MANY CANCELLATIONS AND POSTPONINGS (if that's a word): As we all know, there are so many closures and cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic that it is impossible to list all of them in our Bulletin. We advise calling or emailing any opportunity, call for artists, event or class that is published here to see if there are plans to reschedule or provide something online. 

THE 18TH ANNUAL SENIOR COLLEGE FESTIVAL OF ART, invites Maine artists, 50 years of age and above, to enter one piece of their work in this exhibition to be held at the University of Maine Hutchinson Center in Belfast, June 4 thru June 7, 2020. Amateur and professional artists are welcome, all media accepted, (some size restrictions may apply). Artists may offer their work for sale if they wish. You need not be a Senior College member to participate. Deadline to enter is March 31, 2020. Artwork to be delivered to the University of Maine Hutchinson Center on Wednesday, June 3, between 5 and 7 p.m. FMI and to obtain entry form: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., leave message at Senior College office (338-8033), www.belfastseniorcollege.org, or pick up at the Senior College Office, UMaine Hutchinson Center, 80 Belmont Ave., (Route 3), Belfast.

Maine Craft Bicentennial. A JOINT EXHIBITION AT THE CENTER FOR MAINE CRAFT + MAINE CRAFT PORTLAND. 2 GALLERIES // 200 YEARS: JUNE 12 – JULY 28, 2020. MCA is seeking member proposals of fine craft objects to be included in this 2020 Maine bicentennial celebration of craft. The exhibition will take place in the MCA’s two retail galleries: The Center for Maine Craft in West Gardiner, and Maine Craft Portland, located in Portland’s arts district. DEADLINE EXTENDED to March 30, 2020 @ 11pm. FMI: https://mainecrafts.org/dirigo2020/

Calling all fiber artists: Now is the time to submit your name to participate in the HUTCHINSON CENTER FIBER EXHIBITION in Belfast, Maine, September 6, 2020. This is a non juried show with no fee. This is the 3rd year we have co-curated this show and it is immensely popular. We are in the process of compiling a list of artists who wish to participate and need to know this by mid March. FMI: Sandi Cirillo (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 207-548-1027) or Nancy Bergerson (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 207-338-8013)

MILESTONES: 2020 OPEN CALL EXHIBIT. The public is invited to participate in Waterfall Arts' annual Open Call show of artwork commemorating Milestones and the 200th anniversary of the state of Maine. "The open call is for work that references the past, the future, anniversaries of any sort, or an important milestone in your life/the world around you." One piece per artist should be brought to Waterfall Arts March 24-27, Tuesday – Friday, between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Friday, March 27 is the deadline. Exhibit runs from April3-May 8. Fill out form available at https://waterfallarts.org/exhibitions/milestones-2020-open-call/ FMI: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 207-338-2222. Fill out form available at https://waterfallarts.org/exhibitions/milestones-2020-open-call/

FIBER COLLEGE is accepting proposals for classes/teachers for their 2020 Season, Wednesday, September 09, 2020–Sunday, September 13, 2020. They are looking for classes on garments and accessories, baskets, jewelry, quilts, yarn making, surface design, needle arts, woodworking, instrument making, and weaving; and technique classes. This year's theme is Flaxapalooza 2020. Class proposals should be 2, 3, 4, or 6 hour classes.Submit your application to the Teacher Registration Form. The last day for submission is March 1st. You will be notified of the jurying committee’s decision by March 9th. FMI: https://fibercollege.wordpress.com, https://www.fibercollege.org

PERCENT FOR ART PROJECTS: THE MAINE ARTS COMMISSION is making a call to Maine artists to submit proposals to design, create and install artwork. Deadlines: FEBRUARY 12 – Submissions due for a Percent for Art project to install artwork at the Monmouth Elementary/Middle School, Monmouth, Maine. The total project budget is @ $44,850. FEBRUARY 18 – Submissions due for a Percent for Art project to install artwork at the Bath Regional Technical School in Bath. The total project budget is @ $44,500. FMI: Julie Horn, Maine Arts Commission, 287-2790, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit: https://mainearts.maine.gov/pages/programs/public-arts

PUBLIC ART PROJECT AT L/A ARTS: FEBRUARY 14 – Submissions due for a Public Art Project to install artwork in the City of Auburn and also in the City of Lewiston. Budgets of up to $25,000 per project will be considered. FMI: Alison Gibbs, 782-7228 , This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.laarts.org.

57th Annual NEEDLEWORK SHOW & SALE takes place in March 2020 At Woodlawn Mansion, in Alexandria, VA. “In acknowledgement of the 19th Amendment (the beginning a woman’s right to case a vote), we will be honoring how women have been expressing their skill, and their rights, through the making of needle crafts.” Organizers seek work to show that “represent ALL needlework makers, from anywhere in the United States of the world, and seek to embrace a diverse community of artists, including people of color, of multi-cultural heritage and who identify as LGBTQ. “Work is judged (fun!), but not juried (everyone included!) FMI: http://www.woodlawnpopeleighey.org/annualneedleworkshow

MIDCOAST ALTERED COUTURE CONTEST 2020. Sign up to participate. January23, 4:00-6:30 pm. Frontier Cafe Coffee/bar in Fort Andross, Brunswick. All designers, craftspeople and artist are invited to participate. $25. Application fee, Couture a unique and creative fashion show event that celebrates local community and its vast and varied talents. Event will be held May 30, 2020. FMI: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

MADE IN MAINE FESTIVAL looking for vendors. Presented by “Festivals of Maine” June 2020 at Oxford Fairgrounds, rates for inside and outside for the three day event, Music and other entertainment will be part of the weekend. FMI: 207-740-3398, www.madeinmainefestival.com

These listings are for art, craft, farm and/or fiber-related items, equipment, supplies, tools, etc. Ads will run for three months after which they will disappear. They are free for Members of Maine Fiberarts ($60.00/year). Members may enter up to a 25-word description and contact information. For more information, for listing items you wish to give away for free, or to have Maine Fiberarts enter your ad for you, please contact us. To enter your own ad, look for the heading in this list called "Submit Your Own" and fill out the form.

KUMIHIMO LOOM, with bobbins, extra weights, and a whole lot of thread. Free to good home! Nan Butterfield, Yarmouth, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; 272-2021

FREE: Sharon Forest of Lisbon is moving and wishes to give away her collection of knitting, crochet and craft books for free. She has about 40-50 vintage knitting books, 12-13 newer crochet books, and several general crafts books. She also has homespun material to give away. FMI: Sharon Forest, 207-407-4250 

FOR SALE: Leclerc 45 inch floor loom. Excellent condition. Non smoking home. Many accessories. Everything you need to get started weaving. $1450.00 or best offer. Jennifer Maeverde, Lewiston. Email for more information and photos: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

UNFINISHED PUNCH NEEDLE RUG PROJECT looking for a home. See complete listing with large image in "Opportunities" category. Scroll down to get to this category tab. This image is a detail of part of the rug.

FOR SALE: Rug Hooking wool cutter, Hooking yarns, wool fabric for hooking. FMI: Jane Page-Conway Artist/Photograher, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 207-798-0668

I have a lot of wonderful ART BOOKS (mostly fiber-related) I need to dispense with. I have been going through my rather (!) extensive library and have decided to downsize. I am offering the books for $4 each, and $10 for 3 books. They are in very good condition. Quite a variety of media: art quilts, weaving, rug hooking, collage, knitting, fabric design, you name it!
—Natasha Kempers-Cullen; 207-406-2640; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

MANY CANCELLATIONS AND POSTPONINGS (if that's a word): As we all know, there are so many closures and cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic that it is impossible to list all of them in our Bulletin. We advise calling or emailing any opportunity, call for artists, event or class that is published here to see if there are plans to reschedule or provide something online. 

March 15
“THE UNBROKEN THREAD: 200 Years of Spinning and Weaving in Maine,” Camden Public Library, 2-4 p.m. Three fiber artists will weave together stories and demonstrations: Susanne Grosjean, an expert on early American spinning wheels, will work from the Great Wheel; Susan Barrett Merrill, whose ancestors were spinners and weavers from Bloomfield, will spin flax into linen; and Dr. Nancy Payne Alexander will bring a historian’s eye to the long and continuous history of Maine women working with fiber. 55 Main Street, Camden 04843. FMI: 207-236-3440 and https://www.librarycamden.org/event/the-unbroken-thread-200-years-of-spinning-and-weaving-in-maine/

March 21
EQUINAUXION 2020. Second Annual Fundraiser/Silent Art Auction at Merrymeeting Arts Center, Bowdoinham, ME. FMI: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 207-370-5002

March 21-22
A WRINKLE IN THYME FARM will be open from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and offering a pancake breakfast for $6 from 8-11 a.m. Frozen sausage available; tours of the maple operation; expecting new lambs in the barn.

April 4
7th Annual THE FIBER MARKETPLACE, at The Union Bluff, 8 Beach Street, York Beach, Maine, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $5 gets you in the door to see hand-dyed yarns, roving, buttons, bags, notions and much more. Presented by Carrie McKie of The Yarn Sellar, York. FMI: 207-363-1333

CANCELLED April 18-19
CALICO QUILTERS OF YARMOUTH (a chapter of the Pine Tree Quilters Guild of Maine) announces the 2020 Quilt Show, Saturday April 18-Sunday April 19. Lunt Auditorium, 74 Lunt Road, Falmouth, ME 04105. Maine made quilts, quilted items, basket raffle, bargains on fabric, books, supplies, gifts for everyone. FMI: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., www.calicoquilters.com/events.html

May 7-10
MCA Weekend Workshop at Haystack https://mainecrafts.org/programs/mca-weekend-workshop-haystack/

May 15-17
SNOW POND'S FIBER ART WEEKEND. A weekend of fiber-filled fun, classes, workshops, marketplace; enjoy the company of fellow fiber enthusiasts in the picturesque town of Sidney, Maine. Sign up for the whole weekend. Snow Pond Center for the Arts, https://fiberfestival.snowpond.org/

May 15-17
CRAFTBOSTON, a show and sale of craft artists’ work is planned to take place at The Cyclorama, Boston Center for the Arts.

July 23-25
Pine Tree Quilters Guild, Inc. presents "MAINE QUILTS 2020," July 23-25, 9-5, Augusta Civic Center, Augusta, Maine. Featuring special exhibits including "HERstory Quilts: A Celebration of Strong Women," and more. 500+ quilts on display, workshops with seven national teachers, merchants mall, demonstrations, lectures, raffles and Friday night event. FMI: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., www.mainequilts.org

July 24, 25, 26
MCA Guild Fine Craft Show: MDI https://mainecrafts.org/programs/guild-fine-craft-shows/

Aug 5
MAINELY WEAVERS presents a lecture by Robbie LaFleur, editor of the Norwegian Textile Letter and weaving blogger. She will speak on the life and works of FRIDA HANSEN (1855-1931), tapestry weaver from Norway. August 5, 2020 at their meeting at Church of St. Mary the Virgin, 43 Foreside Road, Falmouth, 1:00 pm. FMI: Elizabeth Hunter, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Aug 14-16
MCA Guild Fine Craft Show: Belfast https://mainecrafts.org/programs/guild-fine-craft-shows/ 

Aug 22
Portland Fine Craft Show https://mainecrafts.org/programs/portland-fine-craft-show/

Sept 19-20
MCA Guild Fine Craft Show: Scarborough https://mainecrafts.org/programs/guild-fine-craft-shows/

Oct 24-25
MCA Guild Fine Craft Show: Brunswick  https://mainecrafts.org/programs/guild-fine-craft-shows/

Pine Tree Quilters Guild, Inc. presents "MAINE QUILTS 2020," July 23-25, 9-5, Augusta Civic Center, Augusta, Maine. Featuring special exhibits including "HERstory Quilts: A Celebration of Strong Women," and more. 500+ quilts on display, workshops with seven national teachers, merchants mall, demonstrations, lectures, raffles and Friday night event. FMI: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., www.mainequilts.org

"WONDERFULLY PERTINENT RUSTLINGS: ARTIST'S BOOKS BY JUDY LABRASCA,” January 29-April 30, UNUM Great Reaing room, 7th floor, Glickman Family Library. Reception and Lecture: with curator Judith Sobol, Thursday, March 26, at 4 p.m. University Events Room, 7th floor, Glickman Family Library. FMI: Rebecca Goodale, KCC Center for Book Arts, Program Coordinator, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

“MAINE AT ITS MIDPOINT,” a collaborative photographic exhibition in the Maine Capital Building in Augusta by the Maine Arts Commission and the Penobscot Marine Museum. It provides historical and artistic context for Maine’s Bicentennial Anniversary drawing upon the research and writing conducted for the book “Maine on Glass: The Early Twentieth Century in Glass Plate Photography.” Through June, 2020. FMI, visit: www.mainearts.maine.gov.

MILESTONES: 2020 OPEN CALL EXHIBIT. April 3 – May 8, at Waterfall Arts, in the Clifford and Corridor Galleries, Friday, April 3 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Opening Reception: Friday, April 3 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, FMI: Waterfall Arts, 256 High Street, Belfast, Maine 04915 (207) 338-2222 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

KATHARINE COBEY: A DIFFERENT VOICE, October 5, 2019-April 12, 2020, Farnsworth Art Museum, 16 Museum Street, Rockland. A selection of Cobey’s fiber sculptures, creating with knitting and handspun yarns, will be showcased in the Rothschild Gallery. FMI: 207-596-6457; www.farnsworthmuseum.org

BOOK ARTS PROGRESS GROUP MEETING, 6:30-8:30pm at Maine Media Workshops, 70 Camden Street, Rockport, ME. These meetings are held every other month on the second Thursday and are open to everyone—professional and amateur book makers, and anyone else interested in book arts. Bring books or projects you have finished or are working on to share, your questions, or anything else related to book arts. Or just come to be inspired! FMI: Cynthia McGuirl, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 207-354-0929

SPINDLEWORKS FIBER CIRCLE. Spindleworks artists invite community members to join them while they work on fiber projects. Thursdays, 10 a.m. to noon, 7 Lincoln Street, Brunswick, ME 04011. All welcome! FMI: www.spindleworks.org, Julianne Carle, 207-725-8820.

CRAFT MEETUP at CURTIS MEMORIAL LIBRARY, Mondays, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Seminar Room, 23 Pleasant Street, Brunswick, free. FMI: www.curtislibrary.com

EMBROIDERY GROUP, SKIDOMPHA LIBRARY, Barbicon Room, 184 Main Street, Damariscotta, free. FMI: www.skidompha.org

FIBER FRIDAY meets at Maine Fiberarts, 13 Main Street, Topsham on the first Friday of each month, 10-noon. Bring handwork and show-and-tell. All welcome! FMI: 207-721-0678

FREEPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY hosts a group of rug hookers meet every Tuesday, 1-4 p.m.

KNITCHAT! South Portland Public Library, 482 Broadway, South Portland, Fridays at 10 a.m. Free. FMI: www.southpoprtlandlibrary.com

KNIT NITE every Thursday night, 6 p.m., at the Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow Street in Bangor. Area knitters are invited to share the joys of knitting and their favorite patterns, while informally passing on knitting advice and skills. Newcomers welcome. Stop at the front desk and ask where the knitters are gathering. FMI: 207-947-8336

MAINELY WEAVERS STUDY GROUP meets the first Wednesday of each month at Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Route 88 in Falmouth, 10-2. All levels of weavers are welcome. FMI: Jayne Flanagan, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MIDCOAST RUG HOOKERS meets the second Friday of each month, 10-1 or -2 at the Wiscasset Community Center. Bring lunch and friends. FMI: 207-633-7518; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PORTFIBER hosts PortWeavers every Tuesday, from noon-5 p.m. (bring your loom and project) and PortSpinners, Thursday afternoons from noon to 5 p.m. 50 Cove Street, Portland 04101, (207) 780-1345. FMI: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or www.portfiber.com

PORTLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY, Riverton Branch, 1600 Forest Avenue, Portland hosts a free Adult Knitting Groups on Thursdays starting at 6:30 p.m. Bring your knitting project and chat!

STITCH HIVE, a group organized by Maggie Muth, meets on the first and third Mondays at Mayo Street Arts, lower entrance, Portland from 6-7:30 p.m. Drop in or stay the whole time. Bring any kind of stitching and ideas or materials to share. They will have teaching, fruit and laughs. FMI: 207-317-2502

TOPSHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY hosts Sip & Stitch for knitting and crochet, Saturdays, 10 a.m.-noon. 25 Foreside Road, Topsham; 207-725-1727

MEMBERS, your regular Meet-Up could be posted here.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of Maine’s premier rug hooking artists, Liz Stoyko. Janet Conner remembers: “I first met Liz at one of my beginner hooking classes in Bridgton, ME. Liz wanted to learn rug hooking because she was laid up after knee surgery and she LOVED it, buying not one but three projects to complete. Bright and creative, it wasn’t long before Liz had hooked some original designs of her daughters’ pets. One day, I brought her to the Oxford Mill End Store, where she purchased and hand cut her wools. I introduced her to management and we hung several of Liz’s hooked pieces from the ceiling to create her first show. We know she grew and grew in rug hooking, working for Searsport Rug Hooking, teaching at Halcyon, and continuing to create original designs, often adaptations of famous portraits as “Face Pillows,” now in the hands of eager collectors. Just before her sudden death, Magnificent Hooked Rugs came out, featuring many of her works as exemplary rugs inspired by art history. Liz was kind, generous, and very talented. I will remember her with deep affection."

SNEAKERS! Arlene just returned from Boston with these.

SARA HOTCHKISS and her work was featured in an interview/article by editor, Michael Christie, rug expert and bespoke appreciator, in the Winter 2020 edition of RUG INSIDER Magazine, a publication for the commercial rug trade. FMI: https://www.sarahotchkiss.com

BARBARA BURNS has been writing a series of articles about artistic endeavors, marketing, and themes common to artists. See her latest about “artist validation” at https://americantapestryalliance.org/blog_category/validation/

JILL SNYDER WALLACE will have work included in the Maine Maritime Museum’s exhibit “Interwoven: Threads of Power in the Domestic Sphere.” The show was curated by Sarah Timm who called upon Maine Fiberarts for suggestions and referrals. Jill will also teach a monogram workshop entitled “Making Your Mark” in August in support of the exhibit.

Member CYNTHIA MCGUIRL sends the following: “Sandy Weisman, Abbie Read, Paula Blanchard, and I have formed a group to promote, encourage and educate around Book Arts. We are offering a three-day Workshop  https://mailchi.mp/be90240c4145/summer-artist-book-intensive-2143789?e=1bf1ec0c14 this summer, sponsoring a show Book Arts: Maine Artists at the Camden Library in September, and have formed a Facebook Group Midcoast Maine Book Arts to facilitate discussion and opportunities. Please consider being part of the discussion by joining the group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/325185851340562/about/.

NEEDING HELP WITH AN OLD BARN FRAME LOOM
I'm contacting Maine Fiberarts because I have an interesting problem/project concerning an old barn frame loom. I'm hoping that someone may have some advice for me, or could help point me in the right direction! I am the designer at Maine Heritage Weavers—a small, family-run heirloom textile mill located in Monmouth, Maine. Last fall, an antique barn frame loom came into my possession (the last owner estimates that it's from the late 1700's or early 1800's.)  It arrived in pieces, and I have been on a mission to reassemble it and get it functioning, if I can!  I'm also interested in doing some general research about the history of these looms in Maine, so that I can share it with our mill visitors.

A few months ago, I visited the Boothbay Railway Village to see and take photographs of their fully restored barn frame loom to help guide me. Unfortunately, I've since discovered that my loom is missing an integral piece and I can't proceed setting it up without it. It seems simple enough to try to replicate, so I'm willing to rig something up or attempt to build it myself.  I'm hoping to find some community members or other Maine/New England weavers who may have some insight into this predicament. Is it possible to find a piece like the one I'm missing somewhere? If I were to rig something up, does anyone have any ideas how I could do so? Are there people out there who could construct the piece again out of wood, if I provided the measurements? There are a lot of possibilities. This is a challenging problem to solve! Any input would be appreciated :) —Adrienne Beacham, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We like your letters, and your news. Keep them coming.

 MAINE ARTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCES RESOURCES FOR MAINE ARTISTS and organizations amidst the COVID-19 crisis. https://mainearts.maine.gov/Postings/Blogs/Detail/Maine-Arts-Culture-Sector-Can-Prepare-for-the-Caronavirus

MAINE ARTIST RELIEF FUND is awarding grants of $500 to artists who are permanent Maine residents. Applications open April 1, 2020. https://mainearts.maine.gov/Postings/Blogs/Detail/Maine-Artist-Relief-Fund-Information

EMERGENCY RELIEF GRANT. A new emergency relief grant will be launched by "Anonymous Was A Woman" in partnership with the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA), to support women artists age 40 and older who have lost income or opportunities due to the coronavirus pandemic. The new grant will distribute a total of $250,000 in funding, up to $2,500 for each grantee, to eligible women-identifying visual artists in the US and its territories. Applications are only being taken from April 6, 10:00 am EST, until 6:00 pm EST, April 8, 2020. First come first served. The link won't be available until Monday April 6 at 10:00 am. FMI: https://www.nyfa.org/Content/Show/Anonymous-Was-A-Woman-Emergency-Relief-Grant, questions should be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

COVID-19 EMERGENCY HEALTH GRANT FOR ARTISTS. If you have friends or family near Los Angeles, there is another grant launched by the Women’s Center for Creative Work (WCCW) in Los Angeles, California announced it would adapt its 2020 Emergency Health Grant, offering a shorter form application and a rolling weekly deadline for $1,000 awards. This grant is for “Low-income artists who work in any genre or medium, who identify as a woman, as trans or nonbinary, and/or as a person of color, who live in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside or San Bernardino Counties are eligible to apply,” the WCCW explains. Opens April 3, https://womenscenterforcreativework.com/eh-grant/

The MAINE FIBERARTS Gallery and Red Studio are closed to the public for the duration of the COVID-19 "stay at home" directives. We are going ahead with modified plans for the rest of the year which will be announced as we know them. Christine is available by phone or email or by contact form.

NEW FARM DIRECTORY: Cooperative Extension has published an online directory and map about where Maine farm products are available. It is updated as oftenas possible, and farmers are invited to add their farm to the map. Fiber farms are included! https://extension.umaine.edu/agriculture/farm-product-and-pickup-directory/

NOT THAT NEW NEWS: As we all know, there are so many closures and cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic that it is impossible to list all of them in our Bulletin. We advise calling or emailing any event or class that is published here to see if there are plans to reschedule or provide something online. 

JAGGER SPUN mill is still located in Springvale, Maine and is about to open an outlet store! We met one of the mill’s staff members—a prolific knitter who turned up at Katharine Cobey’s free knitting sessions. FMI: https://www.jaggerspunyarn.com

KNITWIT welcomes new owners Jennifer & Chuck Fleck! But first they are throwing a "Thank you/Cast-On-Along party" on Saturday, February 29th! Come anytime between 1:00-4:00 p.m. Store is closing from March 1-March 7 to get ready for grand re-opening the week of March 9, 2020.

FULLER CRAFT MUSEUM, 455 Oak Street, Brockton, MA announces New 2020 Artist-in-Residence, fiber artist, Suzanne Watzman. Suzanne will hold Open Studio Visitor Hours, workshops, and talks from April 2 to June 26, 2020. Watzman is a RISD graduate whose curiosity and sense of adventure have inspired her many travels to South Asia. She is currently attending Aranya Natural, a conference in Munnar, India featuring the sustainability of natural dyes. Her residency will focus upon shibori & indigo dyeing. FMI: https://fullercraft.org/product/new-artist-in-residence-suzanne-watzman/

Want to learn more about THE MAKERS GUILD OF MAINE? Here's what they say on their website: "The Makers Guild of Maine creates opportunities for people to come together to make beautiful and practical handcrafted items, traditional music and locally sourced food. Learning and sharing these skills reaches across generations and backgrounds and puts front and center the forgotten pleasure - and sense of accomplishment - that come with actually making things - whether it’s a new harmony, a gossamer soft shawl, a sturdy fishing line or a blueberry pie." FMI: https://makersguildmaine.org

MERGER. Maine Crafts Association and Maine Crafts Guild Become One Maine Craft Organization. The Maine Crafts Association, a leading Maine non-profit arts organization established in 1983, and the Maine Crafts Guild, a prominent Maine craft institution promoting fine craft shows for over 44 years have joined forces to become one Maine craft organization. Please join the Maine Crafts Association, our board of directors, exhibiting artists, members and friends to celebrate this momentous occasion and opening of our 2020 show season at the preview night of the MCA Guild Fine Craft Show: Mount Desert Island at Camp Beech Cliff, July 24th, 5-8 p.m. Tickets available at mainecrafts.org, Sadie Bliss, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 207-205-0791

YOU TUBE SHEEP HANDLING VIDEOS from American Sheep Industry Association (ASI). A 4 part video series on sheep handling including introduction, general principles, market facilities and processing facilities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7LByfB_LYo&list=PLvmdHSmZBuFs4-NfIjGWVVwgS_zBaKOJj&index=1

ONLINE RESOURCES for sheep and goat producers: Extension national goat portal for resources: http://articles.extension.org/goat
Extension national sheep portal for resources: http://articles.extension.org/sheep

SUSAN PERRINE’S piece won first prize at the Wayne County council on the Arts Regional Fiber Arts Show in Newark, NY. The piece was made of woven cotton, alpaca, horsehair and porcupine quills.

Remember, when you buy through AMAZON, PLEASE go to smile.amazon.com to generate donations for Maine Fiberarts. It’s easy, and the organization receives a small donation with each purchase. Thank you. You can also link directly from these pages on our website: https://www.mainefiberarts.org/support-maine-fiberarts and scroll down near the bottom, or click the "More" button on the top right of any page and scroll down to see the link to amazon smile. Any time you shop on Amazon use this link:

NEW BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT: “The Story of Lillian Burke,” Edward Langille, Boularderie Island Press. “Lillian Burke was instrumental in the development of the Cheticamp hooked rug cottage industry in the 1920s. With the support of Alexander Graham Bell’s younger daughter Marian, ‘Burkie’ as she was affectionately known, breathed new life into Mabel Bell’s Cape Breton Home Industries during the tough years of the Great Depression.”

The Maine chapter of the SURFACE DESIGN ASSOCIATION (SDA) held a lively meet and greet on a lovely June afternoon in Rockland. Eleven fiber artists (several of whom are also members of Maine Fiberarts) gathered for a potluck lunch along with a brainstorming session for future activities. Michelle Lee, SDA Board member and the Membership Committee Chair, and Kate Dean, rep for SDA New Hampshire joined the Maine members. Highlights included plans for a curatorial talk by Lissa Hunter at Darkness and the Light on Saturday, September 14 at MECA's ICA in Portland in partnership with Maine Crafts Association; there are plans for a juried SDA New England exhibition in Watertown, MA, early in 2020; preliminary plans for organizing a SDA Maine exhibit later in 2020 or in 2021, venue to be determined; upcoming quarterly in-person meetings on Saturday afternoons in Bangor including a technique, show-n-tell sessions, speakers, field trips, movie viewing, or exhibition organization; several formats for a group project among members were discussed; Kate Russell Henry will spearhead the project. As it develops, a venue for exhibiting the results will be sought; increasing exposure for members through SDA via the website, journal, newsletters, and exhibitions; SDA grants for professional development and socially engaged practices are open; a chance to study SDA's swatch collection. It is always a pleasure to "talk shop" with other fiber enthusiasts. Membership in the Surface Design Association is available at several levels and throughout the year at surfacedesign.org.—Jennifer Morrow Lee

Two new art centers are opening in the East Bayside area of Portland. INDIGO ARTS ALLIANCE will open at 60 Cove Street as a “hybrid studio and community work space that will pair professional and emerging artists of color.” Daniel and Marcia Minter are the proprietors. COVE STREET ARTS will involve textile designer Angela Adams, her partner Sherwood Hamill, John Danos and Kelley Lehr, newly-moved here from LA and the new owners of Greenhut Gallery. They will open a 13,000 square-foot “multimedia community space” that will include “multiple commercial galleries, event and workshop spaces and two artist studios.” Angela Adams will run her design business and showroom from the same building. Danos envisions public space for lectures, artist talks, movies and other events related to the exhibitions in the galleries. The art centers will join PortFiber and Running with Scissors, as well as area coffee roasters, restaurants and breweries, in creating a vibrant draw for the public. [See article in 1/26/2019 Portland Press Herald, “New Art Center Where ‘The Energy is Great’” by Bob Keyes.]

MAINE CRAFTS ASSOCIATION and the MAINE ARTS COMMISSION announce the pairs selected for the 2019 Craft Apprentice Program: Joe Ascrizzi, master with apprentice Lisa Neuman (jewelry); Kim Dailey, master with apprentice Jedediah Malcore (wood turning); Gabriel Frey, master with apprentice Frances Soctomah (basketry); Nisa Smiley, master with apprentice Lauren Beach (jewelry); and David Wolfe, master with apprentice David Connor (printmaking). FMI: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

“Study of 400,000 knitters shows how hobby evolves into business,” is an article by Andrew Van Dam appearing in the “Business” section of the PORTLAND PRESS HERALD [November 15, 2018]. The article highlights how an MIT Ph.D. candidate Hyejun Kim studied Ravelry to “shed light on the hard-to-measure early stages of entrepreneurship, and the social and economic forces that cause some to flip from ‘fun’ to ‘profit.” The article states that there are “more than 8 million people who have signed up for Ravelry since 2007” of which “96 percent are women.” Ravelry is a social media website dedicated to yarn, patterns, tools, books and designers involved with knitting and fiber techniques.

Friends with visitors. Looking for something fun and interesting to do? Remember our Fiber Arts Mini Tour: Midcoast Maine. Pick up a brochure at Maine Fiberarts or at any one of the Maine State Visitor Information Centers detailing 20 great studios, farms, galleries and more to visit. A fine tour! See a glimpse of the sites to see at: http://folio.mainefiberarts.org/fiber-arts-mini-tour/

HAYSTACK MOUNTAIN SCHOOL OF ART announces that the Jane Weiss Garrett Scholarship is now fully endowed supporting tuition, room and board annually for a student to attend a workshop in ceramics, glass or fiber. FMI: www.haystack-mt.org

”FIBER ART MASTERS: A Visual Tour to Maine Artists’ Studios and Work,” is a small book published by Maine Fiberarts profiling the work of twenty Maine master fiber artists ($23 plus tax and shipping through Maine Fiberarts). Meanwhile, you can take a look at the preview here. Printing is disabled, but you may download it to view it later. It is about 7 MB. You will need Adobe Reader (or Acrobat), and if you right click on this link and download it to your computer, you will be able to view it full screen if you choose. When you are done, you can get things back to normal by pressing the ESCape key.

MARSHFIELD SCHOOL OF WEAVING, Marshfield, VT has “received an extraordinary gift of large and small tools from the American Textile History Museum. A number of looms and wheels are in daily use at the school, and the other tools are house in a new storage space where they are available for study and use as needed.” MSW hosts workshops, teacher training in barn loom weaving, a Textile History Forum and other fiber-related events. FMI: www.marshfieldschoolofweaving.com

REPAIR TECHNICIANS for looms, spinning wheels and fiber equipment are needed. Carol Fritz needs someone to repair a 36-inch Nilus LeClerk loom and Maine Fiberarts needs to know who the repairmen are that we can refer. Add your free listing to our online Tour Map/Resource Guide at www.mainefiberarts.org 

MANY CANCELLATIONS AND POSTPONINGS (if that's a word): As we all know, there are so many closures and cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic that it is impossible to list all of them in our Bulletin. We advise calling or emailing any opportunity, call for artists, event or class that is published here to see if there are plans to reschedule or provide something online. 

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: Maine Crafts Association is now accepting nominations for their 2020 MASTER CRAFT ARTIST AWARD. Nominations will be reviewed and selected by Juror Susan Joy Sager, author of Selling Your Crafts & Creative Careers in Crafts. The award will be announced in April 2020 with award presentation and exhibition to be announced. Deadline for nominations: March 15, 2020. Nomination Form: https://mainecrafts.org/call-for-nominations-2020-master-craft-artist-award/

HAYSTACK MOUNTAIN SCHOOL OF CRAFTS is awarding a new scholarship for the first time this summer, an annual award, covering tuition, room and board for a first responder (18 and older) to attend a Haystack summer workshop. Funds were initiated in 2017 in honor of Steven W. Byrne, who unexpectedly passed away in 2016. He had come to Haystack almost every summer for twelve years, between 2004 and 2016 and was a retired first responder. The scholarship is to provide an opportunity for other first responders to experience the sense of community that Steve found to be so meaningful at Haystack. APPLICATION DEADLINE: MARCH 15, 2020. Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFmA7yEZVvonawil8LdUuf-GWg_cCwyILPwHkg-eiCD8lMqQ/viewform

SELL YOUR FLEECE before you shear it. One Lupine/Maine Yarn & Fiber Supply is always interested in sourcing wool on the hoof in Maine from small farms. If you are one and are interested in selling your fleece, please contact them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (207) 992-4140 to set up an appointment.

FIBER COLLEGE deadline for proposals for workshops is March 1, 2020. They say: "As we've gotten older, our definition of "fiber" has gotten looser. If you can twist it, carve it, color it, make music with it or bend it into a fastener, we want to hear about it! Got a class in mind? Send us a clear description, an awesome image and anything else the jury should know about your idea." FMI and application form: https://form.jotform.com/200137465772152

Maine Fiberarts is collaborating with NORTHEAST FELTMAKERS GUILD to host a show at our Topsham gallery of felted work next November/December 2020. Entitled “Outside the Circle,” curators seek high-quality, conceptual, two- and three-dimensional work that integrates an impactful message with good craftsmanship. You must be a member of NFG, not necessarily of Maine Fiberarts, to participate (although new members are always welcome). We desire an exhibition that leans toward the “art” end of the medium, rather than the “production.” "Art to wear" garments will be considered, as will 2D wall pieces, 3D sculptural pieces, and vessels. A show sponsor is also being sought so that we may host and staff the exhibit, photograph work, produce a postcard and banner, and attract a crowd. We’re excited to show what’s happening in felt work across several states. Maine Fiberarts strives to exhibit work that is unique, original, and often thought-provoking. Start working now! FMI: Kris Sandoy, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MERRYMEETING ARTS CENTER will be holding its 2nd Annual "Equinauxion: Art Auction 2020" on March 21, 2020. Their signature fund-raising event of the year. MAC is funded solely by donations and fund-raising events, such as this. This year’s event will feature a silent auction of all pieces submitted, as well as refreshments and live music. All submissions must be made before March 7, 2020. Donations/submissions will be accepted on Wednesdays, February 19 and 26th, and March 4th, between the hours of 4-6pm, and on Saturdays, February 22 and 29th, between 10am-1pm. Artists will receive 50 percent of the sale price, or may donate entire sale. FMI: (207) 370-5002, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., download Art Auction Donation Form.

Attention fiber farmers: SIGN UP FOR OPEN FARM DAY. Deadline to register and be included in promotions is: May 1, 2020. Open Farm Day is Sunday, July 26, 2020; published hours are 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Open Farm Day is a promotional and educational opportunity to increase agricultural awareness, and help farmers and visitors make connections to support Maine agriculture year-round. Learn more: www.maine.gov/dacf/openfarmday

2020 SUMMER SCHOLARSHIPS AND SUMMER STUDIO ASSISTANTS. Deadlines approaching for Summer Scholarships and Summer Studio Assistants at Penland School of Craft. Apply by February 17, 2020, https://penland.org/workshops/scholarships/, https://penland.org/workshops/studio-assistantships/, Also 2020 Early Decision Partial Scholarship with Work Requirement, Deadline: February 17, 2020 Fee (USD): $10.00. https://penland.slideroom.com/#/login/program/52868

Apply to be Part of the 2020 COMMON GROUND FAIR. Current open applications: Agricultural Products - due February 24, 2020; Entertainment - due March 16, 2020; Energy and Shelter - due February 26, 2020; Farmers' Market - due February 18, 2020; Fiber Marketplace - due February 24, 2020; Maine Fiber Farms - due February 24, 2020; Speakers and Demonstrators - due May 1, 2020; 2021 Poster Contest - Submissions postmarked by Monday, August 3, 2020, or hand delivered by Monday, August 10, 2020, at 4 p.m. See full poster contest guidelines here. https://www.mofga.org/The-Fair/Poster. FMI: Vendors and Exhibitors page. https://www.mofga.org/The-Fair/Vendors-and-Exhibitors For questions, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 207-568-4142.

WATERFALL ARTS IN BELFAST offers Internships to suit a range of interests and programs of study. Interns become integral members of the vibrant community arts center and gain first-hand experience in arts administration, education and programming. Internships are unpaid. Scheduling can be flexible but is generally January-April, May-August, September-December. FMI, call: 338-2222 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

2020 FIORE ART CENTER RESIDENCIES. Application deadlines extended for 2020 residencies at MFT's Joseph A. Fiore Art Center, open until March 1st, 2020. Next summer the Center will host six visual art residencies, one performance/interdisciplinary arts residency, one literary arts residency, and one academic writing residency. A team of jurors have been assembled to choose this year's residents. These jurors include: Linden Frederick, Bethany Engstrom, Heather Lyon, Jane Brox, and Ellen Stern Griswold. Deadline for resident gardener position extended until February 10th! Apply today: https://www.mainefarmlandtrust.org/artist-residencies-2/ Learn more about the residencies and jurors: https://www.mainefarmlandtrust.org/mfts-fiore-art-center-announces-2020-residencies-jury-panel/

JOB OPENING for Loom Repairer: WG-8. Full Time/Permanent. $23.22 to $27.07 per hour. Responsible for running and repairing the historic machinery in the Boott Cotton Mills Museum weave room, the park's signature living-history exhibit which recreates the look and atmosphere of a textile factory floor. It showcases 88 Draper Model E looms, bobbin winders, and other machinery. Reporting to the Exhibits Specialist. Wearing period costume circa 1900, the loom fixer repairs, maintains, and safely operates looms, bobbin winders, and line shafting in the exhibit. The loom fixer interacts with museum visitors and demonstrates NPS interpretive competencies. The loom fixer maintains records and schedules for maintenance and lubrication of weaving machinery and related textile equipment. When needed, the loom fixer sets up and operates a portable loom for special events. The loom fixer also receives shipments and unloads textile supplies with the use of a forklift as necessary. FMI: Michelle King, Lowell National Historical Park, 67 Kirk Street, Lowell, MA, 978-275-1717, https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/555543200

MCA GUILD FINE CRAFT SHOWS: 2020 Show Calendar. New in 2020, the Maine Crafts Association is managing four fine craft shows previously managed by the Maine Crafts Guild. Current members of the MCA Guild Level Membership are now invited to register for the 2020 MCA Guild Fine Craft Shows! https://mainecrafts.org/programs/guild-fine-craft-shows/ 

Our friend ANNE COX at HEDGEROW has come into possession of a beautiful started punch needle rug project about 2/3 finished. (above image) The craftsmanship thus far is exquisite. She wants to find a good home for this project with someone who will complete it. The finished piece will be about 3'x5' and includes all instructions, punch, and the remaining wool to finish it. Please get in touch with Anne for more information, and to see or "adopt" the rug: Hedgerow is near St. George, Maine, between Port Clyde and Tenants Harbor: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or  https://hedgerowdesign.com/

JOSEPH A. FIORE ART CENTER located in Jefferson, Maine offers art residencies, open studio days, exhibitions and retreats for artists on a rolling farm setting. The Center is "available for rent, in its entirety or by the room, to groups or individuals whose reason for wanting to stay at the Center aligns with our mission." The Center is part of Maine Farmland Trust. FMI: 207-338-6575; www.mainefarmlandtrust.org

Maine Fiberarts is creating LEARNING FIBER ART: A GUIDE TO MAINE TEACHING RESOURCES in Maine and wants all artists, craftspeople, shops, learning centers, retreats, libraries and special events—offering fiber learning on a regular and ongoing basis. Coming out as a printed and online book.

MAINE ARTS COMMISSION offers several grants for individual artists, including “Project Grant for Artists,” “Traditional Arts Apprenticeship,” “Maine Artist Fellowship,” and the “Jane Morrison Memorial Film Fund.” For descriptions and deadlines, see: www.mainearts.gov/Pages/Funding/For-Individuals

Argy Nestor of the MAINE ARTS COMMISSION seeks art making materials and supplies that are no longer needed since she works with many art teachers in Maine and in other countries. Email her and she’ll be glad to make arrangements for pick up. FMI: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

FOR RENT. Huge studio (799 sq. ft.) available at Waterfall Arts in Belfast. Renters have 24/7 access, wi-fi, parking, and more. FMI: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MAINE FIBER RESOURCE GUIDE has become Maine Fiberarts Tour. This online version takes the place of our printed Tour Maps, and is THE place we direct visitors to. Listings are FREE so please fill out the online form, or call Maine Fiberarts and we will assist you: 207-721-0678.

FIBER FOLIO folio.mainefiberarts.org is our photo-illustrated tour to fiber, art, craft and farms across Maine and beyond. Always new profiles and changing content, profusely-illustrated with colorful photography. A living tour. Check it out!

If you have a Bulletin item to contribute to this Fiber Bulletin here, you can enter it yourself using this form.

Maine Fiberarts has a CLASSIFIED ADS section. Ads are FREE for Members ($60/year or higher) and run for three months. Enter your fiber-related item or help-wanted request in the form at the bottom of every page. It is the same form you would use to add an event or bulletin listing.

Be sure to take the FIBER ART MINI TOUR: Midcoast Maine. Read about it here. Brochures are available at Center for Maine Craft in West Gardiner; Markings Gallery in Bath; Maine Fiberarts in Topsham; Halcyon Yarn in Bath; Maine State Information Centers in Yarmouth, Kittery, Hampden North and South, Calais, Fryeburg, Houlton; Newcastle Inn in Newcastle; Henry and Marty Restaurant in Brunswick, Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick, Wild Oats in Brunswick.

Fill in the form below to simplify sending us your news, event, announcement or ad for our Statewide Fiber Bulletin. Please check our bulletin for other items that have been published so you will have an idea of the length and the format. Keep it brief, 25 words. Make sure emails and websites are correct and functioning before you put them in. We will delete items once they have happened, we do not keep an archive of events. Ads will run for 3 months and are free for members.

Our Fiber Bulletin is not the same thing as our Fiber Resource Guide/Tour Map. If what you are announcing is a consistent or recurring event, an organization, a service or a studio that has an address that you would like to add to our digital tour, there is a link to enter your information on our map, here.

To the BELVEDERE FUND of the Maine Community Foundation for a $5,000 grant award to visit rural regions of Maine to discover and to document fiber artists and to add their work to Maine Fiberarts’ Photo Image Libraries, News Bulletin, and Fiber Folio. Thank you, MCF!

To THE TATTER TEXTILE LIBRARY of Brooklyn, New York, for its recent financial gift supporting the work of Maine Fiberarts. Your gift and recognition are greatly appreciated. Tatter has a library of books that is open to the public by appointment. They also offer classes in various types of stitching. Check out their website and thank you, Tatter! www.tatter.org

Thank you to BANGOR SAVINGS BANK for sponsoring our exhibition for Elizabeth Busch! Your support is very much appreciated!

MAINE ARTS COMMISSION for partial funding of a project grant to redesign, expand and promote our Fiber Folio photo blog, www.mainefiberfolio.com. We are looking for guest writers and unique ideas to feature on our online Folio. Be in touch! Maine Arts Commission is an independent state agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.

THE EDGARD AND GERALDINE FEDER FOUNDATION for monies to reprint our FIBER ART MASTERS book since our first edition is just about out of print. Thank you!

To the BELVEDERE TRADITIONAL HANDCRAFTS FUND of the MAINE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION for major funding to create our online and printed new book: LEARNING FIBER ART: A GUIDE TO MAINE TEACHING RESOURCES. Thank you, Belvedere. You are dear to us!!

To our AMAZING BENEFACTOR, who wishes to remain anonymous, and who will support Maine Fiberarts with a check for $12,500 during 2019 if we can match it. Thank you to all who gave towards this match last year. We raised $17,000 during 2018 with this incentive. Wonderful!

MAINE HUMANITIES COUNCIL for an award of a Major Grant in support of our "Threads of History" show this Spring-Summer 2017. The grant supports programming at Maine Fiberarts, three scholars, one tour, and two lectures. Candace Kanes will offer a guided tour along Maine Street, Brunswick pointing out the former fiber businesses of yore: haberdasheries, dressmakers, milliners, and corsetiere shops. Historian Scott Hansen will provide a tour through Cabot Mill and a talk about Brunswick mill history. And Jacqueline Field is offering a talk on Maine's silk industry. See "Current Exhibition" for dates and locations.

To TWO DONORS who wish to remain anonymous, one for general support of Maine Fiberarts during 2018 and another who is supporting our new Learning Fiber Art: A Guide to Maine Teaching Resources. Thank you!

MAINE OFFICE OF TOURISM and MAINE ARTS COMMISSION for support of our Fiber Arts Mini Tour: Midcoast Maine which is now in use during Summer of 2019 for self-guided tours.

Thank you to the following special donors who continue to support our exhibitions and programming: Verrill Dana, Ann Kaplan, Maine Humanities Council, Maine Arts Commission, Katharine Watson, Judith Connorton, Carolyn Murray, Bangor Savings Bank, Mary Lou Steptoe, Arlene Morris, Dr. Steven Stern, Mr. and Mrs. John Schaperkotter, William and Judith Winship, David and Margo Knight, Peggy Whitney Hobbs, Sue Perless, and Carolyn Wollen. Many people working together to bring beautiful shows of fiber work to our gallery!

Thank you to The Betterment Fund, Maine Arts Commission, Maine Office of Tourism, and the National Endowment for the Arts for support  to continue our programs, and especially our online Maine Fiberarts Tour. Artists and fiber producers: get yourself listed on our map at www.mainefiberartstour.com

MANY CANCELLATIONS AND POSTPONINGS (if that's a word): As we all know, there are so many closures and cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic that it is impossible to list all of them in our Bulletin. We advise calling or emailing any event or class that is published here to see if there are plans to reschedule or provide something online. 

ONE LUPINE and Maine Yarn & Fiber Supply announces 2020 classes at their shop, 170 Park Street, Bangor, ME 04401. Tidal Tours Retreat 2020 has two spots left; Beginner Stranded Colorwork Hat Knittig Class, March 5; No Fear Cables! (Knitting Class), March 7; Beginner Crochet Class, March 14, March 19, April 18; Make Your Own Yarn Bowl Class, March 21; and Tuesdays from 4-6 pm, KAL: Stitch Sampler Shawl, free pattern download on Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stitch-sampler-shawl. FMI: https://maineyarnandfibersupply.com/collections/classes-events

CASCO BAY CRAFT SCHOOL, Long Island, Maine. Book Arts Workshops with Rebecca Goodale, July 7-8, 2020. Take one or both! FMI: http://cascobaycraft.com/workshops, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

A WRINKLE IN THYME FARM announces a few Winter and early Spring classes/workshops: Felting Friday, February 14, 1-3. Spinning and Weaving Day, Wednesday, February 19, 10-2, potluck, spinning and talking about weaving projects. Shibori, Thursday and Friday, February 21-21, 10-2, Caidy Albano and Rebeca Zicarelli, using organic indigo, bring your own fabric or yarn. Making Mice, Sunday, February 23, 10:30, bring a lunch, sign up. Punch Needle Embroidery, Sunday March, 10:00 am bring a lunch, sign up; Spring Yarn and Yoga Weekend, Friday 5 pm–Sunday noon, March 27-28-29, sign up. FMI and registration/sign up: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 207-212-4058, http://www.awrinkleinthymefarm.com.

CATHERINE WORTHINGTON announces Spring 2020 weekend class/workshop offerings. Class size 3-8 students. Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5, sign up by March 27; Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26, sign up by April 17; Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3, sign up by April 24. Signup online by sign-up-by date given: https://www.catherineworthingtonart.com/classes

HAYSTACK MOUNTAIN SCHOOL OF CRAFTS 2020 Summer Session Fiber Workshops:
SESSION 1, June 7-19, 2020, L J Roberts, Embroidery, Composition, and Collage;
SESSION 2, June 21–July 3, 2020, Cynthia Alberto, Backstrap Weaving;
SESSION 3, July 12–24, 2020, Pascale Gaztzen, Friends of light;
SESSION 4, July 26–August 7, 2020, Liz Collins, Micro/Macro;
SESSION 5, August 9–21, 2020, Jane Lackey, Finding Focus;
SESSION 6, August 23–August 29, 2020, Brece Honeycutt, Flower Power.
FMI: https://www.haystack-mtn.org/summer-workshops-details or call (207) 348-2306

CANCELLED  KATHARINE COBEY is offering a free class on Diagonal Knitting, Friday, March 23, 3:00pm, at the Lincoln Home, 22 River Road, Newcastle Me, 04553. FMI: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 207-563-2250

KATHLEEN GODDU is offering a two-day workshop, 2/29/2020 and 3/7/2020 through Merrymeeting Arts Center in Bowdoinham. The workshop will be held at Merrymeeting Arts Studio, 9 Main Street Bowdoinham, Maine from 10 am to 1 pm each day. You will learn to create your own Japanese Rice Bag (Komebukuro) using loved scraps of fabric in a playful, spirited manner. Hand stitching and machine stitching will be used to make a bag 6" x 6" x 6". In the past, these bags were used to carry rice offerings to temple during religious ceremonies and to hold gifts for friends and relatives. Today it makes a wonderful purse, sewing bag, etc. FMI and to register: Lisa Shannon, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MAINE COLLEGE OF ART’s Continuing Studies Program announces 2020 workshops in: “Collage: Found Objects, Attachments, and Surface Design,” Crystal Cawley; “Make Your Own Sewing Patterns,” Cheslye Ventimiglia; “Perfect Fit Skirt Pattern,” Betsy Scheintaub; “Photoshop Crash Course,” Bennett Morris; “Cut Paper and Collage,” Shannon McGinty; “Fashion Sewing Elements,” Cheslye Ventimiglia; “Hats,” Betsy Scheintaub; “Experimental Weaving,” Hannah Adams; “Introduction to Sewing,” Ashley Wernher-Collins, and others. FMI: www.meca.edu

PENLAND SCHOOL OF CRAFT has released its Summer 2020 catalog with a complete array of workshops in metals, photography, print and letterpress, textiles, wood, books and paper, clay, drawing and painting, glass, and iron running from May through August. Textile classes include: “Say it Softly,” Jeana Eve Klein; “Woven Cloth, Raw Material,” Andrea Donnelly; “Katazome, Natural Dyes and Indigo,” Akemi Nakano Cohn; “Natural Dye Block Print,” Graham Keegan; “Skins, Skeletons, Nets and Knots,” Mo Kelman; “Suit Yourself,” Jessica Gatlin; “Cloth is Material,” Adele Stafford; “Sculptural Basketry,” Ann Coddington; “Boro Transformed,” Yoshiko Wada; “Class of Possibilities,” Edwina Bringle; “Felt: Fiber in the Round,” Stephanie Metz; and “Plants: Muse, Medium and Material,” Hillary Waters Fayle. FMI: www.penland.org

PLEASANT MOUNTAIN FIBER ARTS WORKSHOPS, June 19-21, 2020: Discover the "West Coast of Maine." Workshops held in the Denmark Municipal Building, the Denmark Congregational Church and the Denmark Public Library, an hour west of Portland and only one half hour from North Conway in New Hampshire. All Day Classes from 9AM to 4PM (an hour for lunch). FRIDAY: Painting on Silk - Julie Yarbrough; Fabulous Felt Flowers - Kendra Rafford; Secret Belgian Binding - Anna Low; Sashiko - Linda Whiting; Needle Felted Animal Portrait - Jan Winsor; Traditional Proddy Mat - Janet Conner; Oxford Punch Needle Rug - Marcy Young. SATURDAY: Penobscot Tote Basket - Ida Atkinson; Needle Felt Your New BFF - JulieYarbrough; Small Braided Oval Rug - Kim Durkee; Eco Printing - Mary Delano; Rigid Heddle Weaving - Karen Smith; Dyeing to Make a Rug - Linda Whiting; 3D Felting - Pouches with Personality - Kendra Rafford. SUNDAY: Open & Airy Felt Scarf - Kendra Rafford; Shibori Indigo - Mary Delano; Small Braided Rug - Kim Durkee; Photo Album with Traditional Japanese Binding - Anna Low. 1/2 Day Classes - Mornings 9AM to Noon - Afternoons 1PM to 4PM. FRIDAY MORNING: Napkin Basket; Norwegian Mittens. FRIDAY AFTERNOON: Braided Star and Wreath, Introduction to Double Knitting. SATURDAY MORNING: Beginning Rug Hooking, Beginning Handspindle, Locker Hooking. SATURDAY AFTERNOON: A Box for Every Bit, Multi Media Rug Hooking, Introduction to Two Color Knitting. SUNDAY MORNING: Twig Globe Twinkle Light, Kumihimo with Beads, Twined (or Two End) Knitting. SUDAY AFTERNOON: Twig Globe Twinkle Light, Felting Hoopla, Woven Fabric Basket. For a printable schedule and to sign up form, visit their website: http://www.pleasantmtfiber.com

SHAKERAG WORKSHOPS, June 2020, Sewanee, TN. Session One, June 11-14: “Knitting Getaway” with Ann Shayne and Kay Gardiner of Mason-Dixon Knitting.” Session Two, June 14-20: “Retracing Nature: Folio, Book, and Installation,” “Crafting a Handmade Wardrobe,” “Fibers and Colors from the Fields,” plus others. Session Three, June 21-27: “Photography” with Rinne Allen, “Garment Sewing,” “Quilting: The Potential of Pattern,” and “The Illuminated Autobiography,” with Rebecca Goodale and Dennis Gilbert, plus others. FMI: www.shakerag.org

SNOW FARM: The New England Craft Program, Williamsburg, MA has a wide-array of hands-on craft making 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-day workshops in basketry, fibers, mixed media, ceramics, welding, mosaics, wood, metalsmithing and glass. Fibers classes include: “Texting on Textile,” Eva Camacho-Sanchez; “Shibori Rainbow,” “Fluid Monoprint on Silk,” “Crochet Rag Rugs,” “Narrative Mending,” “Local Plants to Dye For,” “Sculptural Paper,” “Mosaic with Found Objects,” “Multiblock Color Woodcut,” “Altered Artist Books,” “Marbling: You Can Never Have Enough!” “Encaustic,” Beyond Felting: Silk, Paper and Wool,” “ Denim: Stitching, Beading Appliqué and Other Decorative Techniques,” “Contemporary Penny Rugs,” “Fanciful Floral Arrangements in Felt,” and so much more. Send for a 2020 catalog or visit www.snowfarm.org

SARA HOTCHKISS announces 2020 workshops at her studio in Waldoboro: “Weave a Rug/Color Your Home Workshop Experience,” two days designed for beginners. Warp and weft prepared ahead after student chooses colors to work with. Leave with a finished rug, $295 on May 14-15 or July 9-10. “Rep Weave Collaboration on the Big Loom,” two days designed for students with previous experience. Work on the 12-foot Glimakra Sovereign loom. Students leave with a finished rug 30x40”, fee $295, August 5-6. “Weave a Heart Rug,” three days weaving two hearts that face each other, 24x40,” $425, June 16-18 or October 28-30. “Weave a Tapestry Rug/Color Your Home,” three days for beginners and those with some experience to learn basic tapestry stitches. Looms and materials are ready for students to begin weaving. Finished techniques are demonstrated and students leave with a finished rug, 24x40,” $425, July 14-16 or September 8-10. FMI: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., https://www.sarahotchkiss.com

WATERFALL ARTS announces March and April Classes: Printmaking: MONOTYPE with Karin Otto, Wednesday, March 4, 5:30-8:30 PM. Monoprinting is a form of printmaking that produces a unique print and a great process for understanding the basics of the printmaking process in general. FMI: https://waterfallarts.org/events/2020-03/; PRINTMAKING FOR CREATIVE COLLAGE with Karin Otto and Abbie Read. Saturday and Sunday, April 4-5, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. Participants will learn about both printmaking and collage separately, and then experiment using them together. The themes of landscape, architecture, and/or natural forms will be our starting points. Day one is about printmaking, day two is on collage, learning the art of simplification, the importance of shape and line, and how to use a scalpel blade, scissors, or tearing; and INDIGO SHOBORI with Jackie Ottino. Saturday, April 18. 1:00 PM-5:00 PM. Learn to dye with indigo! Dyeing with indigo has a long history, dating back to at least 2500 BC. Learn how to make a concentrated stock, and use it to add beautiful layers of blues to your fibers! A set of 4 cloth napkins and a silk scarf will be provided for participants to experiment with. Participants may also bring up to 1 pound of clean yarn, unspun fibers, fabric of any kind, or previously dyed fibers. FMI: https://waterfallarts.org/events/2020-04/

SNOW POND FIBER FESTIVAL, May 15-17. Classes: “Embellishing Techniques and Alternative Materials for Hooked Projects,” Beth Miller, Parris House Wool Works; Create a Needle-Felted Sleeping Fawn,” Lisa Leavitt; “Punch Needle,” Judith Hotchkiss; “Soap Making,” Sara Perkins; “Rug Hooking,” Toni Philbrick; “Knitting Skills,” Bette Sturtevant; “Beginning Spinning and Intro to Fiber Prep,” Kendra Millis. FMI: www.fiberfestival.snowpond.org