SAGA HILL – Workshops & Classes

Image of Saga Hill class items

I love teaching both the techniques and historical aspects of each subject. When you take one of my workshops or classes, you will have a good time playing with yarn or fiber—and in the process, you will learn something more in-depth about the subject than you may experience in the typical learning experience.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
BY W.J. JOHNSON OF SAGA HILL
– 2023 & 2024 –

AMERICAN SWEDISH INSTITUTE (ASI)

American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55407; 612-871-4907. asimn.org

I have been offering flax production and spinning workshops as part of being awarded the 2022–2023 ASI Teaching Tools Grant (for flax processing equipment) (click here for more information).

NORDIC HANDCRAFT WORKSHOP
Wendy at flax break
Intro to Swedish Linen with Wendy Johnson (a half-day workshop)

Saturday, September 30, 1–4 PM
SOLD OUT! This is a repeat of the sold-out workshop held in April of 2023 at the ASI. Contact the ASI to get on a waiting list—see workshop link below.

For those who couldn't get into the 2023 flax processing workshops, we will be repeating this workshop on April 20th of 2024. Registrations for the spring ASI workshops will open late this year or early 2024.

Learn about the rich, storied history of Swedish flax growing and linen processing from ancient times to today, and discover the steps involved in growing, harvesting, and processing flax fiber for making linen. Students will have a hands-on experience in the processing of flax stalks to spinnable fibers using traditional hand tools. Suitable for ages 16+.

Experience level: No experience is necessary. This workshop is for everyone interested in the history and growing of flax, not just for those interested in spinning it!
Materials: $30 fee for materials to be paid to the instructor.
See the workshop description at asimn.org


NORDIC HANDCRAFT WORKSHOP
Image of class project
Binge Knitting from the Province of Halland, Sweden
(a half-day workshop)

Sunday, October 15, noon–4 PM
SOLD OUT! Contact the ASI to get on a waiting list—see workshop link below.

Discover the knitting tradition of the Halland province of Sweden—a knitting style called “Binge” (pronounced "Bing-ah") that began in the province during the 1600s. Binge knitting is characterized by Fair Isle-like patterns and colors traditional to this southwest coastal area of Sweden. Many Binge designs also include a double thickness of fabric. We will create a small bowl, designed by the instructor, that mimics the yarn bowls used by the Binge knitters of the 1800s. This bowl is also perfect for holding Swedish peppermints and would make a delightful gift for the holidays! Suitable for ages 16+.

Experience level: Students must know how to knit, cast on, and bind off.
Materials: A set of 4, size 8 double-pointed needles; Size H/8 [5mm] (or similar size) crochet hook; tapestry needle; stitch markers (optional). Yarn will be provided in the materials fee, $30, payable to the instructor.
See the workshop description at asimn.org

CITY OF PLYMOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION

Plymouth Creek Activity Center, Education Wing, 14800 34th Avenue N., Plymouth, MN 55447.
Click here to visit the City of Plymouth Parks & Recreation website and register for these upcoming classes. To select the class, enter the activity number for the class (see below) on their online registration form. You will need to set up an online account with the City of Plymouth to be able to complete your registration.


Image of drop spindle spinning
Learn How to Spin Yarn on a Drop Spindle
October 14, 2023, 1–4 PM
To register, enter activity number (35146) at the City of Plymouth link above.

Learn how to prepare wool fibers and spin your own yarn with a traditional drop spindle. At the end of the workshop, you will take home a small skein of newly spun yarn and a drop spindle to continue your spinning practice at home.
Experience level: None needed.
Materials: Supply cost is included in the class fee, includes fiber for spinning and a drop spindle to keep.
Cost: $84 for Plymouth residents; $93 for non-residents


Image of Silk Fusion Lampshade
Learn Modular Knitting – Make a Small Felted Bag for the Holidays
October 28, 2023, 12:30–4:30 PM
To register, enter activity number (35147) at the City of Plymouth link above.

Modular knitting begins with a single square and easily builds into an object or garment with few seams. In this workshop, modular knitting techniques will be taught while making a small bag that may be felted in the class or at home.
Experience level: Students need to know how to knit and purl.
Materials: Size 10, 16-inch or 24-inch circular needles or a set of size 10 straight and size 10 double-pointed needles, a tapestry needle, and any general knitting supplies. The supply cost for the yarn (enough yarn to create several small bags) and the pattern (created by the instructor) are included in the class fee.
Cost: $75 for Plymouth residents; $84 for non-residents



Image of cable knitting project
Viking Trails Cuff – a beginning cable knitting workshop
April 13, 2024, 1–4 PM
Registration to open at the end of 2023 or early 2024 at the City of Plymouth website (link to appear here later).

Learn how to read cable charts and knit basic cable stitches while beginning to knit a pair of cozy cuffs.
Experience level: Students need to know how to knit and purl.
Materials to bring: U.S. size 5 or 6 straight or circular needles, cable needle, and general knitting supplies. Soft, wool yarn in an ecru color and the pattern (created by the instructor) will be provided by the instructor and are included in the class fee.
Cost: TBA for Plymouth residents; TBA for non-residents



GAMMELGÅRDEN MUSEUM OF SCANDIA

20880 Olinda Trail North, Scandia, MN 55073
gammelgardenmuseum.org, 651-433-5053

My 2023 Gammelgården workshops have been held. Keep in touch for more workshops at Gammelgården in 2024!


Classes & workshops are added as opportunities come up.
Keep in touch!

If you're interested in any class or workshop shown but can't attend on the scheduled date, please contact me. 

If you don't see a class or workshop that interests you, some of my previously taught subjects include: Swedish Heritage Knitting, such as Lovikka Mitten Knitting; Tvåändstickning (Two-Ended/Twined Knitting); and Halland/Binge Knitting. Other knitting workshops & classes I offer are: Beginning Fair Isle Knitting (two-color knitting; Beginning Lace Knitting; Beginning Knitting; Modular Knitting; Beginning Mitten Knitting; among others.

Among my spinning workshops & classes are: Beginning Spinning with Spindle & Wheel; Spinning Short Fibers; Silk Spinning; Flax Processing & Spinning; Spinning Camelid Fibers; Wool Fiber Processing; and Fiber Dyeing.

If any of these subjects spark your interest (or another subject), please let me know. Advance interest helps establish future offerings.

Private workshops & classes & Speaking Engagements

I am able to schedule in-person private workshops & classes for individuals and groups. I also speak before groups on the subject of Swedish textiles and their history. Please contact me for more information.