Hands On History

Events for Knitting, Spinning, and Fiber Guilds

Niki Giberson has been passionate about fiber arts for the past 35 years. As a weaver, spinner, quilter, basket maker, shepherdess, and needle felter, she has a vast array of skills and knowledge to share.

Niki is able be a guest speaker at a meeting at your location, or you may book an event at Swan Bay Folk Art Center and Farm.

Below are possible event options. Please contact Niki to tailor an event for your Spinning, Knitting, or Fiber Guild.

You can refer to our calendar to see possible open dates.

Not local to South Jersey?.....

Book an event at Swan Bay and make a weekend of it with your group! We recommend staying at the Colonial Inn at Historic Smithville, NJ. This is a wonderful

B & B located less than 10 minutes from our farm.

Presentation on the Colonial Textile Industry

Niki will share the importance of sheep and spinning to the Early American Colonists. Information on how to plant a garden with natural dyeing plants as well as how to achieve different colors using various pots and mordants will be discussed. As a shepherdess for over twenty five years, she is able to share her expertise on how to achieve the perfect wool fiber for spinning and felting.

Basket Classes

Each member of your group will leave with a finished hand-crafted basket. Everyone may choose any basket from our list of basket descriptions. Prices will vary.

Learn more about our basket classes here.

We have over 80 baskets to choose from, but we especially like these to hold all of our knitting, spinning, and felting supplies:

(left to right: Indian Style Storage Basket, the Giant George, Tote with Leather Handles, Wool Drying Basket)

Needle Felted Silk Scarves

During this two hour class, each member will learn how to craft a wearable piece of art using a special needle felting tool. Cost is $38 and includes instruction and supplies.

Needle Felted Sculpture

Each student will make a small needle felted sculpture using wool from Swan Bay Farm. Choices for your class include: a snowman, pumpkin, Santa, leprechaun, rabbit, bird, owl, etc.

Please contact us if you have any other ideas for what you may want your group to make. Cost: $12 and includes instruction and supplies.

Learn more about our felting classes here.