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Online Classes via Zoom
Classes from "beginner" to "advanced" are available for rug braiders. Scroll down to see all the class options!
Classes are $5 off for members (see coupon under "Members Only" info).
Classes range from one-time events... to weekly sessions with Homework!
Payment options: Paypal, Credit Card, or Check/Money Order (US only).
Beginner Classes
Beginner Rug Braiding: 2' X 3' Oval
Instructor: Mary Hibbard
Each session is 5 classes. By the end of the 5th class you will have completed a beautiful oval rug!
Cost: $80 for 5 online sessions (recorded for viewing up to 6 months after course). Members of VF Guild get $5 off with coupon.
Dates: 5 Sundays at 2 pm EST. See below for dates of each course.
Supplies: 5 to 6 yards of wool. See "More Info" below for additional supplies, or purchase $23 tool kit from instructor.
Folds: Left Opening Folds
Max Number of Students: 12
Prerequisites for the Class: None!
Session #1: October 30, November 6, 13, 20, & 27, 2022, at 2 pm EST on Sundays over Zoom.
Session #2: January 8, 15, 22, 29 and February 5, 2023 at 2 pm EST on Sundays over Zoom.
Session #3: February 12, 19, 26, and March 5 & 12, 2023 at 2 pm EST on Sundays over Zoom.
Teacher Bio: Teacher Bio: Mary Hibbard took her first braiding class 10 years ago at New England Braids in Methuen, MA. Since that time she has attended many Braiding events and taken classes to advance her skills. She is a member of the Valley Forge Rug Braiding Guild. Mary began teaching beginning rug braiding last year via zoom.
Beginner Braided Chair Pad with Picot Border --
Mar 10, 17, 24, & April 7, 2023
Instructor: Christine Manges
Learn the basics of round rug braiding in this class... and gain the skills to make not only chair pads, but round rugs of all sizes. Class will cover a T-Start, braiding using braid-aids, double corners, lacing, and tapering. Finish the chair pad with a beautiful picot edge border, butted with the Enclosed End Butt.
Cost: $60 for 4 online sessions (recorded for viewing up to 6 months after course). Members of VF Guild get $5 off with coupon.
Dates: 4 Fridays at 1 pm EST on March 10, 17, 24, and April 7, 2023
Supplies: 1.5 to 2 yards total of wool fabric; please choose at least 3 colors of the same fabric weight. Braid-Aids (braidmaster type) recommended but optional. Supply list (button, right) or purchase a kit from instructor.
Folds: Left Opening Folds
Max Number of Students: 10
Prerequisites for the Class: None!
Intermediate Classes
Braided Star Class -- Feb 10, 17, 24, & Mar 3, 2023
Instructor: Christine Manges
Description:
In this 4-session class, start with a continuous round center and learn how to braid both inside and outside corners of increasing size to create a radiant star. In the last class, learn how to mount this rug for wall-display or exhibit.
Class Dates: Fridays 1 pm EST: Feb 10, 17, 24, 2022 and Mar 3, 2023, over Zoom
Cost: $45 for 4 sessions (members get $5 off with coupon)
Prerequisites: This is an intermediate level class due to the complexity of different corners. Braiders should have some basic familiarity with double and triple corners, and be able to butt braids by a small-space method such as the Triangle butt or the Enclosed End Butt.
Folds: Teacher is Left Opening. Techniques demonstrated in class are shown with left opening folds. A diagrammed handout is available for Right Opening braiders but shows lacing techniques on the FRONT of the braids, and demos will be with left opening folds.
Dye and Braid a Chevron Strip Rug
April 14, 21, 28, and May 5, 2023
Instructor: Christine Manges
Description:
In this 4-session class, learn how to dye three shades from medium to dark for this 4-strand strip rug. Learn how to braid diagonal stripes in both directions, and assemble the strips with both inward and outward regular lacing. Finish strip rug with a fringe to make this visually striking rug.
Class Dates: Fridays 1 pm EST: Aprr 14, 21, 28, and May 5, 2023, over Zoom
Cost: $45 for 4 sessions (members get $5 off with coupon)
Prerequisites: This is a class for confident beginners to intermediate braiders -- must be comfortable with the skills of basic braiding before tackling 4-strand stripes of different directions.
Folds: Teacher is Left Opening. Techniques demonstrated in class are shown with left opening folds. A diagrammed handout is available for Right Opening braiders but shows lacing techniques on the FRONT of the braids, and demos will be with left opening folds.
Dyeing (optional): The first class will show the instructor dyeing 3 progressively darker shades of one dye color in her kitchen. A list of supplies to gather for dyeing will be sent to registrants. Please register early in order to have time to order and receive these supplies. Otherwise, just purchase 3 shades of one color for this rug (total = 2 yards), plus a light background that will be your contrast in all braids (total background fabric = 2 yards).
Braided Diamonds -- and 5-Diamond Stars
May 19 & 26, & June 2 & 9, 2023
Instructor: Christine Manges
Description:
In this 4-session class, learn how to dye three shades from medium to dark for this 4-strand strip rug. Learn how to braid diagonal stripes in both directions, and assemble the strips with both inward and outward regular lacing. Finish strip rug with a fringe to make this visually striking rug.
Class Dates: Fridays 1 pm EST: May 19, 26, and June 2 & 9, 2023, over Zoom
Cost: $45 for 4 sessions (members get $5 off with coupon)
Prerequisites: This is a class for intermediate braiders. Skills will include stacking double and triple corners, and shoe-lacing corners of diamonds together.
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Folds: Teacher is Left Opening. Techniques demonstrated in class are shown with left opening folds. A diagrammed handout is available for Right Opening braiders but shows lacing techniques on the FRONT of the braids, and demos will be with left opening folds.
Advanced
NOTE: if you have an idea for a class that you would like to take OR teach, please email Christine Manges, the Education Chair. If you would like private lessons over Zoom in a technique, also email the Education Chair.
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