Cordage and Netting from Local Plants

This two-part class will introduce the foundational skills for making cordage from common local plant fibers and then turning that cordage into three dimensional nets. In the first session, we will hand-process some  plant fibers  (such as iris, daylily, stinging nettle, burdock, grapevine and cattail), and practice techniques for turning them into cordage. Expect to walk away with your own coils of handmade cordage and the skills to make functional and beautiful cordage from the plants nearby.

In the second session of this class, we will be learning how to turn cordage into three dimensional nets. Making a rounded bag-type or hammock-type net, and learning to use a net needle and gauge. Mesh and netted bags are endlessly useful – make attractive storage and organization for your home, learn survival skills, or even make your own hammock! You’ll walk away from this workshop with the skills to set you on your way (and your own little round net!)

These two sessions can be taken independently, or take both and make a net bag from hand-made cordage.  (If you take only the second session, you will learn net tying with natural hemp cordage.