DOWN HOME & COMPANY
150 MAIN ST
BRIDGTON, ME 04009
(207) 647-8118
downhomecompany.com

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UPCOMING CLASSES October - December 2008

The new class schedule is finally out!  Between vacation and Fryeburg Fair I just couldn't get it together sooner.

I'm very pleased with the selection of classes this semester.  As always, the classes at Down Home & Company are geared not simply to make a project, but to teach a new skill or technique that the student is able to take away with him or her and repeat at home.  I do my best to choose instructors who not only are artistic & creative, but who are also good teachers.

You will notice that most of the guest instructor classes are clustered in the month of November.  It makes it hard for those of you who would like to take multiple classes, but many dates in December had too many conflicts with holiday preparation events.  Most of the class projects are possible holiday gifts themselves, but don't forget that a gift certificate for merchandise or tuition to a class is a great gift as well.

As we move through fall and toward the year end I will wish you a happy holiday season.

Lorinda O'Brien
 

Beginning Crochet:  Learn to make a measure-as-you-go hat.  This is a simple project.  The final product will be a fashionable, head hugging cloche.  This class is geared toward the beginner to intermediate crocheter.  Rindy OBrien is your instructor. Bring 2-4 oz of sport weight yarn and an appropriately sized crochet hook to class.  Thurs, Oct 23rd & 30th,  6-7:30 pm at the Bridgton Memorial school.  Please call Darlene Perry @ 647-5054 to register.

Wooly Woof !!  Needle Felted Dogs:  $35.  Julie Yarbrough of Kick the Moon Farm will walk you through the process of needle felting a dog using unspun wool (breed specific if you like).   She will bring dog breed books for inspiration, or you can bring along photos of your own furry friend.  Julie's classes are always fun, interesting and creative.  She was the featured artist at the Fryeburg Fair Fiber Center this year and her displays wowed us all.  Julie runs a very flexible class and can accommodate beginners thru advanced level needle felters.  She is happy to offer expert advice on any current projects you might have.  Materials fee $20, or bring your own needles, felting pad, wool & pipe cleaners.  Single session.  Sat, Nov 1st, 10:30-3:30 pm.

Simple Mittens:  Make a sturdy mitten using a pattern from the 1800s.  A gentle introduction to 4 needle knitting.  As a prerequisite, student should be able to cast on and knit.  Bring to class 6 oz worsted weight yarn and size 6 double point needles. Pattern is included in class fee.  If needed, materials available for purchase prior to class.  3 week course. Tues, Nov 4th, Wed, Nov 12th & Tues, Nov 18th, 6-7:30 pm.  Rindy OBrien of Down Home & Company is your instructor.  This class is being offered through the Community Enrichment Program and will be held at the Bridgton Memorial School.  Please call Darlene Perry @ 647-5054 to register.
 
Wet Felting:  $45.  This course has proven to be our most popular class.  Susan Mills, artist, photographer and felter extraordinaire is your instructor.  Make a pair of mittens, a hat, a purse, a vessel, or one of Susan's more spiritual "elementals" in one afternoon with no stitching and no seams!  This felting class uses unspun wool, hot water & soap to form the most wonderful things.  Check out some of Susans creations here in the store, or on her web site at www.susanmills.net to get an idea of the possibilities.  Materials: approx 2-6 oz of merino roving plus mohair or other fibers for embellishment (available for purchase during class if needed). Single Session.  Sun, Nov 9th, Noon-5pm.

Fibered Felines:  $35.  The response to the needle felted dog class has been very enthusiastic, and we have had a number of requests for cats as well, so here it is.  Julie Yarbrough of Kick the Moon Farm will walk you through the process of needle felting a cat using unspun wool.   She will bring along cat books for inspiration or you can bring photos of your own feline friend.  Julie's classes are always fun, interesting and creative.  She was the featured artist at the Fryeburg Fair Fiber Center this year and her displays wowed us all.  Julie runs a very flexible class and can accommodate beginners thru advanced level needle felters.  She is happy to offer expert advice on any current projects you might have.  Materials fee $20, or bring your own needles, felting pad, wool & pipe cleaners.  Single session.  Sat, Nov 15th, 10:30-3:30 pm.

Nuno-Felt:  $35  There have been many requests for a nuno-felt class, even more so after Ellen Hedglin unveiled some of her creations at Fryeburg Fair this year.  The project will be a silk scarf with wool nuno-felted onto it.  It's hard to describe the finished product, but you can take a look at Ellen's website  http://www.flickr.com/photos/26015344@N05/sets/72157605360721184/ to see one of them (and maybe more if she is able to load more pictures). The pictures definitely do not do it justice.  The class fee includes 4 oz of merino wool and an optional field trip to the laundromat for finishing.  The $5 materials fee for the scarf is paid directly to Ellen.  Single session.  Sun, Nov 16th, Noon - 3 pm.

Rug Hooking:  $35.  Janet Conner is your instructor.  Janet's speciality is primitives, but she is well versed in all aspects of this art.  Her cheerful and easygoing attitude is infectious.  Learn the basics of rug hooking with strips of wool fabric, or if you are more advanced, Janet will help you with your own project.  Bring to class your rug hooking supplies/project, or purchase one of Janets many and varied kits from $31 - $51.  Single session, Sat, Nov 22nd, 9-1pm.

Weaving:  Make a small purse on a cardboard loom using scraps of leftover yarns. Bring your leftover yarns and a yarn needle.  2 week class.  Wed, Dec 3rd & 10th, 6-7:30 pm.  This class is being offered through the Community Enrichment Program and will be held at the Bridgton Memorial School.  Please call Darlene Perry @ 647-5054 to register.  Instructor:  Rindy O'Brien.

Penny Rug:  $35.  Janet Conner is your instructor.  Penny Rugs are made with appliqud shapes of felted wool fabrics layered to create simple folk art patterns and designs.  Each shape is  embroidered in place using a blanket stitch around its borders.  Penny Rugs are so named because one of the most common designs is  small circles layered onto one another.  Seldom actually used as rugs, these wool appliqus can be used as table mats or wall hangings.  Instruction will cover all directions, wool fabric sources, history and design inspiration.  Choose from among several all-inclusive materials kits to make the penny rug of your choice.  Plan on a materials cost of $25-$75, depending upon the size of your piece.  Bring to class:  your fabric  scissors.  Janet has come out with a whole new line of penny rug kits and, in addition, says she will let her students dip into her own scrap bag for their personalized design.  Sat, Dec 13th, 9 - 1 pm.

Rigid Heddle Weaving:  $75.  The rigid heddle loom is a simple, inexpensive loom that is useful for small projects, tapestry and especially for beginners.  Karen Smith from Shearbrooke Farm has been teaching weaving for many years.  She will walk you through your first project (a chenille scarf or a table runner - you choose) from warping the loom to the finished project.  The techniques she shows you are common to all weaving, so this class is a wonderful place to start.  Please let us know if you will be bringing your own rigid heddle loom or if you will need us to supply one.  If you have color preferences tell us at time of registration and we will try to accommodate  you.  2 day class.  Sat, Jan 24th, 10 - 4 pm & Sun, Jan 25th, Noon - 3 pm.  Snow date Feb 7th & 8th.

**Please note:  Because all classes are limited in size, payment is expected at time of registration. Cancellations will be accepted up to one week prior to class.  After that you can be refunded only if your slot in class can be filled.  Pre-registration is strongly advised.  Sometimes classes fill and have waiting lists, so dont delay if there is a class you want to take.  Some courses will not take place if there are not enough participants.  We suggest a bag lunch for classes that run through noon.

An additional note:  I've noticed in some of the classes that the people who don't bring their glasses have more difficulty.  Please don't forget that many of the classes involve close work, and if you need glasses to read you will likely find they make your class easier and more enjoyable.   

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