We will be offering classes in the morning and afternoon in 2025. Our current plans are to include introductory spinning as we did in 2024, intermediate level knitting and crochet classes,  and 2D needle felting. We are always glad to receive inquiries from the community. Meanwhile, we want to support the teaching already underway through area fiber and craft guilds, knitting and crochet groups, local yarn and craft stores, folk schools, and other individuals who teach the fiber arts. We are not here to compete, but to supplement and complement. All classes in 2025 will be in Building C of Johnson County Fairgrounds near to the vendor area for a cozy and convenient experience. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Please check individual classes for materials included or supplies to bring to the class. These classes make a wonderful present!

2025 Teachers

Jean Gross has had an interest in all things fiber since, at the age of 5, her mother gave her fabric scraps to keep her occupied. She is fluent in knitting, crocheting, tatting, embroidery, sewing, quilting and spinning, thanks to her mother, Janice, and grand mother, Clara. But Jean’s favorite thing to do with fiber is help others to explore its possibilities. She has taught at the Iowa State Fair, Des Moines Library, Freedom for Youth, the Des Moines Knitting Guild, local yarn shops and also teaches privately. Jean lives in Charles City with her husband, Dave, and faithful canines, Gusto and Rolo. She has published several knitting patterns and can be found on Ravelry as Jean Gross Designs and jtgross.

Sherry  Murtle has been a long time thread artist ,with lots of compassion for fiber and people.  Including Crochet, Tatting, knitting, spinning, weaving and 3D needle work.   Sherry has been showing in the Iowa State Fair since 2003, entering in different categories in the Fabric and Thread division, awarded with placement ribbons.   Sherry has taught over the years at multiple yarn stores including FiberPalooza in Winterset, IA., and teaches primarily at Yarn Junction, in West Des Moines, where she teaches beginning weaving and crochet to students.   Sherry lives in Des Moines.

Bonnie Bolhoeffer Ohrt is well known in Iowa as a 2D needle felter, weaver, and most recently a chainsaw carver. Bonnie has worked with animals for decades and has a definite affinity for animal portraiture. Bonnie works predominantly with wool grown by her daughter and son in law, who raise Jacob, Navajo churro,  and other rare breed sheep. 

Donald Waalen-Radzevicius is on IG @minnesotasticks and on Ravelry @ Minnesota Sticks. Don learned to crochet on his Grandmother’s lap at the age of five.  Fast forward 58 years and he has taught himself to knit, perfected his crochet skills, collaborated with LYS, yarn manufacturers and Indie dyers, designed numerous patterns and teaches both knitting and crochet several days a week.  Don considers himself successful when the lightbulb goes on above his students heads.