You guessed it; the Villages Folk School is teaching people how to knit their own socks. It was a pretty awesome spectacle to see Karen Land and her students sitting in our parlor, knitting and enjoying the peace and quiet. Obviously they were savoring both the experience of the class and each others company. I found myself wanting to take the pictures in black and white as it must have appeared 150 years ago in this house when the ladies would gather together on a Saturday afternoon to enjoy the visit with friends and time to knit another pair of socks for the family. I continued taking pictures for awhile and excused myself to head up river to the bread class.
I crested the hill leading down into Bentonsport and simply had to stop the vehicle along the side of the road. This picture was one I had to capture on my camera. Below me lay the Des Moines River valley as it cut its way down river towards Bonaparte. The trees were spectacular and I could see the historic covered bridge, now a walking path, which spans from the village Bentonsport to Vernon. I snapped a few pictures and sat there just taking it all in. Driving through the Villages of Van Buren County is an experience I never tire of. I started my vehicle again and wound down the hill into Bentonsport and the home of Bill and Betty Printy where the class was taking place. Four students from both Iowa and Illinois were intently listening as Betty and her daughter April made the initial presentation of the class and what they could expect. Betty’s enthusiasm always inspires the students and makes the whole experience an exciting one. Now, with the help of her daughter, April Ziegler, they were getting even more hands-on instruction from the teachers. This has been a very popular class here at the folk school as it seems everyone wants to learn the art of making bread; especially bread that tastes like this bread! “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing” will be your statement after tasting the bread that comes from Betty’s kitchen. Experience it once and you will be hooked for life. You may want to contact the school while the ovens are hot!!
Give us a call at 319-592-3700 or go to our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com and register for this and other exciting Villages Folk School classes.
Once the dough had been mixed and made ready for the ovens I returned to the sock knitting class in Bonaparte. They were working away and having a great time together. I spent some time watching and listening as they continued their projects. This class will convene again on November 20th to deal with the issue of knitting heals in their socks. Each student has until then to get to that point in their process. Time slows to a crawl here in the villages and makes afternoons like this one a truly relaxing experience.
The time was nearing for the loaves of bread to come out of the ovens so I jumped in the van and returned to the bread making class. This is the time I enjoy most; watching the expression on the face of each student as they see their newly baked loaf of bread for the first time. The smiles on their faces and the obvious look of satisfaction tell it all as they remove their loaves of bread from the oven. Today was “true-to-form” as four perfectly baked loaves emerged from the oven. It is difficult to improve on perfection but this class always finds a way. Not only the expert instruction, but watching the students as they put their personal touches on each dough recipe always ads a unique element to each finished loaf of bread. Happy with finished product, Betty sat the students down to cover some last minute details before dismissing them and their newly baked loaves of bread for their return trips home. I said my goodbyes and returned to the office to put this day of classes down on paper while the details of each class were still fresh in my mind.
Whatever the class, wherever the location, and whoever is teaching it, the Villages Folk School offers an exciting opportunity for you to find your creative side and take it to new heights as you experience “living the arts” with our gifted artist instructors.
The decision to take a class with us is purely up to you and we at the Villages Folk School want to assure you that the choice you make to take a class will be one of the greatest choices of your life. Come join us for a fun-filled weekend and let yourself in on an experience that will change your life!
The Villages Folk School class schedule can be found on our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com or call us today at 319-592-3700. We are here to answer any questions you might have or to assist you with your class registration. PayPal invoices can be emailed to you for your convenience.
Here is a list of our upcoming classes: Natural Dyes in My Backyard, Oct 28-29; 7 Step Chair Caning, Oct 30; Still Life in Soft Pastels, Nov 6; Chair Caning with Fiber Rush Weave, Nov 13; Fried Fiction Workshop, Nov 13-14; Container Candles, Nov 27.
We look forward to seeing you at the Villages Folk School classes.
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