Processing Our Wool: Relating with Indigenous and Modern Fibers

All peoples have an original calling to fulfill, a gift that is meant to be shared within the circle. In this course you will be introduced to various fibers, whose gifts we will begin to understand and synthesize by examining our connections to others -- including fungi, plants, animals, and humans. These fibers were and are materials used to create Coast Salish Wool Weavings, the Native weaving of our region. Our course will identify indigenous plant and animal fibers, and students will learn to pick, clean, card, mix, and create finished rolags. We will also have the opportunity to visit a working sheep farm and skirt fleeces as they are sheared from the sheep. The materials we use will either be sustainably harvested or purchased by the student. This course will be held in Paimarire, the Fiber Arts Studio.