Join historical textile expert Carol Colburn for a behind the scenes look at local history. This course will highlight various pieces of the Cook County Historical Society collection. After a brief introduction at North House, the class will visit the local museum, located just a few blocks away. Students will have an opportunity to observe close-up the fiber craft currently on display, as well as pieces from the archives. Featured will be selections of household textiles as well as garments, textile tools, and historic photographs depicting these items in context. Some of the techniques represented include spinning, weaving, knitting, garment making, embroidery, and a variety of rug making techniques. Some of the artifacts have personal history available about the makers. Connections between handcraft we learn at North House and life in earlier days of Grand Marais will make the artifacts come to life. Besides this unique look at an aspect of the history of Grand Marais, the morning’s tour provides an introduction to utilizing an historical collection for inspiration for handcraft today.

You will need the following tools for this class:

All required tools/materials are provided by your instructor and North House and will be available once the course begins.

Feel free to bring your favorite tools and whatever materials you might feel appropriate for this course.