Focus on Fiber Arts: Summer is a great time to learn, see and enjoy

“No more teachers, no more books”, and soon kids will be free for the summer — free to do all that fun stuff that they don’t have time for during the school year. As parents, we love when fun can serve double duty as entertainment and learning.

Fiber arts provide all the above. Beginning July, and running through August, kids ages 8 and up can learn about the fiber arts while creating one of a kind masterpieces. Projects will include felted beaded jewelry, woven art pieces, woven jewelry, masks, and sculpture.

Weekly programs will explore felting, weaving, crochet and knitting. Pre registration may be made for individual classes, with discounts for weekly and multi child enrollment.

Always wanted to weave? Maybe taking a class and renting a loom is a good choice for you. Want to knit or crochet? Join our Wednesday morning or Thursday night class. Once Main Street Marketplace starts up, you can peruse the Marketplace, have a bite, and all in time to join the Thursday night group, which gathers from 6:30 -8:30 p.m.

When you are making your weekend plans this Sunday, be sure to carve out a little time for the Open Your Eyes Tour Preview Party 2014 at Emeritus at Litchfield Hills, 376 Goshen Rd. Form 3-5 p.m. The party, which is free and open to the public, gives attendees a little taste of what the June 28-29 tour will have to offer.

This year’s fifth annual Open Your Eyes Tour, presented by the Northwest CT Arts Council, will feature the works of 26 artists and artisans from Torrington, Burlington, and Harwinton.

Visitors have the opportunity to see the artists in their studios, the place where they create their work. In Sheep’s Clothing is thrilled to be one of the studios on the tour. Take the tour, and be inspired!

Virginia (Ginger) Balch knits, weaves and spins in all things “fibery” at her shop In Sheep’s Clothing at 10 Water St. Torrington www.in-sheeps-clothing.com or phone 860-482-3979