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The Field House presents free Sunday workshops

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Mar 04, 2010 at 10:30AM3 Comments

A felting class led by upcoming Blackbird instructress Ashley Halvey

While on a Sunday afternoon expedition aimed at procuring vintage flannels, American-made loafers, and rustic/now-wave housewares at Field House in Ballard, you might find yourself getting schooled.

Field House/Blackbird proprietress Nicole Miller is accepting students for four one-day workshops in the month of March.

Here’s a quick pass at what’s being offered; all courses are FREE and begin at 3p.

SUNDAY, MARCH 7
Wine of Piedmont, Italy: Culture and Tasting with Michael Teer of Pike and Western Wine Shop and western/

SUNDAY, MARCH 14
Bike Maintenance and Preparation with model employee Tyler Johnson

SUNDAY, MARCH 21
Age-Old Wet Felting Techniques with Ashley Halvey.

Here’s where (as far as I’m concerned, things really get good.) I met Halvey, a recent transplant from LA and SF who basically defines the nexus of art and style, via Totokaelo where her simple, elegant, of-the-earth necklaces are now sold.

Felted wall hanging by Seattle artist Ashley Helvey

Her line of sustainable, all-natural, traditionally produced felted rugs is called Danken. With these pieces, and with collaborations with ubercool Iko Iko in LA and Creatures of the Wind, Halvey’s craft goes beyond beauty to include global perspectives on history, culture, and the environment.

And then you gotta love the opportunity to sit around with some of Seattle’s sharpest style minds and apply elbow patches and tidy up old sweaters. Check out the last class in the March line-up:

SUNDAY, MARCH 28
Mend & Measure: Save money, save your favorite garment, consume less with Blackbird’s owner and resident needle-wielders Lauren Wang and Sue Weibler

As Miller points out, “in the old U.S. Navy, sailors had one day a month called ‘Mend & Measure’ where they were excused from their duties to launder and repair their clothes.” Let’s see Petraeus bring that one back.

Blackbird’s owner, who learned the art and craft of darning and repair work from her Grandmother, suggests you bring anything from* tattered socks to jeans and buttonless shirts.* The Blackbird team can help you figure out the best way to approach each repair job because really, the motivation and fuel for task completion is often found inside the group effort and community vibe. Attendees can bring mending supplies or share ones brought by the instructors.

Email info (at) blackbird.com for more information, or call 206-297-6093

Tags: Locally Made, How To, Heritage Brands, Ballard, Workshops, Blackbird