A variety of fiber arts classes are taught by Karen Kinyon, owner of Double K Diamond Llamas and Fiber. With 23 years of experience in the Fiber Arts, Karen's classes are fun and a great way to learn something new that is relaxing, peaceful and profitable.
All classes are one-day seminars usually from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Included in class fees are use of looms, spinning wheels, handspindles, all fibers, yarns and supplies. Class fees vary by subject. Classes can be scheduled individually or for groups. Karen also teaches at your location. If you have a minimum of six participants, Karen will teach at your home or ranch, bringing whatever equipment and supplies are necessary. Here are some of the most popular classes available.
DYEING
TO DYE FOR:
In this beginning class, participants will learn how to dye alpaca and llama yarn, roving and raw fleece using safe, repeatable, lightfast and colorfast commercial dyes. Techniques will include solid pots, rainbow pots and hand-painting.
KNITTING
UNLOCKING ENTRELAC:
Intermediate or beginning knitters will enjoy this fun technique of knitting on the diagonal and creating beautiful hats, scarves, socks, mittens and gloves.
LITTLE LACE LLAMA SOCK CLASS:
Socks are so much fun to make and this class focuses on a lovely lace pattern on the cuff. Beginning sock knitters are welcome as the class also includes turning a heel and the Kitchener Stitch.
BEGINNING LACE KNITTING:
Karen loves to work on lace items and has developed a simple lace pattern for beginning knitters. This class focuses on this four-row repeat lace pattern to create a beautiful lace scarf from llama or alpaca.
FELTING:
BEGINNING HAND FELTING:
Make a mess and have lots of fun felting an alpaca or llama hat. Hot water, soap, fiber and lots of "elbow grease" are all you need to make a smart, stylish hat from your favorite camelid buddy. Finishing techniques are also demonstrated in this fun class.
FLEECE PREPARATION
PREPARING A FLEECE FOR SHOW OR PROCESSING:
This seminar is specifically designed to show fleece producers how to sort and skirt a fleece for show or processing. Karen is an ALSA Certified Llama Fleece Judge and shares her insight so that breeders can do more than just shear the fleece off the animal and put it in a bag. Participants will have hands-on opportunities to compare different types of fleeces, skirting techniques and will learn what a judge is looking for in a fleece competition. Discussion will also include how to make the decision to show a fleece or process it into yarn or roving.