Thursday, December 18th - 5:15pm to 8:15pm
To take this class, students should feel comfortable tying Turkey Wing whisk brooms.
In this higher-level class, we’ll explore a braiding technique used to create the distinctive Rooster Tail broom sometimes labeled as an Ushers’ Whisk Broom. They are said to have been kept in theater ushers’ back pockets and used to sweep off seats before patrons sat down. Their distinctive angled handles made them fit perfectly in the back pocket, and their charming nubbins and braiding are instantly recognizable. Once you've learned the braiding technique on the Rooster Tail, you can also apply it to your Turkey Wings.
Rooster Tails modify the more familiar Turkey Wing style by adding the braid and by incorporating a different starting technique that results in the nubbin on the nose of the broom. So that we can spend class time focusing on the new elements, students should come to class familiar with a basic turkey wing. Students should be familiar with tying on, adding sections of broomcorn to create a turkey wing shape, and tying off. All of the techniques will also be reviewed during the demonstration.
All class tools and materials are provided. Tying a broom is a stress-reducing, full body practice. You'll use both feet to hold tension and both hands to manipulate the yarn and wrap the broom tightly. Broom tying is best attempted with bare or stockinged feet, so please be prepared to take your shoes off during class.
Class Cancelation Policy:
If you cancel more than 30 days before the beginning of your class, we will offer you store credit in the amount of your class. Cancelation with less than 30 days notice will result in the forfeiture of your entire course fee. However, if we are able to fill your spot, we will offer store credit in the amount of the class.
If we cancel a class, you can choose to receive a full refund or store credit.
About the instructor:
Robert is an enthusiastic learner, teacher, and crafter living and working in the Portland area. He started Redmond Philbert Handwork primarily to support his need to make new brooms daily. Beyond the visceral joy of broom-making, Robert is interested in elevating natural materials over synthetic alternatives and loves to incorporate color into his work, making an everyday object and an everyday activity feel special, vibrant, and even fun.
