SAGA HILL – Workshops & Classes

Image of Saga Hill class items

I love teaching both the techniques and historical aspects of each subject. When you take one of my workshops or classes, you will have a good time playing with yarn or fiber—and in the process, you will learn something more in-depth about the subject than you may experience in the typical learning experience.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
BY W.J. JOHNSON OF SAGA HILL
– 2024 –

AMERICAN SWEDISH INSTITUTE (ASI)

American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55407; 612-871-4907. asimn.org

NORDIC HANDCRAFT WORKSHOP
 Thanks to those who attended my third sold-out flax processing workshop at ASI in April of 2024. I am offering two new classes in other Swedish handcraft subjects – Swedish Huck Weaving and Lovikka Mitten Knitting – at the ASI in the fall of 2024. They will be posted here and on the ASI website when they are open for registration in the summer of 2024.

CITY OF PLYMOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION

Plymouth Creek Activity Center, Education Wing, 14800 34th Avenue N., Plymouth, MN 55447.
Click here to visit the City of Plymouth Parks & Recreation website and register for these upcoming classes. To select the class, enter the activity number for the class (see below) on their online registration form. You will need to set up an online account with the City of Plymouth to be able to complete your registration.

Image of hand-dyed yarn
Learn How to Kettle-Dye Yarn
June 15, 2024, 12:30–4:30 PM
Register at the City of Plymouth Parks and Recreation site (see link above). Use Activity number 25146-01.

Learn about different types of dyes and dye processes while kettle dyeing skeins of yarn using low-impact synthetic dyes.
Experience level: None needed.
Materials to bring: Students should wear work clothes and an old apron. The yarn and all other dye supplies and tools will be provided with a fee included in the class cost.
Cost: $88 for Plymouth residents; $96 for non-residents.


Image of mixing dye powder
Learn How to Hand-Paint Yarn
July 20, 2024, 12:30–4:30 PM
Register at the City of Plymouth Parks and Recreation site (see link above). Use Activity number 25150-01.

Learn hand-painting dye techniques and hand-paint skeins of yarn using low-impact synthetic dyes.
Experience level: None needed.
Materials to bring: Students should wear work clothes and an old apron. The yarn and all other dye supplies and tools will be provided with a fee included in the class cost.
Cost: $88 for Plymouth residents; $96 for non-residents.


WEAVER'S GUILD OF MINNESOTA (WGM)…

The WGM is a nationally-recognized organization for the arts of weaving, spinning, and dyeing. It is located in the Open Book Building, 1011 Washington Avenue South, Suite 350, Minneapolis, MN, 55415. Click here to go to the WGM website.

I expect to have a flax processing and a flax spinning workshop at WGM this summer or fall. More details will be coming.

THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT – GALE WOODS FARM…

Gale Woods is a working educational farm in Minnetrista, MN and part of the Three Rivers Park District. For more information, call the farm at 763-694-2001 or visit the Gale Woods Farm website. Click here to go to the Gale Woods Farm website.

More details will be coming on demonstrations and workshops related to the linen flax plot I have secured at the farm for the summer of 2024.

Also see my Saga Hill Talks & Events page for special public events related to the linen flax plot.

Classes & workshops are added as opportunities come up.
Keep in touch!

If you're interested in any class or workshop shown but can't attend on the scheduled date, please contact me. 

If you don't see a class or workshop that interests you, some of my previously taught subjects include: Swedish Heritage Knitting, such as Lovikka Mitten Knitting; Tvåändstickning (Two-Ended/Twined Knitting); and Halland/Binge Knitting. Other knitting workshops & classes I offer are: Beginning Fair Isle Knitting (two-color knitting; Beginning Lace Knitting; Beginning Knitting; Modular Knitting; Beginning Mitten Knitting; among others.

Among my spinning workshops & classes are: Beginning Spinning with Spindle & Wheel; Spinning Short Fibers; Silk Spinning; Flax Processing & Spinning; Spinning Camelid Fibers; Wool Fiber Processing; and Fiber Dyeing.

If any of these subjects spark your interest (or another subject), please let me know. Advance interest helps establish future offerings.

Private workshops & classes & Speaking Engagements

I am able to schedule in-person private workshops & classes for individuals and groups. I also speak before groups on the subject of Swedish textiles and their history. Please contact me for more information.