Mending the Broken Thread: An Intergenerational Fiber Arts Workshop Series

Discover the time-honored heritage of Appalachian fiber arts in this unique, five-part workshop series. Designed especially for parents, grandparents, and children to experience together—you will learn side-by-side while reclaiming lost skills and crafting something truly special. All classes are designed for beginners, no previous experience necessary!

Take the full journey to create a finished piece entirely with your own hands, or drop in for individual workshops to learn a specific skill.

We are excited to have local guest artists joining us for this series. Dara Pond of The Crone & Co. will join us to teach the Spinning and Weaving workshops. Amy Garbark of Garbella Goods and Gear from Pittsburgh will lead the Natural Dyeing Workshop. And Cockayne’s own director, Kara Gordon, will teach Knitting and Crochet.

Classes will be held at the Cockayne Farmstead Visitor Center according to the following schedule:

Spinning – Tuesday evenings, August 4, 11, and 18, 5:30-7pm

Natural Dyeing – Tuesday evening, September 8, 5:30-7:30pm

Knitting – Tuesday evenings, October 13, 20 and 27, 5:30-7pm

Weaving – Tuesday evenings November 3, 10 and 17, 5:30-7pm

Crocheting – Tuesday evenings, January 12, 19 and 26, 5:30-7pm

A note on registration – duos or trios do not have to be biologically related, but they do have to be different generations. Two friends taking the workshops together should each register as individuals. Children must be age 14 or older.

Each workshop has a limit of ten students, due to space limitations and to allow for adequate instruction time. Pre-registration is required for all workshops in this series. The registration fee must be paid before the first day of the workshop.

Refunds for the workshop will only be issued if a cancellation is requested at least 7 days before the first day of the workshop. Refunds will also be issued if for any reason the Cockayne Farmstead has to cancel or reschedule any workshop.

This project is made possible by Mid Atlantic Arts’ Central Appalachia Living Traditions program. Marshall County Historical Society members can receive a discount on registration – please call us at (304) 845-1411 to register with your discount.