Feral Fibers - May 18 An Introduction to Basket Weaving
Date: May 18, 2025
Time: 2:30-5:30pm
Where: Food Culture Place HQ, Mobile, NL
“These timeless skills that once served as sustenance, have inspired me to share with you what I am learning while working with wild harvested fibres. My journey is to understand their transformation and cultural significance from our first peoples to modern times. “ - Lori
You will see a variety of baskets in the photos but for this workshop we will weave a small birch bark basket with twining; combining two techniques.
Workshop Overview: This workshop aims to explore the essentials of harvesting wild plants for basket weaving, the fundamental techniques of weaving, and the intricate process of making cordage. Participants will gain hands-on experience and a deeper appreciation for these age-old crafts. Everyone will leave with a small basket and several cords made from wild harvested fiber.
Harvesting Wild Plants for Basket Weaving
Introduction to Wild Plants:
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.
Fundamentals of Weaving
Basic Weaving Techniques:
Understanding the structures and shapes, weaves and techniques
Tools required for weaving
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.
Additional Notes: Snacks, tea and coffee will be provided - I will have everything we need for the workshop but you are welcome to bring food or treats for yourself or to share :)
Instructor: Lori McCarthy, a passionate cultural ambassador and is dedicated to understanding and preserving the cultural heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador. Inspired by the listing of "Our Crafts at Risk" by Heritage Newfoundland and Labrador in 2022 she has embarked on a journey to learn, revive and share these invaluable skills to keep them thriving into a new generation
Date: May 18, 2025
Time: 2:30-5:30pm
Where: Food Culture Place HQ, Mobile, NL
“These timeless skills that once served as sustenance, have inspired me to share with you what I am learning while working with wild harvested fibres. My journey is to understand their transformation and cultural significance from our first peoples to modern times. “ - Lori
You will see a variety of baskets in the photos but for this workshop we will weave a small birch bark basket with twining; combining two techniques.
Workshop Overview: This workshop aims to explore the essentials of harvesting wild plants for basket weaving, the fundamental techniques of weaving, and the intricate process of making cordage. Participants will gain hands-on experience and a deeper appreciation for these age-old crafts. Everyone will leave with a small basket and several cords made from wild harvested fiber.
Harvesting Wild Plants for Basket Weaving
Introduction to Wild Plants:
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.
Fundamentals of Weaving
Basic Weaving Techniques:
Understanding the structures and shapes, weaves and techniques
Tools required for weaving
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.
Additional Notes: Snacks, tea and coffee will be provided - I will have everything we need for the workshop but you are welcome to bring food or treats for yourself or to share :)
Instructor: Lori McCarthy, a passionate cultural ambassador and is dedicated to understanding and preserving the cultural heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador. Inspired by the listing of "Our Crafts at Risk" by Heritage Newfoundland and Labrador in 2022 she has embarked on a journey to learn, revive and share these invaluable skills to keep them thriving into a new generation
Date: May 18, 2025
Time: 2:30-5:30pm
Where: Food Culture Place HQ, Mobile, NL
“These timeless skills that once served as sustenance, have inspired me to share with you what I am learning while working with wild harvested fibres. My journey is to understand their transformation and cultural significance from our first peoples to modern times. “ - Lori
You will see a variety of baskets in the photos but for this workshop we will weave a small birch bark basket with twining; combining two techniques.
Workshop Overview: This workshop aims to explore the essentials of harvesting wild plants for basket weaving, the fundamental techniques of weaving, and the intricate process of making cordage. Participants will gain hands-on experience and a deeper appreciation for these age-old crafts. Everyone will leave with a small basket and several cords made from wild harvested fiber.
Harvesting Wild Plants for Basket Weaving
Introduction to Wild Plants:
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.
Fundamentals of Weaving
Basic Weaving Techniques:
Understanding the structures and shapes, weaves and techniques
Tools required for weaving
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.
Additional Notes: Snacks, tea and coffee will be provided - I will have everything we need for the workshop but you are welcome to bring food or treats for yourself or to share :)
Instructor: Lori McCarthy, a passionate cultural ambassador and is dedicated to understanding and preserving the cultural heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador. Inspired by the listing of "Our Crafts at Risk" by Heritage Newfoundland and Labrador in 2022 she has embarked on a journey to learn, revive and share these invaluable skills to keep them thriving into a new generation
the photos are simply many examples of my recent weaving projects. Your project for the day will using birch and twinging techniques combined for a small basket
While a snack of baked goods will be provided along with a selection of wild teas and coffee, please feel free to bring your own lunch or snacks and your welcome to bring anything to share with the group.
this workshops takes place at the home of Food Culture Place in the town of Mobile, NL - Directions provided with a follow up reminder email before your workshop