Des Moines Weavers and Spinners Guild

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Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Weavers and Spinners Guild

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If you are have an interest in: Weaving, Spinning, Felting, Basketry, Papermaking, Knitting or Dyeing.

10/23/2026

We’ve updated our class page with a sneak peek at some of the exciting classes coming this spring!

And the countdown is on! Registration for these new classes opens November 1st! Start planning ahead and get excited for all the new opportunities coming your way.

In the meantime, don’t wait to learn something new. Check out the classes that still have availability, brush up on a skill, explore a new interest, or try something you’ve always wanted to do.

Visit our class page at desmoinesweaversguild.org/learn/classes to explore available classes and start planning your next learning adventure!

10/21/2026

Curious about machine knitting? Come give it a try!

Spend Saturday, November 7, from 10 AM–2 PM at Rainbow Feathers Farm with us learning to use a Brother flatbed knitting machine!

You’ll learn the basics, from yarn selection and machine setup to casting on, tension, and finishing. Best of all, you’ll create your own wearable hat or scarf to take home!

Learn a new skill, make something with your own hands, and enjoy a 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 to feed and play with the alpacas!

Ready to give machine knitting a try?

👉 Sign up here: https://www.desmoinesweaversguild.org/learn/classes

10/20/2026

🎃 Help us fill this class with a little Halloween spirit and a lot of colorful chemistry! 🎃

Join us for The Art and Science of Acid Dyeing on Saturday, October 31, from 10 AM–2 PM. Learn how to mix dye stock solutions, understand depth of shade, calculate repeatable recipes, and experiment with color mixing and overdyeing to create custom colors.

Costumes are optional. Curiosity is encouraged!

Register and find full class details here: https://www.desmoinesweaversguild.org/learn/classes

10/14/2026

This past weekend, we welcomed Tom & Joanne Blodgett for an informative presentation on the journey of flax, covering everything from its history and growing process to flax production in the United States! Following the presentation, 15 participants had the opportunity to experience the hands-on process of turning flax into linen.

We’re grateful to Tom and Joanne for sharing their knowledge and giving us a closer look at this fascinating traditional craft!

10/08/2026

🎃 Calling all mad scientists of color! We have a new class for you where costumes are optional, but 𝙙𝙮𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 is not. 👻

This Halloween, mix a little science with a lot of creativity! In The Art and Science of Acid Dyeing, you’ll learn the Science behind creating the colors you envision, from preparing dye stock solutions and understanding depth of shade to calculating recipes for repeatable results. Then it’s time for the Art! Experiment with mixing primary colors, creating secondaries, overdyeing, and developing your own one-of-a-kind custom colors.

🗓️ Saturday, October 31 | 10 AM–2 PM
🎨 Instructors: Cherie Maxson & Erica Lueder
👻Register and view full details here: https://www.desmoinesweaversguild.org/learn/classes

Come discover the science behind the shades and the art of making color your own! 💜💙👻💚❤️

10/07/2026

Ever looked at a raw fleece and thought, “Okay…now what?” You’re not alone! Join Greg Padget of Plaid Perch Farm for Getting Started with Woolly Washing, a hands-on workshop designed to make scouring raw wool feel fun, approachable, and totally doable.

On Sunday, October 18, from 10:00 am–2:00 pm, we’ll dive into the wonderful world of wool washing. You’ll learn the supplies you need, the science behind scouring, and (most importantly) you’ll get to try it yourself!

Everyone will scour 4 ounces of raw wool from start to finish, with plenty of guidance along the way. While our wool takes a soak, we’ll chat about skirting, inspecting your fleece, helpful tips and tricks, and what to do when you’re ready to tackle a fleece at home.

You’ll head home with the fleece you washed, a laminated step-by-step guide, and the confidence to start scouring on your own. Maybe even a little excitement about washing wool!

Workshop Details

📅 Sunday, October 18 | 10:00 am–2:00 pm
➡ $60 members | $70 non-members
➡ $25 required material fee, which includes 4 oz. raw wool + laminated guide

Come get your hands in the wool and discover that scouring doesn’t have to be scary. It can actually be fun!

Sign up at www.desmoinesweaversguild.org/learn/classes

10/05/2026

Remember From Harvest to Thread: The Journey of Flax to Linen with Tom & Joanne Blodgett, the program we mentioned last week?

That program is free and open to the public, but there’s also an accompanying $30 hands-on class where you can get up close and personal with the flax process!

𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬: two spots opened up this weekend! 🎉

If you’re interested in the fascinating world of flax, we encourage you to grab your seat for From Flax to Thread: Hands-On Linen Processing & Drop Spindle Spinning before they’re gone.

👉 https://www.desmoinesweaversguild.org/learn/classes

10/02/2026

Ready to Get Your Loom in Action?

Tomorrow’s the day! If you’re feeling a little rusty on winding a warp, wondering whether to thread front-to-back or back-to-front, or just curious about winding a sectional beam, come join us and get those weaving skills back in action!

This is not a class, and there’s no fee! It’s simply a chance to learn, ask questions, try things out, troubleshoot, and build your confidence winding your warp and threading a loom.

We'll be in the Weaving Studio, Room 149 at the Franklin Event Center, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and we’d love to see you!

📅 Saturday, October 3
⏰ 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
📍 Weaving Studio, Room 149

Address

4801 Franklin Avenue Rm #147
Des Moines, IA
50310

Website

http://www.desmoinesweaversguild.org/

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