Courses

The traditional folk dress of Sweden is colorful and ornate. Replete with hand stitching, the garments are cherished for generations and still worn for festive occasions today. This five day sewing course with guest instructor Johanna Runbäck from the Sätergläntan Institute of Handicraft in Dalarna, Sweden will immerse participants in…

Take recycling to the next level by learning to use a common household item to make attractive projects with simple weaving techniques. That’s right—accomplished basketry instructor Tina Fung Holder will teach the tight weave and open weave techniques using toilet paper and paper towel rolls. It sounds strange, but roll…

Linda Cortright has traveled the world exploring far-flung regions and quiet corners as she uncovers fascinating and rare fiber stories to share in her well-respected journal Wild Fibers. In this two hour seminar, she’ll share her reflections on how to travel: what does responsible tourism look and feel like? How…

The earth moves through seasons and cycles, as humans do. Yet, there are times when we humans can become disconnected. During each cyclical shift there is a predominant element with correlating energies, foods and botanical medicines. Reconnect with your true nature. Watch weather, observe the animals and plants. Learn which…

Come and make wood shavings fly as you learn how to create wooden bowls on the electric lathe. Students will explore the form and function of this age-old craft while learning about lathe use and terminology. Paper birch from the North Shore will be used for the bowl blanks. Examples…

Dive into the special Swedish knitting technique of tvåändstickning, also called twined knitting or two-ended knitting. With this technique, the knitter works with two strands of yarn at the same time, traditionally from both ends of the same ball of yarn, twisting them between every stitch. While this type of…

Twined knitting, also known as the Swedish specialty knitting technique tvåändstickning, produces a lovely, dense, flexible cloth. After a knitter is comfortable with the basics of twined knitting, join Laura in this class for a few concentrated hours of experimenting with two of twined knitting’s specialty stitches – Crook stitch,…

If you’ve been out berry picking in August, you may have encountered the problem of discovering bountiful harvests of raspberries AND blueberries at the same time: what to do?! The two berry basket with two compartments is a perfect answer-- and it also works for quarantining paper clips from binder…

Come explore the ancient tradition of chain making! You’ll use “Viking Knitting,” a centuries-old looping technique, to create a beautiful silver bracelet with a variety of unusual clasps. Historically, this unique method of weaving resembles “nalbinding” knitting and was used to fabricate everything from sweaters to netting for catching fish!…

In 1904, five dragon-like animal headposts were excavated from the Oseberg Viking ship grave. Dating from 800 A.D., these exquisite carvings with their bared teeth, long necks and elaborate relief carving are iconic works and demonstrate some of the highest levels of art and woodcarving skill seen throughout the world.…

Some of the most fascinating objects demonstrating medieval man’s craftsmanship have come from Viking burials of the 9th and 10th centuries in Sweden. The term “posament” refers to a method of knotting and braiding wire into ornaments used to decorate textiles. In this class students will practice the art of…

Textiles are integral in our lives, yet so often overlooked! Creating one’s own cloth empowers expression through color, texture, and design. In this course, we will explore these elements through weaving on a four  harness floor loom. Students will learn the principles of handweaving, including designing a project, preparing a…

The distinctive look of a tartan pattern is recognizable the world over as a sign of Scottish highland history and skilled craftsmanship. Woven for centuries according to the tastes and local dye resources of the weaver, tartans acquired a strict taxonomy somewhere in the mid-19th century, with specific patterns associated…

Learn to weave on the rigid heddle loom while making a beautiful, lightweight scarf perfect for spring evenings. Using North House rigid heddle looms or their own looms in good working condition, students will learn how to set up the loom, weave the scarf, and finish it with a lovely…

In a new format at North House, intermediate weavers are invited to join a four-day study group focused on building community through learning. Led by a professional weaver, students will experiment with different weave structures and fibers, with eight eight-harness looms warped with different patterns and fibers. Think of this…