do the rest! Bring a bag lunch and felting tool.
Pumpkin Sachet Good for kids 5+
Cost: $18
Sat. Sept. 25th 10-noon OR Tues. Oct.12th 5-7 pm
Create a wonderful smelling sachet that will warm up any room! This is such a simple project and great for kids!
Fabulous Stash-Buster Flowers
Cost: $22
Fri. Oct. 15th 7-8:30 pm OR Tues. Nov. 30th 7-8:30 pm
Create boutique-style flowers that are perfect for bags, headbands, pins, and more! A great girls-night-out and fun for using up your little stash at home.
Rug Hooking
With Diana Hanson
NEW!!! Loopy Sunflower Bag
Cost: $45 Thurs. October 7th 6:30-8:30 pm
Create a fun purse as we work from the middle out in a fun variety of hand dyed wool material! This is an inspiring, sunny piece that you will enjoy hooking and wearing. Bring with you a hooking frame and hook. All other supplies included.
Weaving
Using your Stash in Weaving Workshop
Thurs. Oct. 7th 10-2 pm OR Tues. Nov. 16th 10-2 pm
Cost: $160 (includes a loom!)
Upgrade to a large 25” loom for only $135 more!
This is a workshop will not only teach you how to weave on a rigid heddle loom, but will get you started on a project and will send you home with Schacht Spindle’s Cricket loom! Bring your stash yarn (and a bag lunch)and we’ll teach you how to make great scarves.
NEW!!!! Using Your Stash Reunion/ Rewarping!
Fri. Oct. 29th 10-1 pm Cost: $45
Have you come to one of our earlier classes? We are having a day where you can come connect with others who have also taken the class, see their scarves, and get a refresher as we rewarp the looms.
Spinning
Drop Spindling 101
Cost: $25 + materials: $20
Tues. Sept. 28th 10-noon OR Fri. Oct. 22nd 2-4 pm
Get introduced to the wonderful art of spinning with a drop spindle. We make it fun to learn to make your own yarns! This is a great way to start.
Jump Start- 2 Day Workshop
Cost:
$95 + materials $35
4 pm Fri. Nov. 19th – 4 pm Sat. Nov. 20th
Have you been wanting to learn to spin? This intensive two day workshop will cover basics, from drop spindling to wheels, fiber differences, and technique. Class fee includes overnight accommodations& meals for2 days.
Spinning 101
Cost: $220 + materials: $35*
Sat. Sept. 11th, 25th, Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30th 2-4 pm
This class will have you spinning beautiful yarn in just a few short weeks! Learn the in depth fundamentals of fiber preparation, drop spindling, wheels, techniques and plying. The last class is a dyeing class, too! Includes rental of Schacht Matchless Wheel for 5 weeks.
NEW! Wild ‘n Crazy Core Spun
Cost: $35 + mat. $15
Sat. Oct. 16th 10-noon OR Thurs. Nov 11th 2-4 pm
Create fun yarns that have lots of texture and are very popular with large needle knitting! Learn blending techniques on the drum carder, then move onto spinning many different styles of core spun yarn.
Friends of Esther Classes this session include….
Cheesemaking
Sun. Nov. 21st 2-5pm
Cider Pressing
Sun. Oct. 17th 3-5 pm
Christmas Cookie Exchange
Fri. Dec. 17th All day
$10member/ $18 non member
Call for more information!
Calling Friends of Esther members…
Do you have a special something you want to share? Let us know and we’ll include it for the fall!
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