Feral Fibres NEW DATE 2026 - An Introduction to Twining

Date: Sept 14, 2025

Time: 1pm - 5pm

Where: Food Culture Place HQ, Mobile, NL

“These timeless skills that once served as sustenance, has inspired me to share with you what I am learning while working with harvested fibres. My journey is to understand their transformation and cultural significance from our first peoples to modern times. “ - Lori

WHAT WE WILL BE MAKING:

You will see a variety of baskets in the photos but for this workshop will choose a small birch bark basket with twining; combining two techniques.

Workshop Overview: This workshop aims to explore the essentials of harvesting fibre for basket weaving, the fundamental techniques of weaving, and the process of making cordage. Participants will gain hands-on experience and a deeper appreciation for these age-old crafts.

Gathering Fibre for Weaving

• Introduction to Material and Tools:

  • Identification of suitable plants for basket weaving (e.g., willow, soft rush, cattail, grasses).

  • Sustainable harvesting practices to ensure ecological balance.

  • Tools and techniques for gathering and preparing materials.

  • A guided walk on the property to identify and harvest materials.

  • Together we will work through cleaning and preparing harvested plants for our own weaving project.

• Creating a Simple Basket:

  • Step-by-step instructions on starting a base, shaping the sides, and finishing techniques.

  • Practice with various weaving patterns and materials.

• Introduction to Cordage / Processing:

  • Types of fibers used in cordage making 

  • Extraction and preparation of fibers

• Hands-On Activity:

  • Participants will make their own cordage using traditional techniques and harvested materials.

  • Experimentation with different fibers and thicknesses for various applications.

Cultural Insights and Mutual Reciprocity: Throughout the workshop, we'll explore how these crafts have been influenced by various cultures and their roles in mutual reciprocity within communities. From mending nets for fishing to weaving baskets for foraging, these skills foster a deep connection with nature and each other, reflecting a timeless heritage of cooperation and sustainability.

Conclusion: By the end of this workshop, participants will not only have crafted their own basket and made cordage but also developed an appreciation for the cultural and historical significance of these traditional skills. This journey into the world of basket weaving and cordage processing is a step toward understanding and preserving our rich cultural heritage, transforming these crafts from mere sustenance to cherished art forms.

Instructor: Lori McCarthy, a passionate multidisciplinary, cultural ambassador and is dedicated to understanding and preserving the cultural heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador. Inspired by our "Crafts at Risk" a very significant study and document she has embarked on a journey to learn, revive and share these invaluable skills to keep them thriving into the next generation.