Whether you spin, knit, weave, embroider, crochet, slow stitch, bead, or hand quilt, join others with the same creative passion in one of Elkhart County’s premier destinations to ply your favorite craft with other like-minded artisans.  Let the rush of water over rocks, the warmth of the fall sunshine, nature’s fall colors, the rustle of leaves, and bird songs provide the music and ambiance for your own unique creativity.  Bring a project with you to work on.   Roam the gardens and choose your special spot of inspiration to create!   Enjoy lunch, show and tell, and presentations.

Bring your own chair or use what is available at the garden.

Presentations

1) Carefree Weaving 10:30 a.m. - Kris Peterson

You will learn to weave, creating your loom from a variety of household items.

 Materials/fibers that will be worked with are denim, fabrics, yarns, reclaimed clothing

Kris is very frugal and practices what she believes and reclaims just about anything to use in her fiber arts.  She enjoys being creative and sharing with others.

2) Indonesia, Batiks and Bali Oh MY!  11:30 a.m.

 Barb Snell

You will travel to India, Indonesia, Asia to learn about fabrics

Experience the history of how batiks are created and made

Learn about the markets of Jogiakarta and Bali for the true batik

Learn how liquid paste, wax and bees wax are used in the batik fabric process

3)Working with Wool 1:30 p.m. - Chris Hornby

The many sources of wool

Working with wool and how to prepare it

The many ways to use wool and projects

The care and storing of wool

Your $35 ECQFE Fiber Retreat ticket includes:

• Admission to the Gardens for the day

• Light box lunch, water, snacks

• ECQFE project bag

• Free demos (kits available)

• Door prize drawings

Please notify us, using the contact us form, if you have any dietary restrictions or you can email us at gracie.elkhart@gmail.com

Wellfield Botanic Gardens for more information about the Wellfield Botanic Gardens