Simple Ways to Welcome Spring + Upcoming Events

Spring is Just Around The Corner!

We’ve got spring fever at The Woolery! Hop over to Pinterest to see what’s been inspiring us this season on our new Welcome Spring inspiration board. There are plenty of ways you can spruce up your home decor with simple projects to knit, weave, felt or hook, ranging from practical projects to whimsical accents. Bright colors and lightweight, easy-care yarns such as cotton, bamboo or linen are perfect choices for your next ‘home improvement’ project. Below are just a few ideas that will give you a bright outlook for spring!

To view all of these projects (and more!), click here to visit our ‘Welcome Spring’ inspiration board on Pinterest!

Upcoming Fiber Events

We’ve got plenty of exciting classes and workshops happening at The Woolery in 2013, but now we’ll be keeping you updated about the latest fiber events happening throughout the country (and beyond!) with our new Upcoming Festivals page, too! Though The Woolery will not have a booth at the festivals listed,  we are providing this information as a service to the Fiber Arts Community in our efforts to support guilds, festivals and the fiber arts people who work so hard to keep crafting alive for future generations.

If you have an upcoming festival to promote, let us know! Simply email webmaster@woolery.com with the dates, location, a short description, image or logo along with a link to your website to be included on our page. There is no charge for this service; click here for more information!

All the best,

Chris, Nancy, and the entire Woolery team

New Skills + Thrills: Get Ready For Fall!

It’s that time of year! The kids are heading back to school, the leaves will start changing and the air will grow crisp. For many, this means a return to crafts; perhaps you took a summer-long break, or, after three months of perfecting your skills, you’re ready to expand your crafting your horizons and learn something new.

Rug hooking may not be the first thing you think of when you’re looking to try a new craft, but it sure is fun! We recommend starting with primitive rug hooking, which uses wide strips of wool (generally about 1/4″ wide). You only need to know how to pull a loop through the burlap backing, and mistakes are easily corrected – just pull it out and try again! Primitive rug hooking was re-popularized in the early 20th century by Pearl McGown, who feared that the craft was becoming extinct. Pearl spent many years formalizing the study of primitive rug hooking and establishing strict guidelines for crafters – you can read more about her legacy here.

Another fun craft to try is felting! It’s quick, satisfying and versatile. Wet felting techniques use hot water and soap to aid in the felting process – it’s an efficient way to make larger pieces for projects such as pillows, purses, hats, and more! For smaller items, needle felting gives you precise control for finer detailing. Each felting needle has small bumps to add friction as you pierce the material to create the felted form. It’s so satisfying to see your project take shape before your very eyes!

At the Woolery, we’re here to help you every step of the way, whether it’s finding the perfect supplies, taking a class or workshop, or seeking help from our knowledgable staff. For those of you who can’t make it into our shop, we’ve created a series called Ask the Woolery, where our most commonly-asked questions get answered the best way we know how: by video tutorial! We also have an ever-growing advice and help section on our website. We’re thrilled to help our customers achieve their crafting aspirations!

Chris, Nancy, and the entire Woolery team

Get Hooked: Rug Hooking 101 + Master Felter Pays A Visit

The one thing that all spinners, weavers, dyers, felters, knitters, hookers—need I go on—share is a love of our base material.  Perhaps that is why we are so nutty about rug hooking around here.  The materials and designs so enticing! If you aren’t familiar with the process (and even if you are) you will enjoy the resources on our rug hooking  how to get started page.  In particular, check out the video by Gene Shepherd, who gives a great demonstration on the beauty and basics of the craft. 

We want to give one lucky reader/fan/follower a chance to win an adorable beginning rug-hooking kit featured in our last blog.  Simply post a comment about any rug hooking expereinces you have had even if it is none! We will pick a winner a week from now (no foolin’).  It’s time to get hooked!

Leslie Samson Workshops

Speaking of beautiful, enticing materials we are thrilled to host the marvelous felter Leslie Samson in May. Leslie has taken felting to another level with her exquisite approachable designs. Leslie is a master at wet, needle, and nuno felting. Felt wool and beyond, by making wearables to wall pieces. Leslie will teach three workshops: Botanical Felting, Scribble Lace Scarf, and Felted Tapestry. (You might even spot a bunny or two hopping around.)

We would love to see you here in May or any other time! Of course we can visit   online anytime.

Chris, Nancy, and the entire Woolery team