Hoosier Hills Fiber Festival
A celebration of fiber arts and old-time artisan skills!
At the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Franklin, Indiana - 2025 Dates: Friday, June 6 & Saturday, June 7
Scroll past the schedule to read Friday Workshop descriptions.
Click a workshop title below to jump to that description.
Friday Morning Workshops
Friday Morning Workshops begin at 9 A.M.
Check specific workshop for its duration.
Friday 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
13 from 3 (Dyeing)
Workshop Fee Per Student: $55
Total length of time: 3 Hours
​​
Instructor's Name: Gina Levesque
Instructor's Business: Across Generations
Instructor's Website: facebook.com/acrossgenerationsfiberarts
​
Description: In this class we will explore basic color theory using three natural dyes:
indigo, cochineal, and osage orange. By combining each of these colors,
students will learn how to produce secondaries and tertiaries. Materials
include a notebook of class information, a color wheel, and samples of all colors.​
Items Included: Folder of information, samples, sample ring, disposable gloves
Student Provides: Dye apron
​
Prerequisites: None
Minimum Age of Participants: 14
Friday 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Bands on the Run - Weaving Warp Faced Plain Weave Bands
Workshop Fee Per Student: $75
Total length of time: 3 Hours
​
Instructor's Name: Jennifer Johnson
Instructor's Business: Fiber Maker Studio
Instructor's Website: www.fibermakerstudio.com
​
Description: Ribbon, band, trim - all these describe strong, decorative yet very utilitarian items we used to make ourselves. Join Jennifer as you create fantastic bespoke keyfobs or bookmarks. Pre-warped loaned looms mean you spend the time weaving.
​
Items Included: All fiber, workshop loom use, workshop notes and instructions
Student Provides: Scissors and a smile
​​
Prerequisites: None
Minimum Age of Participants: 8
Friday 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Beginner Drop Spinning and Plying Techniques - SOLD OUT
Workshop Fee Per Student: $65
Total length of time: 3 Hours
​
Instructor's Name: Justin Near
Instructor's Business: LoMaNa
Instructor's Website: locallymadeinnashville.com
​
Description: Learn how to spin your own yarn from natural fibers without the hassle and cost of a spinning wheel. In this class, we will learn the basics of drop spindles and how to spin on them, working in pairs and breaking down each movement required into smaller, more digestible bits. We will also cover multiple plying techniques and how to finish your yarn. In addition, students will learn about different fibers and will get an introduction to other types of spindles. All attendees will go home with handspun yarn that they have made and a drop spindle to keep.
​​
Items Included: Spindle and wool
Student Provides: None
​​
Prerequisites: None
Minimum Age of Participants: 10
Friday 9:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.
Beginning Sashiko
Workshop Fee Per Student: $55
Total length of time: 2 Hours
​​​
Instructor's Name: Kelli Slack
Instructor's Business: A Twisted Picot
Instructor's Website: www.atwistedpicot.com
​
Description: Sashiko is a Japanese handcraft that arose as a way to mend clothing. Now, sashiko is appreciated for its beauty and design. Join Kelli Slack in this class to learn basic techniques and start a quick project. Class includes kit for 2 coasters (pre-printed fabric, thread, and instructions), Sashiko thimble, book, and sashiko needle (Value $25).
​
Items Included: Class includes kit for 2 coasters (pre-printed fabric, thread, and instructions), Sashiko thimble, book, and sashiko needle
Student Provides: Scissors, pencil or pen/ note taking items
​
Prerequisites: None
Minimum Age of Participants: 16
Friday 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
Ikat Warp (Dyeing)
Workshop Fee Per Student: $115
Total length of time: 6 Hours
​
Instructor's Name: Heather Macali
​​
Description: Learn how to prepare and dye an ikat warp. Ikat is a bundled resist dye technique creating a blurred effect. This course covers how to wind, prepare, and dye an ikat warp for an 80" scarf. We will be winding our warp for 12 epi, so each weaver will need access to a 12 dent reed when the warp is to be woven. All levels welcome - participants should have a basic idea how to dress a loom, as we will not be weaving in the class.
​​
Items Included: Superwash merino wool (1 lb.), dye, dye auxiliaries, ikat tape, use of warping pegs, and handouts.
Student Provides: Large stainless-steel pot (at least 3 gallon), 3-gallon bucket, towel, sharp scissors, rubber or latex gloves, bag to transport dyed items, notebook, and pen.
​
Prerequisites: All levels welcome - but should have experience warping their loom as you will do that outside of class after the workshop.
Minimum Age of Participants: 16
Friday 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Intro to Brioche Knitting
Workshop Fee Per Student: $60
Total length of time: 3 Hours
​
Instructor's Name: Jenn Lampen
Instructor's Business: Synaptic Stitches
Instructor's Website: synapticstitches.com
​
Description: Come learn the wildly popular brioche stitch! In this workshop you will learn the basics of two-color brioche in the round. You will leave the workshop with the knowledge to knit basic brioche projects, tips and tricks to help you avoid common pitfalls, and the start of your first brioche cowl.
​
Items Included: Students will be provided with a printed handout of class notes
Student Provides: Two skeins of DK or worsted weight yarn in contrasting colors, solid or semisolid colors recommended, 16-in US8/5.0mm circular needles, stitch marker.
​
Prerequisites: Students must be comfortable with basic knitting skills such as knitting, purling, knitting in the round, k2tog, yo, and slipping stitches.
Minimum Age of Participants: 15
Friday 9:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.
Knitting 102: Beyond the Basics
Workshop Fee Per Student: $45
Total length of time: 2 Hours
​​
Instructor's Name: Peggy Graham
Instructor's Business: theknitlady
Instructor's Website: theknitlady.kit.com
​​
Description: So, you know how to cast on, knit, purl and bind off…now what? How do you make those pretty designs with your stitches, and decipher a written pattern? And what about those twisty things that some yarn comes in? This class will help you take your knitting to the next level. Topics to be covered include:
-
Learning the secret code of yarn labels
-
Needle sizes and types
-
Checking gauge and why it’s important
-
Standard pattern abbreviations
-
Various methods for increases and decreases
-
A variety of hints and tips from a seasoned knitter
-
Simple finishing techniques
​​
Items Included: Workshop information handout will be provided.
Student Provides: Students should bring a ball of smooth light colored worsted weight yarn, and a pair of knitting needles appropriate to the size of the yarn for practicing new stitches
​
Prerequisites: Students should know how to cast on, knit, purl, and bind off.
Minimum Age of Participants: 12
.jpg)
_JPG.jpg)
Friday 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Pin Loom Weaving
Workshop Fee Per Student: $45
Total length of time: 3 Hours
​
Instructor's Name: Kelly Jones
Instructor's Business: Kiss Looms
Instructor's Website: www.kisslooms.com
​
Description: Explore weaving on the Kiss Looms square, triangle, and hexagon weaving looms. Many sizes are available to try out during the class. You will learn how to weave on each type of loom and seaming techniques to make them into larger projects, such as pillows, scarves, blankets, bowls and shawls. Yarn and looms will be available during the class. Looms will be available for purchase after the class.
​
Items Included: Use of looms during class, yarn will be provided, looms will be available for purchase after the class.
Student Provides: None
​​
Prerequisites: None
Minimum Age of Participants: 12
Friday 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Wet Felting on a Ball - SOLD OUT
Workshop Fee Per Student: $110
Total length of time: 3 Hours
​
Instructor's Name: Bethany Mattingly
Instructor's Business: Sparrow Lark Farm
Instructor's Website: www.sparrowlarkfarms.com
​
Description: Explore the art of wet felting in this hands-on workshop where you’ll learn to craft a unique felted container or bag using a ball as a form. This immersive experience is perfect for beginners and fiber enthusiasts alike, offering an opportunity to work with multiple breeds of sheep wool, each with its own texture and felting properties.
We’ll also incorporate luxurious dyed Gotland locks to add stunning design and texture elements to your creation. By the end of the session, you’ll leave with a beautiful, functional felted piece made entirely by you!
What You’ll Learn:
• Fundamentals of wet felting, including shaping and layering techniques.
• How to work with a variety of sheep wool breeds.
• Creative ways to use Gotland dyed locks for texture and design.
Come prepared to get your hands wet and dive into this rewarding craft!
​​
Items Included: All materials are included: Selection of clean wool, batts, and dyed Gotland locks for selection and use by attendees sourced from Sparrow Lark Farm, equipment needed to wet felt on a ball, instructional materials to take home to continue working on wet felting skills. Additional materials for other vessel/purse can be purchased after workshop.
Student Provides: None
​​
Prerequisites: None
Minimum Age of Participants: 13
Friday Afternoon Workshops
Friday Afternoon Workshops begin at 1 P.M. except "Take a Stab at Knitting!" which starts at 3:30 P.M.
Check specific workshop for its duration.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
Friday 1:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Beginning Bobbin Lace (Idrija Style) - SOLD OUT
Workshop Fee Per Student: $70
Total length of time: 4 Hours
​​
Instructor's Name: Renden Hornung
​​
Description: Tape laces are great for beginning lacers because there are fewer bobbins to handle. Idrija uses 5 pairs to start! This lace comes from Slovenia, and it is a very functional lace often used to decorate clothing and household linens. You will learn the foundation movements for making bobbin lace (cross and twist), working cloth stitch and whole stitch, sewings to connect and finish, as well as other skills to create a lace butterfly. While you are working in your lace, we will discuss various lace topics, and examples of more advanced lace techniques will be available to view. All supplies for the class will be provided, and additional supplies will be available to purchase after the class. Students should bring scissors and extra lighting if needed.
​​
Items Included: Lace pillow, bobbins, thread, pins, pin cushion, crochet hook and cover cloth.
Student Provides: Embroidery scissors, supplemental lighting (battery powered) or magnification if needed.
​
Prerequisites: None
Minimum Age of Participants: 18
Friday 1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.
Get Hooked! Intro to Crochet
Workshop Fee Per Student: $20
Total length of time: 2 Hours
​​
Instructor's Name: Paige Shipley
Instructor's Business: Paige Shipley Designs
Instructor's Website: paigeshipleydesigns.com
​
Description: Learn this popular, fun, and portable craft! Learn the basics of crochet while making a practical washcloth. You'll learn all about tension, common stitches, and reading a pattern, and leave with the confidence to complete crochet projects on your own!
​
Items Included: All items provided.
Student Provides: None
​​
Prerequisites: None
Minimum Age of Participants: 6 (under 12 must have adult with them)
Friday 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Intro to Fiber & Wool
Workshop Fee Per Student: $45
Total length of time: 3 Hours
​​
Instructor's Name: Justin Near
Instructor's Business: LoMaNa
Instructor's Website: locallymadeinnashville.com
​
Description: Want to learn more about natural fibers and wool? In this class, students will learn about plant and animal fibers and their attributes by examining their physical properties and processing those fibers from their raw form. We will examine a variety of fiber and wool breed samples and will discuss what we observe visually and tactilely and what attributes result from those observations. We will continue our observations and discussion while physically processing raw materials, walking through the various stages of processing wool – skirting, scouring (where we’ll talk about lanolin), picking, and carding (where we’ll talk about differences in yarn attributes that result from different methods of preparation).
​​
Items Included: Wool
Student Provides: None
​​
Prerequisites: None
Minimum Age of Participants: 10
Friday 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Intro to Machine Knitting - SOLD OUT
Workshop Fee Per Student: $110
Total length of time: 3 Hours
​
Instructor's Name: Terri Martin
Instructor's Business: T Martin Studio
Instructor's Website: TMartin.Studio
​
Description: In this comprehensive beginner’s workshop, explore the world of machine knitting! Learn your way around an LK150 knitting machine, how to use it and discover the essentials of knitting on a machine. Students will learn basic techniques including stripes, increasing/decreasing, lace and ribbing that can be applied to any future project. There'll be plenty of time to practice and knit after different techniques have been demonstrated. Students will leave with swatches of everything they’ve learned.​
​
Items Included: Unlimited yarn and use of an LK150 knitting machine
Student Provides: Suggested things to bring for this class:
Notebook and pen
Yarn (Sport, DK or Worsted weight) or projects that you may have in mind
You can bring your own machine if you have it
​​
Prerequisites: No previous knowledge of knitting or knitting machines is required.
Minimum Age of Participants: 12
Friday 1:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Lasting Greens from Natural Dyes
Workshop Fee Per Student: $65
Total length of time: 3 Hours
​​
Instructor's Name: Gina Levesque
Instructor's Business: Across Generations
Instructor's Website: facebook.com/acrossgenerationsfiberarts
​
Description: Let’s get our green on! Many of the dye materials that come to mind give greens which are stains and fade quickly. In this class you will learn what qualities are found in those that give lasting greens. We will explore various materials, or combinations of materials, which give beautiful greens ranging from brilliant neon to a dark rich evergreen.
​​
Items Included: All consumables used in class, notebook of information, sample to dye and take home, disposable gloves
Student Provides: Please wear older clothing
​
Prerequisites: None
Minimum Age of Participants: 16
Friday 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Needle Felted Sleepy Mouse
Workshop Fee Per Student: $65
Total length of time: 3 Hours
​​
Instructor's Name: Julie Adams
Instructor's Business: Julie's Fiber Treasures
Instructor's Website: Facebook.com/jfibertreasures
​
Description: The Sleepy Mouse is a great project for the beginner with enough fun for the more advanced needle felter. No armature required! This adorable little guy is brought to life using 100% wool roving. Skills you will learn include; using a felting needle safely, choosing the best wool for your project, choosing the right tools, wrapping wool, creating shapes, building the sculpture, and bringing it all together. Each mouse will also receive it's own box for you to take home and decorate!
​​
Items Included: All materials are supplied, supplies will be available for use
Student Provides: None
​
Prerequisites: None
Minimum Age of Participants: 14
Friday 1:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
Nuno Felted Double Sided Scarf: Leaf
Workshop Fee Per Student: $95
Total length of time: 5 Hours
​​
Instructor's Name: Mariya Gerhardt
Instructor's Business: MriyaWeave
Instructor's Website: mriyaweave.com
​
Description: In this workshop students will learn how to make nuno felted double sided scarf with wet felting technique using extra fine merino wool roving, silk fabric, yarn, viscose fiber. This class is beginner friendly. Wet felting is the process when hot water and soap are applied to layers of wool fiber, while repeated agitation and compression causes the fibers to hook together or weave together into a single piece of fabric. Felt from wool is considered to be the oldest known textile. Nuno felting is the process of bonds loose fiber (usually sheep's wool) into a sheer fabric, such as silk gauze, creating a lightweight felt. "Nuno" is a Japanese word for cloth or fabric. In this workshop students will learn the basic of nuno felting, felting together different fiber and fabric. For decoration we will use different types of yarn and viscose fiber. Yarn will be sealed between silk and wool fiber, this specific technique in nuno felting is called lamination. As a result students will have a unique leaf like scarf with different designs on both sides.​
Items Included: extra fine merino wool roving, hand dyed piece of silk gauze rarefied fabric approx. 36” by 20”, different yarn pieces, viscose fiber, plastic gloves, thin plastic cover, handouts
Student Provides: old towel, scissors, plastic bag to take wet towel and scarf home.
​
Prerequisites: None
Minimum Age of Participants: 18 (13 - 17 year olds accepted if also accompanied by an adult also taking the workshop).
.png)
Friday 3:30 P.M. - 5:30 P.M.
Take a Stab at Knitting!
Workshop Fee Per Student: $20
Total length of time: 2 Hours
​​
Instructor's Name: Paige Shipley
Instructor's Business: Paige Shipley Designs
Instructor's Website: www.paigeshipleydesigns.com
​
Description: New to knitting? Let's cover the basics- we'll talk about yarn and how to choose yarn and needles for projects and then jump right into casting on, knitting, and (time permitting) purling! All items included in our "Get Started Knitting" kit.
​
Items Included: 25 grams of worsted weight yarn, size 7 needles, info booklet of tips for new knitters, and a darning needle, all in a cute bag!
Student Provides: Eagerness to learn a new craft!
​
Prerequisites: None
Minimum Age of Participants: 6 (under 12 must have adult with them)
Friday 1:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Yarn Tote (Basket Weaving) - SOLD OUT
Workshop Fee Per Student: $85
Total length of time: 4
​​
Instructor's Name: Laura Klaus
Instructor's Business: Baskets by Laura
Instructor's Website: www.facebook.com/basketsbylaurak
​​
Description:
​Need something to keep all your yarn in one place? This 16" x 10" x 9" basket has an adjustable strap and a solid woven base, so nothing falls thru. Identifying the "good" side of the reed, start/stop weaving, "chicken feeting" the fillers along with twining, and lashing will be some of what is taught. Color choices will be available the day of class. All tools needed to complete the project will be available for use in class, new tools will be available for purchase. This is a great basket for beginners and experienced weavers alike!
​
Items Included: All materials needed to complete the basket.
Student Provides: None
​​
Prerequisites: None
Minimum Age of Participants: 15