UPCOMING WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
BY W.J. JOHNSON OF SAGA HILL
– 2026 –
AMERICAN SWEDISH INSTITUTE (ASI)
American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55407; 612-871-4907. asimn.org
NORDIC HANDCRAFT WORKSHOPS AT ASI…
Binge-Style Knit Headband/Cowl
Saturday, October 10, 2026, 12–4 PM
Design and start knitting a Swedish headband/cowl in the Binge (pronounced “Bing-eh”) style from Halland, Southwest Sweden, in this afternoon workshop. This style, dating back to the 1600s, is characterized by colorwork patterns similar to Fair Isle.
Experience level: Students need to have basic knitting skills (know how to cast on, knit, purl, bind off). Ages 18+.
Cost: $80 ($70 ASI members) + $40 materials fee (includes 3 balls of Nordic yarn and a pattern).
Click here for more details and to register at the ASI website.
Learn to Knit and Embroider Swedish Lovikka-Inspired Mittens
October 25, 2026, 12–4:30 PM
Take a deep dive into the Lovikka knitting tradition, known for its unique embroidered cuff embellishments! In this half day workshop, students will explore the rich history of this renowned tradition originally from the town of Lovikka, located near the Arctic Circle. After a short presentation, fiber artist Wendy Johnson will lead students in the steps of how to knit the mitten on double-pointed needles, embroider the cuffs, and “full” (lightly felt) a miniature version of the Lovikka mitten. The mitten completed in class is a child’s size, though the provided pattern includes an adult-sized mitten that you may complete at home. These embellished mittens are sure to keep you cozy in the cold season or provide the perfect seasonal gift!
Experience level: This is an appropriate project for knitters new to mittens, but students should already know how to knit in the round on double-pointed needles, ages 16+.
Materials: A $35 materials fee covers the pattern, one skein of Lovikka yarn (enough for two mini-sized mittens), and embroidery yarn. Students must bring a set of U.S. size 9 double-pointed needles (preferably in a set of 5), stitch markers with loop closure (or medium-sized safety pins), a small stitch holder, and a tapestry needle.
Cost: $80 ($70 ASI members), plus $35 materials fee to instructor
Click here for more details and to register at the ASI website.
WEAVER'S GUILD OF MINNESOTA (WGM)…
The WGM is a nationally-recognized organization for the arts of weaving, spinning, and dyeing. It is located in the Open Book Building, 1011 Washington Avenue South, Suite 350, Minneapolis, MN, 55415. Click here to go to the WGM website.
Flax to Linen Spinning – SOLD OUT!
Saturday, August 22, 2026, 1–4 PM
In these one-day workshops, I discuss how flax and other bast fibers are grown and demonstrate the complex processing of the flax plant for hand spinning. Students try both line (long) flax and tow (short) fibers using a wet-spinning technique. I will also talk about my experience of growing, harvesting, and processing flax.
Materials: Fiber & some supplies are provided with a materials fee.
Experience level: This workshop is for spinners who can spin a reliable singles yarn. Wheel spinning is the emphasis, although spindle spinners may also sign up. NOTE: This is NOT a workshop for someone who has never spun yarn on a wheel or spindle!
Go to the WGM website link above to inquire about getting on a wait list in case someone drops out of this offering or to receive information for the next scheduling of this workshop.
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT – GALE WOODS FARM…
Gale Woods, 7210 County Road 110W, Minnetrista, MN, 55364, is a working educational farm and part of the Three Rivers Park District. For more information, call the farm at 763-694-2001 or visit the Gale Woods Farm website. Click here to go to the Gale Woods Farm website.
Flax! Processing from Stalk to Strick
Saturday, October 24, 2026
1-4 PM
Experience first-hand where linen fibers used to make fine cloth come from! In this workshop, you will learn about the history of linen flax from ancient times to today and discover the steps involved in growing, harvesting, and processing flax fiber for making linen. Students will have a hands-on experience processing flax stalks (actually grown at Gale Woods Farm) into fiber using traditional hand tools. Students will take their processed fiber home to use for their own interests—whether that's for spinning or making a craft project like a braided wreath. Note: We will be working with equipment that requires some manual dexterity and caution. Bring work gloves and a face mask for dust. Ages 18+.
Experience level: None needed
Cost: $55/person. Registrations are required by October 16, 2026. To register, see the link above for the farm website, or call the farm at 763-694-2001.
CITY OF PLYMOUTH, PARKS AND RECREATION
Plymouth Creek Activity Center, Education Wing, 14800 34th Avenue N., Plymouth, MN 55447.
Learn How to Knit or Refresh Your Knitting Skills
Date and time TBA
Learn or brush up on the basics of knitting, including casting on stitches, knitting, purling, and binding off stitches, while making a small cuff with wool yarn.
Experience level: No experience necessary. Suitable for ages 16+.
Materials: Yarn and a pattern will be provided with a materials fee included in the class cost.
Cost: $80 Plymouth resident/$85 nonresidents (includes the materials fee)
Registration: Go to the Plymouth Creek Activity Center registration page. Registration number will be available soon.
Classes & workshops are added as opportunities come up.
Keep in touch!
If you're interested in any class or workshop shown but can't attend on the scheduled date, please contact me.
If you don't see a class or workshop that interests you, some of my previously taught subjects include: Swedish Heritage Knitting, such as Lovikka Mitten Knitting; Tvåändstickning (Two-Ended/Twined Knitting); and Halland/Binge Knitting. Other knitting workshops & classes I offer are: Beginning Fair Isle Knitting (two-color knitting; Beginning Lace Knitting; Beginning Knitting; Modular Knitting; Beginning Mitten Knitting; among others.
Among my spinning workshops & classes are: Beginning Spinning with Spindle & Wheel; Spinning Short Fibers; Silk Spinning; Flax Processing & Spinning; Spinning Camelid Fibers; Wool Fiber Processing; and Fiber Dyeing.
If any of these subjects spark your interest (or another subject), please let me know. Advance interest helps establish future offerings.
Private workshops & classes & Speaking Engagements
I am able to schedule in-person private workshops & classes for individuals and groups. I also speak before groups on the subject of Swedish textiles and their history. Please contact me for more information.