Historic craft classes at the Blacksmith Shop for winter 2023

Learn the art of decorative paper cutting at the Feb. 27 Blacksmith Shop class.

submitted by Annette Siffin, MAHS

The Manchester Area Historical Society is excited to announce a series of classes beginning on Mondays, held from 6–9pm, in January.

Classes are a simple introduction. They are geared toward sharing knowledge and technique of historic crafts to spur interest and motivate involvement in the Blacksmith Shop’s Historic Craft demonstrations and fund-raising efforts to sustain the program. They are also intended to create contemporary designs; to share the love and know-how of early crafts and techniques; and to teach and encourage others to share, and demonstrate, historic craft.

The program goal is also to raise funds to enhance the Historic Craft program through acquiring supplies and equipment in order to be able to share Historic Craft with the public and volunteers. Sign up at the Blacksmith Shop, text 734-417-2385, or email Margaret Shaw at mshawfolkart@yahoo.com. Fees ($15 per class, cash only please) will be collected evening of class. We encourage people to join Manchester Area Historical Society (MAHS).

Supplies are minimal and students are encouraged to bring their own and share. As the program grows, so too will equipment and supplies. Most of what we create during demonstrations are sold to sustain the program. The fees for the winter classes will go toward meeting the needs of the program. Those who teach are volunteers. Some classes may have a supply fee or the option to buy supplies.

Schedule for Historic Craft Classes at the Blacksmith Shop

Winter 2023 / Mondays 6–9pm / $15 per class (cash only please)

Jan 9 – Reclaiming Yarn from Sweater Deconstruction. Learn how to reclaim yarn from knit garments — a fun way to reuse materials and save money. Any knit garment can be reclaimed if constructed without cut seams. Supplies to bring: small scissors, seam ripper, a sweater to deconstruct.

Jan 16 – Knitting Mittens. Without using a pattern! Basic knitting skills required. Learn to knit flat (2 needles) or in the round (4 double-pointed needles) with reclaimed, store-bought, or hand-spun yarn without a pattern. We will learn how to knit and shape mittens. Supplies to bring: small scissors, yarn needle with large eye, selection of knitting needles — two different sizes, sets of straight and/or sets (4) of double-pointed and yarn.

Jan 23 – Rag Rug Weaving Using a Loom. Loom introduction and how it works. Hands-on weaving opportunity. Rag weft preparation and design. Supplies to bring: scissors.

Jan 30 – Mending. We will share and explore mending both woven and knit cloth in a relaxed, fun, and creative way. We will also discuss repair mending of worn sleeve cuffs, socks, etc. Supplies to bring: articles to mend, yarn and thread, small tapestry needle, sewing needles, scissors, fabric to patch. Bring any items you would like to share that you have patched or mended.

Feb 6 – Spinning. Hand spindle, drop spindle, and supported spindle techniques will be explored. Supplies to bring: hand spindle and fiber/fleece if you have any OR buy our kit @ $18 (includes spindle and wool roving) OR borrow a spindle from our stash and donate for roving.
Spinning Wheel. Learn about spinning wheel types and how to spin on them, and the advantages of using one to spin large amounts of yarn. Supplies to bring: your spinning wheel, if you have one, and roving OR we will share and demonstrate on ours.

Feb 13 – Rug Hooking. Learn the basics of primitive rug hooking. We will hook small sample pieces using hand-cut wool strips. Supplies to bring: wool cloth with fine weave in a variety of colors, rug-hooking hoop or small embroidery hoop to hold foundation material, primitive rug hook if you have one.

Feb 20 – Wool Appliqué/Penny Rugs. Learn about wool appliqué by making a small mat. Supplies to bring: scissors, small tapestry embroidery floss (size 18/22) in neutral color to outline shapes, wool cloth-fine weave in variety of colors, textures, straight pins.

Feb 27 – Paper Cutting. Learn several paper cutting approaches to make ornaments, stationery, and shelf paper. We will learn the basics of paper cutting or “Scherenschnitte.“ Supplies to bring: very small scissors, mechanical pencil, eraser, papers you might like to explore with (interesting printed papers such as newsprint, magazines, sheet music, etc.).

Do you have a pair of socks that need some repair? The class on “Mending,“ Jan. 30 at the Blacksmith Shop, will give you ideas and support.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.