BLANCHARDVILLE - Warm your hands this winter season by sinking them into some fluffy wool, and make some cozy accessories for your home in the process. River Valley Trading Company at 204 S. Main in Blanchardville is hosting a two-part braided rug class taught by local shepherd Linda Derrickson, from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sundays, Feb. 10 and Feb. 17 in the art gallery workshop space. Samples of projects are currently on display. Inspired by the book "The Shepherd's Rug" by Letty Klein and Ann Brown, Derrickson will lead participants in braiding and felting dyed or natural wool rovings, to be sewn into rugs, coasters or hot pads.
Derrickson has taught high school home economics and adult classes in gardening, handspinning, nutrition and lefse-making. She founded the Blanchardville area fiber guild, Yarn Artists and Rural Neighborhood Spinners Ewenited, and raises heritage Jacob and Tunis sheep with her husband, Mark, at Hillspring Eco-Farm, near Blanchardville. She also draws on her lifelong love affair with handcrafting home furnishings.
No experience needed, just willing hands. Class fee per session is a "Pay What You Can" donation, plus $5 to River Valley for use of space. Materials can be purchased during class, or bring prepared wool rovings. Advance registration with $5 required. Stop by River Valley or call (608) 523-1888 during business hours to register and obtain a list of tools to bring to class.
Derrickson has taught high school home economics and adult classes in gardening, handspinning, nutrition and lefse-making. She founded the Blanchardville area fiber guild, Yarn Artists and Rural Neighborhood Spinners Ewenited, and raises heritage Jacob and Tunis sheep with her husband, Mark, at Hillspring Eco-Farm, near Blanchardville. She also draws on her lifelong love affair with handcrafting home furnishings.
No experience needed, just willing hands. Class fee per session is a "Pay What You Can" donation, plus $5 to River Valley for use of space. Materials can be purchased during class, or bring prepared wool rovings. Advance registration with $5 required. Stop by River Valley or call (608) 523-1888 during business hours to register and obtain a list of tools to bring to class.
