| fiber arts | yadkin valley fiber center
| about us
The Yadkin Valley Fiber Center is one of a small number of places in the country dedicated to ongoing weaving instruction. We embrace all levels of skill, from beginning to advanced learning.
We offer beginning instruction on a quarterly basis on the four shaft, inkle, rigid heddle and tapestry looms.
Additionally we host nationally known guest instructors for specialized learning and a Master Weaving Certification Program.
We are an affiliate of The Foothills Arts Center in Elkin, North Carolina.
“We welcome all fiber arts students with an interest in cultivating their craft.”
- Leslie Fesperman
| plan your visit
We’re located in the heart of the Yadkin Valley wine region overlooking the Yadkin River and nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Located just off I-77, Elkin is an easy drive from the Blue Ridge, The Piedmont, The Triangle, and Charlotte. With Charlotte-Douglas & Greensboro Regional Airports both within an hours drive, the Fiber Center has quickly become an international hub for fiber enthusiasts of all sorts.
Southern On Main
| dine & drink
Grab a bite to eat at one of our downtown restaurants. Throw back a beer with a few friends at one of our local breweries. Relax on a sun-soaked patio overlooking one of our many area wineries. Or shop for one of a kind gifts in our historic downtown.
Stone Mountain State Park
| explore
The Mountains-to-Sea Trail, the Yadkin River State Trail, and the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail all converge in downtown Elkin. The Blue Ridge Parkway and Stone Mountain State Park are just a short drive away.
The Reeves Theater
| tune in
While visiting Elkin, be sure to catch a live music show at the beautifully restored Reeves Theatre & Cafe or attend a free downtown Live @ 5 concerts presented by Explore Elkin!
Ongoing
Beginning Classes on the Inkle, Rigid Heddle, Tapestry, and Four Shaft Loom are offered on a quarterly basis.
Weaving Tuesday - a weekly gathering of weavers - by reservation
Private Classes by Appointment
“The Yadkin Valley Fiber Center is dedicated to broadening an understanding of the fiber arts through weaving, spinning, felting, and other fiber-based media instruction”
— Leslie Fesperman
| master weaving
| master weaving
This program consists of five progressive classroom and independent study levels involving skill development, research studies, and project assignments. It provides an educational environment where an individual can acquire the skill to become an independent weaver.
| wellness policy
We will be taking a temperature check on all attendees to our center daily. For more details about our wellness policy please follow this link.
“Creating is the most intense excitement one can come to know.”
— Annie Albers
-
![]()
Scrap! A Recycled Art Exhibit
Opening reception April 14 5 - 8 pm at the Studio 113 West Main Street. Works created using earth friendly practices in fibers, metals, mixed media, pottery, and wood. On view through May 2023.
-
![]()
May 26 - 28, 2023 Weekend Beginning Weaving Class
with Leslie Fesperman
Students will have the choice of weaving a scarf, or rag style table runner while learning the basics of how to weave.
-
![]()
May 31 & June 1 | Birds, Bugs and Butterflies with Mary Jane Lord
Images taken from nature can often be a source of inspiration for abstract tapestry design. Learn more in this two day workshop.
-
![]()
June 2 - Sept. 30 | New Works by Tapestry Weavers South
This is our 6th year hosting this Tapestry Weavers South members exhibit. .Featuring the works of TWS members throughout the southeast. on view through Sept, 30 Secind Fridays 5 - 8 pm, by appoinment and by chance.
-
![]()
June 7 - 8 Beginning Tapestry Weaving with Leslie Fesperman
Learn the basics of tapestry weaving in this two day course.
-
![]()
June 10 | Beginning Inkle Loom Weaving with Rachel Fesperman
Learn to weave belts and straps and all the basics of weaving on the inkle loom, including loom set up, how to weave on the loom and simple patterns.
-
![]()
June 10 | Beginning Rigid Heddle Weaving
This 4 hour course covers all the basics to get you started weaving on the rigid heddle loom from preparing the loom, to weaving and planning a project.
-
![]()
June 16 - 18 | Two to Four with Leslie Fesperman
Rigid heddle weavers will learn how to upgrade the Cricket Loom to four shafts and learn the basics of weaving with more than two shafts.
-
![]()
June 20 - 22 | A History of Pattern & Weaving - Rag Rug Style
This 2 day course explores rag rug history and multiple patterns found in old loom manuals.
-
![]()
July 16 - 21 |Beginning Weaving Rag Rug Style w/ Leslie Fesperman
Learn to weave rag rug style in this beginning course. Students will have the option of weaving a set of placemats or a table runner. Experienced beginners needing a refresher course may choose to weave a rug.
-
![]()
July 22 | Beginning Kumihimo with Rachel Fesperman
Learn the Japanese techniques of forming threads into cords in the day long class
-
![]()
Aug 6 - 11 | Master Weaving | Session 1
Apprentice Certification
-
![]()
August 13 - 18 | Master Weaving | Session 1
Apprentice Certification
Instructor | Leslie Fesperman
-
![]()
August 20 - 25 | Master Weaving Session 2
Artisan Certification
-
![]()
September 22-24. 2023 Weft Kasuri
with Beth Johnson
Learn the Japanese ikat tradition of Kasuri in this three day workshop.
-
![]()
Sept 27, 2023 | Color and Weave on the Rigid Heddle Loom
Learn to get outstanding color pattern effects using a rigid heddle loom.
Registration closes Sept 18.
-
![]()
Sept 28 - 29, 2023 | Pick Up | Rigid Heddle w/ Deborah Jarchow
Go beyond the basics and weave much more than plain weave on your rigid heddle loom.
Registration Closes Sept 20
-
![]()
Beginning Weaving on the Inkle Loom with Rachel Fespermancoming Fall 2023
Learn to weave belts and straps and all the basics of weaving on the inkle loom, including loom set up , how to weave on the loom and planning simple patterns.
