Once again the annual Robert Burns dinner was a huge success as people gathered from near and far at the Wunderbar to eat haggis and listen to words of the great Scottish poet who died in 1796 at the age of 37. Burns, who is otherwise known as the Ploughman’s poet, or the Bard of Aryshire, has been called the national poet of Scotland because he often wrote in the Scots language, although he was skilled in writing in the English language as well. Once again, Jeff Morgan and Mary MacDonald put the Jan. 26 event together. Photo courtesy of Ellen Stubbs
The Northwoods Fiber Guild will once again teach fiber classes to children and adults during the 9th annual Northern Fibers Retreat at North House Folk School in Grand Marais, February 13-17. The five-day event will feature guest instructor Karin Flatoy Svarstad from Norway, new courses, lectures, Lunch & Learn sessions, and community gatherings.
A popular program for families at the retreat is the “Fiber for Kids” classes offered by NFG members on Saturday, February 16, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. A variety of hands-on fiber projects for kids age 7 and up gives participants young and old the experience of fun with fibers.
This year, students will learn how to felt wool bracelets, weave on a cardboard loom, design oneof a-kind Suminagashi ink prints, sew felt critters, and make Kumihimo braided cords and key chains. The cost is $15 per adult/child plus $5 for each additional child. There is a 25 percent local discount, as well as scholarships.
The instructors involved with the kids’ classes are Nancy Haarmeyer, Karen Kobey, Denise Martin, Mary MacDonald, Penny Ortmann, Kris MacPherson, Carol Evenson, and Kay Rosenthal.
Several other guild members will teach adult courses which include Beginning 4-Harness Loom Weaving by Pat Zankman, Julie Arthur, Marie Westerman; Anishinaabe Style Bead Embroidery & Moccasin Sewing by Marci McIntire; Penny Rugs: Woolen Mosaics plus Bookbinding: Side Sewn Notepad & Album Binding by Karen Smaby; and Needle Felting & Bead Embroidery by Jo Wood.
NFG members will also be hosting the Show & Share session Friday, February 15 at 7 p.m. at North House. Everyone is welcome to share fiber work, learn about local guilds, and enjoy some treats.
For more information about all courses and community gatherings going on during the 2019 Northern Fibers Retreat, contact North House Folk School at 888-387-9762 or visit northhouse.org.
Leave a Reply