UPCOMING WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
BY W.J. JOHNSON OF SAGA HILL
– 2024 & 2025 –
AMERICAN SWEDISH INSTITUTE (ASI)
American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55407; 612-871-4907. asimn.org
NORDIC HANDCRAFT WORKSHOPS AT ASI…
Learn to Knit and Embroider Swedish Lovikka-Inspired Mittens
October 26, 2024, 12–4:30 PM
SOLD OUT! Contact ASI to get on a waiting list (see link below).
Take a deep dive into the Lovikka knitting tradition, known for its unique embroidered cuff embellishments! In this half day workshop, students will explore the rich history of this renowned tradition originally from the town of Lovikka, located near the Arctic Circle. After a short presentation, fiber artist Wendy Johnson will lead students in the steps of how to knit the mitten on double-pointed needles, embroider the cuffs, and “full” (lightly felt) a miniature version of the Lovikka mitten. The mitten completed in class is a child’s size, though the provided pattern includes an adult-sized mitten that you may complete at home. These embellished mittens are sure to keep you cozy in the cold season or provide the perfect seasonal gift!
Experience level: This is an appropriate project for knitters new to mittens, but students should already know how to knit in the round on double-pointed needles, ages 16+.
Materials: A $35 materials fee covers the pattern, one skein of Lovikka yarn (enough for two mini-sized mittens), and embroidery yarn. Students must bring a set of U.S. size 9 double-pointed needles (preferably in a set of 5), stitch markers with loop closure (or medium-sized safety pins), a small stitch holder, and a tapestry needle.
Cost: $80 ($70 ASI members), plus $35 materials fee to instructor
GO TO ASI TO FIND OUT HOW TO GET ON THE WAITING LIST
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT – GALE WOODS FARM…
Gale Woods, 7210 County Road 110W, Minnetrista, MN, 55364, is a working educational farm and part of the Three Rivers Park District. For more information, call the farm at 763-694-2001 or visit the Gale Woods Farm website. Click here to go to the Gale Woods Farm website.
Fall Fest, October 13, 10 AM–4 PM. I will be at the Pavilion Building, demonstrating the processing of linen flax stalks using the flax from a plot project I secured and worked on at the farm during the summer of 2024. (See my blog link below.) Click here to go to the event page at the Three Rivers Park District website.
Visit my blog to follow the 2024 linen flax crop at Gale Woods Farm.
Also see my Saga Hill Talks & Events page for special public events related to the linen flax plot.
Advanced Spinning Workshop with Wendy Johnson
Saturday, November 23rd
1-4 PM
Spend the afternoon spinning and learning more about spinning at Gale Woods Farm! I will kick things off with a presentation on spinning Minnesota grown fibers, particularly flax and wool, followed by time spinning together while answering questions and sharing tips. Prior spinning experience is required, and participants must bring their own wheel. $50/person. Ages 18+. Reservations required 1 week prior to the workshop. To register, see the link above for the farm website, or call the farm at 763-694-2001.
INGEBRETSEN'S NEEDLEWORK SHOP…
(Ingebretsen's is a Nordic wares shop located at 1601 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407. Click here to visit the Ingebretsen's website and register for classes.)
Learn Tvåändstickning (Swedish Two-Ended Knitting)
March 29, 2025, Noon–3:30 PM
Learn the basics of tvåändsticking (Swedish two-ended/twined knitting) and begin a pair of fingerless mitts. Two-ended knitting is a traditional Swedish knitting technique dating back to, at least, the 1600s. It uses two ends of yarn, creating a dense fabric. Students will learn how to knit and purl with the two-ended technique and start a pair of fingerless mitts or cuffs that are not only warm but extremely durable. (Note: The current photo does not show the final project.)
Experience level: Ability to knit and purl, and preferably some experience using double-pointed needles.
Materials: The yarn may be purchased at the shop prior to the start of class. Students should bring a set of U.S. size 4 double-pointed needles (needles may also be purchased at the shop before class) and any basic knitting tools they may have. If you have them, it would be wise to bring a range of double-pointed needle sizes to confirm your gauge.
Cost: Contact Ingebretsen's website above for the cost and how to register.
WEAVER'S GUILD OF MINNESOTA (WGM)…
The WGM is a nationally-recognized organization for the arts of weaving, spinning, and dyeing. It is located in the Open Book Building, 1011 Washington Avenue South, Suite 350, Minneapolis, MN, 55415. Click here to go to the WGM website.
Currently, I have no workshops scheduled at WGM, although there may be something scheduled in the future.Also see my Saga Hill Talks & Events page for special public events related to the linen flax plot.
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.