Our Teachers
Adriene Busch
Tapestry
Adriene is a tapestry weaver who draws much of her inspiration from the landscapes of the Bay Area, particularly the water, the marshlands, and the fog. She enjoys translating different textures and colors she comes across in nature to fibers on the loom. She shows her work online and through galleries around the Bay. Adriene loves introducing people to the very forgiving and meditative art of weaving and has been teaching classes at Fiber Circle Studio since 2022.
Amanda “Panda” Farrell
Embroidery, Sashiko, Mending
Bay Area artist Amanda Farrell is a modern hand embroidery artist whose simple, clean lines create expressive works of art. She explores deeply personal themes that celebrate her family and Filipino heritage, using salvaged, upcycled, and vintage fabric, fiber and notions when possible. It’s a meditation on the value, warmth, and authenticity of things made beautiful by human hands, as well as a celebration of the resourcefulness and creativity of immigrants. Amanda currently lives and creates in the East Bay and teaches embroidery workshops around the Bay Area and beyond.
Annie MacHale
Inkle Weaving
At the age of seventeen, Annie MacHale first discovered the inkle loom, sparking a lifelong love affair. She built her first loom in 1976 with the help of her dad and a library book.
Annie is known to many through her blog, ASpinnerWeaver.com. She has published two books, “In Celebration of Plain Weave: Color and Design Inspiration for Inkle Weavers” and “Three-Color Pickup for Inkle Weavers: A Modern Look at an Ancient Baltic-Style Technique”.
In her workshops she shares her decades of experience as a weaver working exclusively on inkle looms, her unique insight into working with color, and her discovery of three-color pickup.
Classes coming soon.
Brooke Sinnes
Knitting, Spinning, Dyeing, Private Lessons
Bio is coming soon.
Carson Demers
Ergonomics
Carson is a life-long crafter, a physical therapist who specialized in musculoskeletal rehabilitation and ergonomics. He literally wrote the book (and published it too!) about ergonomics and knitting. Knitting Comfortably: The Ergonomics of Handknitting is now in its 6th printing and available on his website.
Carson’s passion and experience in fiber arts combine with his professional expertise in physical therapy and ergonomics to create a unique skill set that he eagerly shares with the fiber community. He has taught throughout the US and internationally and is a frequent contributor to several fiber and craft related publications. His aim is to keep us all creating healthfully and comfortably ever after. Visit him online at www.ergoiknit.com.
Deborah Wong
Sewing, Garment Making
A lifelong maker with a knack for trying all the crafts, Deborah has dabbled in everything from jewelry making to knitting (even knitted jewelry) before falling deep down the rabbit hole of sewing - particularly garment making. What started as a creative outlet and form of self-care has turned into a full-blown handmade wardrobe. On any given day, you will find her wearing something she’s made, whether sewn or knit. For her, making clothes isn’t just about fashion—it’s about feeling empowered, comfortable, and confident in what she wears (with a healthy dose of “I made this!” pride).
That joy is what inspired her to begin teaching others to sew. Deborah approaches her classes as a coach, resource, and enthusiastic cheerleader, supporting makers at every stage of their sewing journey. Her goal is to cultivate a welcoming, creative experience where individuals not only build skills, gain confidence, and take pride in what they create, but also learn to enjoy the process—mistakes and all.
Juanita Rubio
Crochet Help Circle
Juanita discovered her love of crochet at six years old and has been hooked ever since. She believes crochet is about more than making something beautiful—it's an opportunity to slow down, enjoy the creative process, and build confidence through practice and patience.
Her beginner-friendly classes are designed to be welcoming, approachable, and free from the pressure to be perfect. Rather than simply teaching a project, Juanita focuses on helping students build strong foundations so they leave feeling confident to continue creating long after class ends.
Kira Dulaney
Crochet, Kids crafts, Knitting support
Kira Dulaney has been teaching fiber arts classes since 2002 and travels across the country. Her teaching focuses on providing valuable information in a stress-free environment and supporting students through the learning process. Kira designs knitting and crochet patterns and kits that are interesting to make and easy to wear.
Samantha Cole
Kids knitting and crochet
"I curiously stepped into an LA yarn shop 15 years ago, and have had an entire section of my brain (and heart) devoted to knitting and crocheting ever since!
I'm a School Counselor, who has taught students fiber arts as a tool, taught interested students through hosting school fiber arts lunch clubs, and taught crochet and knitting as a larger extended class last year at the school as well!
I love helping students persevere through learning what can initially be a challenging skill to not only knowing what they are doing but how & why!"- Samantha Cole
Selina Truncale
Yarn on canvas
"I come from a long line of family who have always been ingrained in creativity, music and the arts. When I was young, not being a great realist drawer, or painter, I didn't feel that I matched up to their talents. It wasn't until I learned the art of making stained glass, that I felt proud of my artwork, and maybe I too was an artist. I then learned that through using small pieces, I could make larger and different styles of art. This led me to the many art forms I have enjoyed exploring. I got a sense of peace and fell into meditation while I created intricate beaded boxes, mosaics, and art with objects from nature. A few years ago I started doodling a little, then a lot. I then got another new idea! Lets put all these skills together to create something a little different, maybe with yarn!! Lots of colors! Lots of pieces. Yes!! Yarn on canvas! And so it began...this new type of art has been my passion for the past three years. This type of intricate slow process art work isn't for everyone, but it sure keeps me sane in a sometimes crazy world." - Selina Truncale