FORT GARLAND — Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center presents New Skills Saturdays.

Through September the museum will be offering classes in a variety of skills; pick up a new skill or improve on an old one.  Class size is limited; please call the museum at 719-379-3512 to register for classes or register online at Fort Garland Museum Facebook page.  Subscribe to the New Skills Saturdays Newsletter by contacting Kelley Ivers at [email protected].

Schedule of classes:

August 4

9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Kids Colcha with Marcella Pacheco - Available for children 8 years and up. Learn the traditional colcha stitch and create a wonderful work of art.

Class fee is $15 per person. Parents are welcome to stay and learn as well.

9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Rigid heddle loom, intro to weaving with Jacque Hart, Part 1- Learn the art of weaving on a rigid heddle loom.

Class fee is $79 per person. Looms will be available to check out in the Fort Garland Museum fiber studio. Class size limited to 6, this is a two day class, second class on Aug. 11. 

1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Christmas Stockings with Michelle Bowman - Design and knit your own stranded colorwork Christmas stocking. In this class, each student will create a unique pattern to knit a Christmas stocking.

Class fee for this class is $75 per participant.

1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Blending with Crys Wallace - Learn the joys and versatility of using a blending board. In this class we will learn to use the board to make rolags, batts, punis, and roving.

Class fee is $45 per participant.

August 11

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Rigid heddle loom, intro to weaving with Jacque Hart, Part 2 - continuation of Aug. 4 class. Leave class this day with a finished scarf, hand purse, or towelette.

August 18

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Introduction to the Spinning Wheel with Jacque Hart, Part 1 - Fiber to Finish. Learn every step from skirting a sheep fleece to spinning a ply yarn. In this two-session class participants will begin spinning on a Navajo hip spindle and transferred to the spinning wheel. Students will learn the “long Draw” from Jacque, a skill not often taught. The second session on August 25th there will be an open demonstration in which Jacque will answer any questions and demonstrate any process the students wish to see.

Class fee is $125 and all materials are provided. Spinning wheels will be available to students throughout the two weeks to practice. Class will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a break for lunch. This is a two-day class, second class on Aug 25.

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Procion Dyeing with Michelle Bowman - How to dye cotton and other cellulose fibers and fabrics. Procion dyes are used on cotton, bamboo, linen, rayon, and even silk! This class of dyes, made to dye cellulose fibers, is easy to use, IF you learn the relevance of pH, time, and temperature. In this class, we’ll learn about how Procion dyes work, how to work with the assistive chemicals safely, and most importantly, how you can make a cellulose (or silk) item any color you want! We’ll learn how to mix the colors, how to adjust them to get the color you want, and how to make sure your dyed items are colorfast. We’ll also try some different dyeing techniques: most people are familiar with tie-dye, but there are many other ways to apply color to fabric. You’ll have several items to take home and wash and rinse out on your own, plus written guidelines and sources for supplies. Students should wear clothes they don’t mind getting dye on, and closed toe shoes, and bring a pair of kitchen-type rubber gloves. All other minimum safety equipment will be provided.

Class fee is $190 per student. Class begins at 9 a.m. and students will need to pack a lunch.

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Colcha with Connie Fernandez - Learn the traditional Colcha stitch from Connie Fernandez. Learn the skills needed to create your own Colcha design.

Class fee is $15 per student.

August 25 

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Pastelles with Charity Ann Grable - Learn the art of using pastels with Charity Ann.

Class fee is $15 per student.

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Introduction to the Spinning Wheel with Jacque Hart, Part 2 Continuation of Aug. 18 class

September 1

1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Fiber Fusion with Crys Wallace - Making Fiber Paper (Fusion) - Learn the materials and techniques required to fuse fibers into unique and beautiful paper.  We will use silk and bamboo and maybe some other fibers. Fiber fusion makes beautiful paper that can then be used for other artistic applications including, applique, journal/book/album covers, gift tags, photography matt, masks, cards, boxes, frames, business card cases, jewelry- pins/earrings/pendants, vessels, envelopes, lamp shades, etc!

Class fee is $25 per student. Materials Fee $15 - Covers: - Fusion fluid, fibers and screens.

Students will need to bring an old iron if possible.

September 15

1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Bookbinding with Crys Wallace - Learn the art of bookbinding! In this class we will learn the techniques and process of making a one-of-a-kind handmade Coptic stitch journal. The workshop will cover the details of taking raw and recycled materials and forming them into a functional book. Coptic Stitching is one of the easier forms of stitched bindings, making it a great way to start learning, and it is one of the most intriguing with an exposed spine and intricate, visible stitching pattern. These beautiful books open flat which makes them extremely functional for journaling. 

Class fee is $30 per participant with a $10 material fee.

September 22nd

9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Rug Hooking with Abby Andreatta, Part 1 - An introduction to the colonial history, tools, materials, and methods of the art of traditional rug hooking (this is NOT latch hooking.)  Participants will enjoy hands-on instruction during the completion of a primitive-hooked autumn pillow or rug. Students will learn how to economically source wool and supplies, color planning, and designing projects - no drawing ability necessary. The class includes an autumn pumpkin pillow/rug kit as well as a complementary hook.

Class fee is $100 per participant. This is a two-day class, second class on Sept. 29

September 29

9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Rug Hooking with Abby Andreatta, Part 2 - continuation of Sept. 22 class.