Fiber Arts
Class Offerings
May 15, 16, 17 3-5:30 PM Instructor Nancy Mahala
This intermediate class will require that the students have basic knowledge of warping and weaving on a rigid heddle loom.
Students will design and create a sampler using their favorite weaving techniques or experiment with new techniques with instructor’s assistance. This class is designed to enhance the students ability to weave more intricate patterns. All material and equipment will be supplied.
Taking a beginner weaving course is recommended before intermediate courses. The next beginners class is offered through Lost Province Arts in June 2026.
June 15, 16, 17 1-4:30 PM Students will learn the art of weaving on a small rigid heddle loom. The loom will be warped and ready for the students to weave a sampler using 2 shafts . They will learn the simplest plain weave to several finger manipulated weaves and have the opportunity to design their sampler by selecting colors for several different types of weaving, leaving with a finished wall hanging or table runner.
Introduction to Papermaking
taught by Alyssa Sacora/The Patchwork Underground
July 11, 2026 from 10–4pm
This workshop will give you hands-on experience working with several pulps to learn the basics of western style mould and deckle papermaking.
You will learn:
• how to process recycled and commercial fibers into pulp at home or in a paper studio
• what tools and equipment are needed for papermaking
• how to pull, press and dry sheets of paper
The day will start with a discussion about papermaking and will explore a variety of handmade paper samples. Afterwards, we will set up vats of pulp and make sheets of paper together. Each participant will take home a stack of sample papers. It’s up to you how you use the finished sheets.
All are welcome. No experience necessary.
Thursday July 23 from 5-7:30
Join Green Eyes Dye Studio to discover the craft of natural dyes with flowers and plants. In this 2.5-hour workshop participants will have a brief introduction to natural dyes and the bundle dyeing process. You will learn about the materials, tools, and techniques used and other processes that can be explored using plants as natural dyes. We will cover an introduction to materials and tools, what is needed before dyeing, fabrics, and different flowers and plants that can be used to make a rainbow of color from nature. We will then each create a unique silk 22”x22” scarf using flowers and plants, many homegrown or locally foraged. Participants can discuss more about natural dyes and other dyeing techniques while the pieces steam for 30 minutes. We will then unwrap our creations and share results and ideas!
Workshop will cover:
Basics of natural dyeing, including fabrics, prep, mordanting and modifiers
Overview of natural dye plants and how to extract dyes
How to naturally bundle dye fabric with locally grown flowers and plants
Each student will create and leave with a bundle dyed 22x22" silk scarf and a summary of information covered at the workshop. Scarf and all supplies included in workshop cost.
Instructor: Kelly Pierson
June 8, 9, 10 - 2-5PM
Introduction to the spinning wheel with Nancy Mahala.
This class includes an introduction to the spinning wheel, it's parts and function. You will learn about wool fiber--how and why spinning works to turn a fuzzy pile of fiber into strands you can use to create something beautiful.
Students will learn how to spin yarn on in the same traditional way as our ancestors, using a wheel and a drop spindle. We will do some wool processing using hand cards and a drum carder.
Students will take home a small skein of their own handspun yarn and much knowledge about the process of turning fiber into yarn. All materials and equipment are included.
If you own a spinning wheel, bring it to class.
During this class, you will learn the whole process of weaving on a floor loom, from winding the warp, dressing the loom and weaving a pattern. Everything is provided and you will take home a finished product. Instructor Nancy Mahala
Class Schedule:
Tuesday, June 23 2-5PM
Tuesday, June 30 2-5PM
Tuesday, July 7 2-5PM
Tuesday, July 14 2-5PM
Meet our Instructors
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Nancy Mahala
Fiber Arts Instructor
Nancy Mahala Nancy’s fiber arts journey began at East Tennessee State University, where she discovered her love of weaving and all things fiber-related. She explored many avenues, including weaving, natural dyeing, spinning, and paper making, and graduated with a BS in Art. After graduation, she discovered her second passion: teaching. She has taught for Wilkes Community College’s continuing education program, mentored an apprentice for two years through a grant from the NC Arts Council, taught private classes, and currently teaches for Lost Province for the Cultural Arts.
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Ann Rose
Rug Making Instructor
Ann Rose is a longtime resident of Lansing and is one of the board members of Lost Province Arts.She had taken fiber courses at LPA and has continued learning fiber arts on her own. She started Upcycled Blues when there was to many leftover clothes after Hurricane Helene. Items that were to worn to donate but still had life left to give. Now teaching Rag Rug making so you can up-cycle also!
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Alyssa Sacora
Paper Making Instructor
Alyssa Sacora is a crafts person working in plant-based mediums of papermaking, book arts, basketry, and weaving. She finds inspiration by observing relationships between plants and humans throughout time. To reduce her footprint and encourage creative thinking, she primarily works with locally available and repurposed natural materials. In addition to and in support of her craft, she tends a large garden with fruits and vegetables, medicinal herbs, and art plants. Alyssa teaches at her studio, The Patchwork Underground, in Fairview, NC as well as numerous organizations in WNC. When possible, she utilizes an outside setting to help her students make the connection that we are nature and that our lives are intertwined with the plants, the soil, and the air around us. To learn more about Alyssa, see her work and current course offerings, visit www.thepatchworkunderground.com.
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Kelly Pierson
Fiber Dyeing Instructor
Kelly Pierson is the maker behind Green Eyes Dye Studio, a natural dye studio based in Boone. Through her work, Kelly hopes to inspire connection, healing, and care for the planet through the craft of natural dyes. With a background in conservation biology and years spent gardening, working in conservation, and exploring Alaska and North Carolina, she discovered natural dyes in 2020 and has been learning and practicing ever since. For Kelly, natural dyeing is a slow, intentional practice rooted in wonder, connection, and sharing knowledge with others. Learn more at Green Eyes Dye Studio or on Instagram at @greeneyes.dyestudio. Image credit: Hannah Avery
