Spinning Dyeing, Weaving and Felting – Romy Andres
Level of competence – for beginners, and those with limited experience
Duration of workshop – 4 days, Wed. September 21 – Sat. September 24
Cost of workshop – $280 + materials and equipment
Biographical Details
Romy Andres was born in Switzerland and it was there that her passion for spinning and knitting began. She was introduced to the skills of knitting and sewing in her early years of schooling and her passion for these crafts has remained to this day. Romy is a practicing artist, and for many years operated her own studio on Mount Tambourine, where she delivered workshops and participated in exhibitions. Eight years ago she rediscovered her love of felt making due to better and more efficient methods of production. This rekindled enthusiasm for this material has led her to become the felter and fibre artist she is today. Her most interesting current body of work comprise hats of all shapes and sizes, wall hangings and rugs woven using alpaca fibre. Romy feels that she is now at a stage in her life where she would like to pass on some of her knowledge and wonderful experiences to people who share her passion for creating art with fleece, in particular alpaca fibre, “The Fibre of the Gods”.
Workshop Details
Participants in this workshop will revisit the ancient skills and techniques of this craft employed by primitive cultures and nomads. Romy has arranged daily sessions in a sequence to teach you the step by step process of taking raw wool, direct from the sheep’s back, through the various stages of refining until you finally create your own individual piece of work. You will be engaging in skills such as carding, spinning using spindles and wheels, preparing and using organic dye baths using such plant material as marigolds, onion skins, tea leaves or bracken fern, then weaving your own spun wool on primitive frames. You will also be making felt and French knitting as you work towards creating your individually designed wearable art, or constructing a piece which can hung for display on the wall.
Materials and Equipment Required for Workshop
Romy will supply wool but if you have any which is spare or special, bring it along. A limited number of spinning wheels is available, so if you have one, bring it along also. Some weaving and darning needles, and a crochet hook for French knitting are also needed. As well, it would be advisable to bring along a hat block and pliable, dried organic material such as vines or branches to construct simple frames.
