Adirondack Pack Basket Weaving
Does a traditional Adirondack pack basket appeal to your inner explorer and nature lover? Then this is the class for you. Join us at the warehouse space of our yarny Mt. Airy neighbors, Kelbourne Woolens, for a special two-day basket weaving retreat.
The pack basket is associated with the New York State Adirondack Mountains and was first used in this country by Native Americans and later adopted by French settlers. Guides in the Adirondack Mountains adapted them for their own use and resulted in the modern Adirondack pack basket.
In this class you will be making a traditional basket with a “belly” at the bottom then becoming a bit narrower at the top. Pre-made black straps will be added so the basket can be carried on your back. Dyed reed will be available if you choose to add color to your basket. You will be limited to the amount of dyed reed you can use since we will be sharing but you will not be disappointed in the options. The finished basket will measure approximately 10" x 11" x 14" (size varies based on the weaver and different choices you'll be making along the way during the retreat).
Students will learn to square the bottom of the basket and twine around it to secure the shape while weaving the sides. Special to this basket is learning to create the unique "belly" of the basket which can be subtle or dramatic, your choice. Finally, you will learn to add the rim and lash it on. There will be plenty of support from the instructor throughout this amazing two-day retreat! This basket is great for carrying a variety of materials due to its sturdiness. Your local farmer’s market is a great place to start!
Day 1
Students will learn basketry terms and a bit of history. After the introduction students will learn to weave the bottom of their basket and square it up as well as begin weaving the sides and learn the special technique of creating the "belly". You'll also choose your color scheme.
Students will continue to weave their baskets and finish the last step of lashing on the rim. Students will have the option of staining their basket with an oak stain. It will need to dry at your home before you add the straps. Instructions for adding the straps will be available for you to take home. Don’t worry, it’s easy! Students that choose not to stain their baskets will place the harness on the basket during this last day. Everyone works at a different pace so what is accomplished each day is based on the individual!
We'll feed ya! Wild Hand will keep you fed, hydrated, and caffeinated all weekend with delicious lunches, snacks, beverages, and afternoon treats from our favorite local spots. A nourishing, vegetarian lunch will be provided. Your workshop fee includes everything!! When you register we will ask for any dietary considerations and anything else you need to feel safe and comfortable.
Weavers Yoga! One afternoon Holly from our neighborhood yoga studio, Move With Love, will join us for a gentle 30-minute chair yoga, stretching, and meditation focused on the areas of our bodies that are extra strained from sitting at a loom for hours, specifically upper and thoracic spine, hands, wrists, and chest. You'll be able to carry these stretches and breathing exercises with you in your weaving practice. Your workshop fee includes yoga time!
About the space! Wild Hand is a little small for a room full of looms so we're partnering on this retreat with our friends down the road (literally just blocks away from the shop) Kelbourne Woolens. Kate & Courtney have been so gracious to open up their space for the weekend for our group of weavers. We will weave in their light-filled retail space and warehouse among a whole lotta yarn and color inspiration. We're so grateful to have these folks in our corner.
If you have questions before registering please feel free to email Liz at liz@wild-hand.com and she can get you all the answers you need for a fun weekend of weaving! If you're planning to travel from out of town (this workshop falls on a 3-day weekend!) for this retreat we are happy to offer local reccomendations for where to stay, eat, wander, bike, shop, hike, meditate, stretch, and more!
Skills + Materials
This workshop is open to beginner and advanced basket weavers alike (although previous experience is not required it can be helpful). All supplies are included in yoru workshop fee! Weaving the basket requires moderate hand strength.
Community Commitment
We're looking forward to sharing space with you! If you haven't had a chance to read our Community Commitment, pop over to the website and read about how we agree to share space. Feel free to reach out to the shop if you have any questions along the way - we're excited to welcome you wherever you may be on the learning curve.
Cancellation + Make-up Policy
We absolutely understand that things come up and you may need to cancel your registration. You may always transfer your registration to another student (just let us know in advance!). If you need to cancel your registration within one week of the workshop we are happy to offer a 50% store credit refund; cancellations made less than one week in advance will not be refunded. We are unable to offer make-ups or exchanges for missed workshop session(s).
Student Discount
Students get a one-time 10% student discount that is active at the first workshop session and expires two weeks following the final workshop session. You will receive your discount code at the first first session.