Rigid Heddle Looms are known for their simplicity and portability. In this introductory workshop, students will learn the basics of weaving as well as several weaving techniques to achieve a variety of textures, looks and designs. Other skills learned will be:

* dressing a rigid heddle loom* preparing yarn for weaving* finishing techniques

The completed project will be a sampler showcasing the various techniques demonstrated which will give each weaver plenty of ideas and inspiration for their next project!

Explore the color potential of Vermont’s late-summer landscape in this immersive natural dyeing workshop led by Catharina Sikkes and Roelof Boumans. Over two days, participants work hands-on with wild plants gathered in season and learn how to transform them into a vibrant, nuanced palette.

The focus is on accessible, environmentally mindful methods, using alum as the primary mordant and supplementing with plant-based options such as rhubarb-leaf mordanting. By experimenting with multiple dye plants, varied mordanting approaches, and different bath strengths, you’ll see how each variable shapes the final color.

Everyone will create a structured sample portfolio documenting every combination. This becomes both a practical reference for future projects and a beautiful record of what Vermont’s landscape offers at this time of year.

Whether you’re new to natural dyes or looking to deepen your craft, this workshop invites you to experiment, observe, and let the land guide your color work.

Learn macra-weave, a combination of macramé and weaving. In this beginner-friendly workshop, we’ll cover basic knots, how to build a rope-based warp and simple weaving techniques to create a textured and colorful wall hanging.Students will leave with a finished piece and the skills to continue exploring this versatile fiber art form. All materials are provided, but if you have special yarns or fabric you’d like to incorporate, feel free to bring them along.

Learn macra-weave, a combination of macramé and weaving. In this beginner-friendly workshop, we’ll cover basic knots, how to build a rope-based warp and simple weaving techniques to create a textured and colorful wall hanging.Students will leave with a finished piece and the skills to continue exploring this versatile fiber art form. All materials are provided, but if you have special yarns or fabric you’d like to incorporate, feel free to bring them along.

In this 4 week introductory class we will create a chair pad or pillow using the Oxford Punch Needle and colorful yarn! No experience is necessary! You can choose to create your own pillow or follow a pattern from an Oxford Punch Needle kit. In class we will explore various punch needle techniques along with options for finishing your piece.

Pictured: personal design example

The materials fee will include yarn and monks cloth. Tools, such as Oxford punch Needles and Frame are provided to use during the sessions with an option to buy at the end of class.

In this workshop, students will learn the fundamentals of coil basketry by creating a small hand-stitched basket. We’ll cover how to start a base, shape the sides, and use simple stitching techniques to build structure and pattern. This class is suitable for beginners and anyone who enjoys working with their hands. All materials are provided, but if you have special yarns or fabric you’d like to incorporate, feel free to bring them along.

Many of us have a beloved clothing item with a hole or a stain that we can’t bear to throw away and don’t know how to mend. Many of us also don’t want to create more waste and add to overflowing landfills. In the past, wearing mended clothing was not acceptable but with the right skills mended clothes can be beautiful. This class is for anyone who wants to learn the basics so they can mend their own clothing like jeans or shirts using stitching or patching. Learn to cover a hole or a stain using simple stitch techniques that can be used as the basis to learn Sashiko or Kantha or your own creative stitching.

Learn how to inspect and assess a fabric item that needs repair.

Learn how to select patch fabric, select thread, and tie a knot.Learn and practice stitches used for fabric mending: running stitch, backstitch (sesame seed). (If there is time and interest, chain stitch, stem stitch, split stitch, blanket stitch).

Learn different approaches to patch placement (under, over, quilt).Practice patching a fabric square or own item.

Materials:

Students can bring an item they would like to learn how to mend by stitching or patching.

All other materials included.

Go anywhere in the world and you will find some relationship between people and masks. What they represent depends on place, culture, intention, and the purpose behind its making. The weaver will determine for themselves what their mask is articulating in that moment. 

This is part 4 of a 4-part series that include projects from Susan Barrett Merrill’s The Art of Weaving a Life. Bradie is a Weaving a Life leader having studied with Susan back in 2017.

Weaving experience is not necessary to enjoy this workshop.

This will be a peaceful, powerful, and highly creative weekend workshop. 

Materials:

Looms, yarns, and other materials will be available for use in this class. If you have sticks, driftwood, yarns or other fibers you like, as well as other materials that speak to you and that you might want to consider as an adornment for your mask, please bring them along!

Saturday will be spent weaving your mask. 

Sunday will be spent shaping, adorning, and finishing your mask.