Alpaca Tracks Workshops
We offer scheduled and on-demand hands-on craft workshops at our shop in Merrickville (318 St. Lawrence St. Merrickville, ON). Please note classes are non-refundable and cannot be re-scheduled or transferred to another class. Our facilitators customize, purchase and prepare the materials for each participant in advance. If you would like to send someone else in your place, we will need you to provide their name and email address 24 hours before the class scheduled time.
"Kathy & Corinne are so welcoming & friendly - and they possess a wealth of knowledge and experience which they share in a fun & relaxed way, making for a most enjoyable learning and crafting experience!
As a trio of friends, we have travelled to attend a number of the workshops offered and have learned how to create unique items that are both useful and beautiful!
We are already planning our next felting project @
Alpaca Tracks!"
- Lori, Sandy & Joanne
Scheduled Workshops
Wet Felted Bird Pod Needle Felting Workshop
Instructor: Corinne Côté
Where: Alpaca Tracks T(h)read Lightly 318 St. Lawrence Street, Merrickville
Date: March 21st
Time: 12:00 - 4:00
Workshop Fee: $50.00
Skill Level: Beginner/no felting experience necessary
Level: Beginner/ No experience needed
Learn to make a bird pod using the age-old technique of wet felting. This eco-friendly wool habitat for birds has natural water repellant properties and will keep our little friends warm and dry. The vibrant colours will add a nice decorative feature to your yard.
Click here to book your spot
Needle Felted Easter Eggs
In this class, you will learn how to wet felt an Easter Egg that you can decorate at a later date. You can choose a coloured felted egg to decorate using different needle felting techniques and mediums. After the workshop, you will have one completed egg and a second wet-felted one that you can work on at home. The finished eggs make great gifts or Easter decor
Instructor: Lori Dalton
Where: Alpaca Tracks T(h)read Lightly 318 St. Lawrence Street, Merrickville
Date: Friday, March 27th, 2025
Time: 11:00 – 4:00 with a ½ hour break for lunch. Please bring your own lunch.
Workshop Fee: $50.00
Maximum number of participants per workshop: 8
Click here to book your spot
Ukrainian Easter Egg (Pysanky) Workshop
You will learn to decorate an egg with traditional Ukrainian folk designs using wax-resist (batik) method. The word pysanka comes from the verb pysaty, "to write", as the designs are not painted on, but written with beeswax. You will have enough time to complete two Easter eggs. Please note that you will be given options for different designs.
Where: Alpaca Tracks T(h)read Lightly, 318 St. Lawrence Street, Merrickville
Date: March 29th
Time commitment: 1 day (4 hours)
Workhop Fee: $45/participant
Level: Beginner / No experience needed
Click here to book your spot
A Spring Walk by the Water
Catherine will guide participants (beginners welcome) as they “paint” with wool onto a 5” x 7” felt background. A drawn image background will be prepared in advance by the instructor. First-time felters will learn how to use felting needles to apply different wool textures to their piece. Optional embroidery finishing technique instruction will also be offered.
Each finished painting will be completed and framed in class (frames provided). All materials needed for the project will be provided. Felting boards will be on loan.
Minimum of five participants required for the workshop to run.
Instructor: Catherine Johnson of Blue Barn Stitchery
Where: Alpaca Tracks T(h)read Lightly 318 St. Lawrence Street in Merrickville
Date: April 8th
Time: 11:00 – 4:00 (with a half-hour break for lunch)
Workshop Fee: $85.00
(includes instruction, materials, and framing)
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Click here to book your spot
Knit Your 1st Colourwork Cowl
During this class we will learn how to knit your first colourwork cowl. Students will explore colour dominance, two-handed knitting, and how to read a chart while working with soft alpaca yarn. Some knitting will be required at home to finish the project. There will be a variety of colours to choose from.
Please bring one 4mm circular needle, scissors, sewing needle, and 3 removable stitch markers. If you don’t have a 4mm circular needle, we will have some available to purchase at a 20% discount.
The workshop needs at least 4 participants to run. If the minimum isn’t reached, you’ll be notified by email and refunded in full.
Instructor: Nancy MacMillan - NancyKnot Designs
Where: Alpaca Tracks T(h)read Lightly 318 St. Lawrence Street in Merrickville
Date: April 11, 18 & 25 (three-session workshop; participants attend all dates)
Time: 2:00 – 4:00
Workshop Fee: $120.00
(includes instruction, a pattern designed by Nancy, and enough alpaca yarn to complete the cowl)
Skill Level: Intermediate
Click here to book your spot
Owl Fingerless Mittens
Transitioning into spring, these fingerless mittens with a charming owl design will keep your hands cozy while leaving your fingers free for everyday tasks.
This is a 2-part workshop (April 11 & 18). Attendance at both sessions is required.
Includes pattern and 2 balls of 100% alpaca yarn (colour options available). Visit the store in advance to choose your yarn and begin your first cuff.
Bring: scissors, yarn needle, stitch markers
Requires: knitting in the round on 4 needles (2.5 mm DPNs; available for purchase)
Instructor: Danielle Varriano
Where: Alpaca Tracks T(h)read Lightly 318 St. Lawrence Street in Merrickville
Date: April 11th & April 18th
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Workshop Fee: $75.00
(includes instruction, pattern, and enough alpaca yarn to complete the mittens)
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Click here to book your spot
April Showers Bring May Flowers
Come enjoy a fun day creating your own unique woolen flower brooches, just in time for Spring and Mother’s Day. This workshop is offered on two dates: April 10th and May 9th. Participants will attend one session.
JoAnn will share her tips and techniques as you complete two different styles of flower brooches using upcycled felted wool sweaters, fabrics, and vintage buttons and beads. A minimal amount of hand stitching is required.
All materials will be provided in a wide variety of colours to complete two unique brooches. Please bring your own sharp scissors. Participants may also choose a take-home kit to create an additional flower using the techniques learned in class.
Instructor: JoAnn Helmer
Where: Alpaca Tracks T(h)read Lightly 318 St. Lawrence Street in Merrickville
Date: April 10th or May 9th
Time: 11:00 – 4:00 (with a half hour break for lunch)
Workshop Fee: $55.00
(includes instruction and materials to complete two brooches)
Skill Level: Beginner
Click here to book your spot
Visible Mending
Learn the art of visible mending in this hands-on workshop led by Laura Jean Starkey of Laura’s Shop. Discover how to repair and personalize your clothing using simple sewing and embroidery techniques, turning worn or damaged pieces into something meaningful and unique. No prior sewing experience is needed—this workshop will guide you through the basics while encouraging creativity and sustainability.
Bring items you’d like to repair and enjoy a relaxed, mindful approach to stitching. Each participant will receive a sewing kit and access to a variety of materials to use during the workshop.
Instructor: Laura Jean Starkey
Where: Alpaca Tracks T(h)read Lightly, 318 St. Lawrence Street, Merrickville
Date: April 12th
Time: 1:00 – 4:00
Workshop Fee: $85.00
Skill Level: Beginner
Click here to book your spot
Rope Bowl With a Lid
Discover the joy of creating a beautiful and functional handmade piece in this hands-on cotton rope bowl workshop. This class will guide you step by step through the process of making a sturdy, stylish bowl using 100% cotton rope and a sewing machine. By the end of the session, you will leave with your own finished cotton rope bowl—ideal for organizing small items or adding a cozy handmade touch to your home. Come relax, learn a new skill, and enjoy the satisfaction of making something beautiful with your own hands!
This workshop is offered on two dates: April 17th or April 24th. Participants will attend one session of their choice.
Instructor: Cheryl McCory of Cherished Goods
Where: Alpaca Tracks T(h)read Lightly, 318 St. Lawrence Street in Merrickville
Date: April 17th or April 24th
Time: 1:00 – 4:00
Workshop Fee: $95.00
Skill Level: Beginner
Click here to book your spot
Thrum Mittens
During this class we will learn how to make thrummed mittens. This unique design originated in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, designed for fishermen who needed to keep their wet hands warm. It involves incorporating stubs of roving wool in the mitts to add an extra layer of warmth.
The workshop will run for one 3 hour session. Price includes instruction and enough alpaca yarn and roving to complete one pair of mittens. Some knitting will be required at home to complete the project. If you don’t have the required knitting needles, we will have them available for purchase.
Level: Must be comfortable with casting on, knitting, purling, increasing, decreasing and knitting in the round on four needles.
Instructor: Catherine Johnson
Where: Alpaca Tracks T(h)read Lightly 318 St. Lawrence Street in Merrickville
Date: April 19th
Time: 1:00 – 4:00
Workshop Fee: $75.00
(includes instruction, enough alpaca yarn and roving to complete 1 pair of mittens)
If you don’t have the required knitting needles, we will have them available for purchase.
Skill Level: Confident beginner
Click here to request this workshop
Spring Flowers
Catherine will guide participants (beginners welcome!) as they “paint” with wool onto a 6” x 6” felt background. First-time felters will learn how to use felting needles to apply different wool textures to their piece. Optional embroidery finishing technique instruction will also be offered. Participants will be taught this flower technique but will have the opportunity to experiment with their own colour choices.
Each finished painting will be completed and framed in class (frames provided). All materials needed for the project will be provided. Felting boards and needles will be on loan.
Instructor: Catherine Johnson of Blue Barn Stitchery
Where: Alpaca Tracka T(h)read Lightly 318 St. Lawrence Street in Merrickville
Date: May 7th
Time: 11:00 – 4:00
Workshop Fee: $85.00
Skill Level: Beginners to Intermediate
Click here to request this workshop
Make a Scene Diorama
Here’s your chance to “Make a Scene!”—a tiny 3D felted diorama.
Create your own magical little cottage and garden, tucked into a vintage dish. This workshop is suitable for beginners and more experienced felters alike. Deb will guide participants through the steps and encourage everyone to add their own personal touches. Each participant will leave with a uniquely individualized piece.
All fibre materials are provided. Needles, felting brushes, and bases are on loan. Assorted vintage bowls are provided (no two alike, first come–first served). Participants are welcome to bring their own bowl, but please nothing larger than a 5-inch circumference and 2–3 inch depth.
Instructor: Deb Alexander
Where: Alpaca Tracks T(h)read Lightly 318 St. Lawrence Street in Merrickville
Date: May 16th
Time: 10:00 – 4:00 (with a 1-hour lunch break)
Workshop Fee: $90.00
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Click here to request this workshop
On-Demand Workshops
We are happy to offer the following workshops at any time for groups of four or more participants. Contact Kathy today to book your workshop!
Fibrescape
In this one-day workshop, you’ll learn how to felt alpaca fibre and wool onto a piece of silk to create a piece of art that can be framed or made into a decorative cushion. We’ll supply all the materials you need, including a variety of colours and materials. Bring a photo for inspiration, if you’d like! At the end of the workshop, you’ll have made a one-of-a-kind piece of art.
Time commitment: 1 day (5 hours)
Cost: $75/participant
Level: Beginner / No experience needed
Click here to request this workshop
Nuno Felting Scarf
In this beginner class in Nuno felting, you’ll learn how to bond alpaca fibre into a sheer silk gauze to make a beautiful, lightweight scarf. We’ll supply all the materials you need. By the end of the workshop, you will walk away with a totally unique finished scarf.
Time commitment: 1 day (6 hours)
Cost: $65/participant
Level: Beginner/ No experience needed
Click here to request this workshop
Beginner Knitting
This workshop will teach you the basics of knitting and following a pattern. Over the course of six sessions, you will learn the knit stitch, the purl stitch, and how to start a project (cast on) and complete a project (cast off). We’ll supply everything you need to make your own hat!
Time commitment: 6 sessions, 2 hours/session
Cost: $65/participant
Level: Beginner/ No experience needed
Click here to request this workshop
Tri-Loom Workshop for Beginners
Make a cowl or small shawl in super soft alpaca wool using a triangular loom (tri-loom). By the end of the workshop, you’ll walk away with a gorgeous new garment in hand painted alpaca yarn—and your own 40-inch tri-loom and Tunisian crochet hook to keep for future projects!
Time commitment: 1 day (6 hours)
Cost: $200/participant
Level: Beginner/ No experience needed
Click here to request this workshop
Felting Soap and Dryer Balls
Learn techniques in wet felting and needle felting as you make two useful household items:
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Dryer balls are an eco-friendly alternative to disposable dryer sheets. They are hypoallergenic and help decrease drying time, which saves energy and money.
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Handcrafted soap lasts longer when it’s felted—and it provides light exfoliation!
We’ll provide all the supplies you need, and you’ll walk away with three dryer balls and a bar of felted soap.
Time commitment: 1 day (6 hours)
Cost: $55/participant
Level: Beginner/ No experience needed
Click here to request this workshop