North House Folk School

Cook County is home to a wealth of creative people, with artists of all backgrounds and mediums calling the area home. And while the stunning northern landscapes provide abundant inspiration, many local artisans cite another factor that makes this place so special—the supportive and collaborative artist community in Cook County. 

One collective of artisans with a long-running history is the Northwoods Fiber Guild. Not only does the Fiber Guild provide an avenue for fiber artists to connect, but they’ve also been an integral part of North House throughout the years, doing everything from volunteering at events to teaching local youth. 

Fiber Guild member Julie Arthur demonstrates yarn dyeing at the Wooden Boat Show

Sharing Fiber Arts with the Community

While many Fiber Guild members also happen to teach at North House, the official connection between the two groups began in 2011 when Fiber Week (formerly the Northern Fibers Retreat) began. Since then, the Fiber Guild has been involved in many events and programs at North House, including demonstrating at the Wooden Boat Show & Summer Solstice Festival; decorating campus and hosting a Show & Share for Fiber Week; and cultivating a dye garden on the North House grounds. 

Fiber Guild members decorate for Fiber Week

“The Show and Share is a tradition that’s been going on for many years,” said Julie Arthur, a local weaver, North House instructor, and Fiber Guild member. “We look forward to participating in it every Fiber Week.”

Teaching Local Youth

In addition to a shared love of craft, what unites both North House and the Fiber Guild is a dedication to passing on knowledge to new fiber artists. Mary MacDonald is a Cook County fiber artist and retired educator who has been part of the Northwoods Fiber Guild since 1990 (she’s currently the guild’s president). Her primary art form is weaving, a passion she has shared with all ages through North House programs, including local youth.

Fiber Guild member Mary MacDonald teaching weaving to local youth

“We have seen young students get excited about learning fiber-related activities, which is very gratifying,” Mary said. “Personally, I believe children need creative outlets for well-rounded growth.”

Elise Kyllo gives a felting demonstration during Fiber Week

Some of the ways North House and the Fiber Guild have collaborated on youth programming include doing hands-on crafts for kids during the Wooden Boat Show; teaching kids’ courses during Family Weekend; and through the Textile Traditions program.

Textile Traditions brings students from the local schools to North House to learn about fiber arts. Elise Kyllo—a local felter, active Fiber Guild member, and frequent North House instructor—has led Textile Traditions for five years. In this program, students learn about the history of textiles, receive instruction in essential life skills (like how to thread a needle), and get the chance to explore their creativity through hands-on projects. Although Elise is the lead instructor, other members of the Fiber Guild have also volunteered to lend their expertise.

Students in the Textile Traditions program

“The Fiber Guild is amazing—when I need help they are there,” Elise said. “A lot of guild members have been teachers, and they enjoy engaging with kids and teaching them the things they love doing. We had 30 kids in each section of Textile Traditions this year, and we couldn’t have done it without the Fiber Guild.”

Textile Traditions offers students the chance to learn about the history of fiber arts while expressing their creativity

Joining the Fiber Guild

In addition to volunteering, the sense of community is something that brings guild members together. Julie Arthur said the Fiber Guild is a great way to connect with others who share similar interests and to learn from their practices and skills. She’s eager to see the younger generations take up fiber arts and encourages anyone who’s interested to get involved. 

“We have evening meetings at the Hub throughout the year and we also have study groups, which are smaller groups focused on a topic such as felting, knitting, stitchery, paper, and quilting. We’re developing new groups as well,” she said. 

North House is incredibly grateful for the Northwoods Fiber Guild and their partnership throughout the years!

New members are welcome to join the Northwoods Fiber Guild at any time. Find the Northwoods Fiber Guild on Facebook or email northwoodsfiberguild@gmail.com for more information about how to get involved.