Betty Burian Kirk
Lemont, Illinois

Betty’s interest in multishaft weaving began at Northern Illinois University where she received her Masters of Art in Teaching in 1981. Her one-person show was bas-relief crochet sculpture. She has explored many aspects of weaving, spinning and felting, using natural fibers and exotic fibers such as dog hair, alpaca, llama and angora. She also does custom spinning for pet lovers from their animal’s combed hair. Betty has had a flax garden for the past 11 years and enjoys teaching others the traditional way of preparing and spinning flax into linen thread. The last few years have found her intrigued by the sculptural effects she can achieve in making felt hats. She was chosen to exhibit throughout the state of Illinois in the Illinois Artisan Program.

If you understand how to weave overshot, explore the possibilities of two sided fabric. Different colors on each side can easily be achieved and even a different pattern on each side can be accomplished with some threadings. The concept may at first seem difficult but the task is easy.

Supplies: Paper and pen or pencil.
Fee: None.
Level: Any weaver who understands how to weave overshot.

Students will learn how to make a cloche hat by using a rubber ball as a resist. The instructor will demonstrate how to prepare the batts of wool and discuss various design possibilities. Students will begin (and some will finish) the cloche in class. The cloche is a close fitting hat, somewhat bell shaped, that was so popular during the roaring twenties.

Supplies: 3 pair of pantyhose (the leg section can have runs); ball (around a 27” circumference); salad or cereal bowl (to set the ball on);towels; wash basin (for the ball to fit in); black rubber welcome mat (with horizontal ridges);any yarns or fibers one wants to incorporate; gloves & apron (optional); an old cotton sheet; scissors.
Fee: $15.00
Level: Felting experience is recommended.

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