Braiding Now

Welcome to the world of braiding! On view in our Topsham Gallery May 3–July 1, 2023. Special opening on Saturday, May 6, from 11-2 with demonstrators on hand! Nonagenarian Nancy Young, who lives in Winthrop, Maine and in Pennsylvania, is always thinking about braiding. She has taught hundreds of people to braid from across Maine and from all over the world. Nancy came to us late last year and said, “How about a show of braided rugs?” She put braiders Bobbi Mahler and Pam Rowan from Maine to work on it, and the results are in our gallery now. Glorious works in all shapes and sizes. Braided rugs, braided eggplants, hot dogs, and a cowboy hat. We have braided buoys, rabbits and turtles, and large, sturdy baskets. We have a Tic Tac Toe board—braided—that kids can play with. We have braided acorns, braided L.L. Bean boots, and braided fruit in a braided fruit bowl. Several of the braided works are for sale. Come see!! Such a fabulous show for sheer innovation and creativity with work included by: Barbara Carlson, Verna Cox, Debbi Ellis, Connie Keschl, Jennifer Kiarsis, Deb Lynch, Bobbi Mahler, Pam Rowan, Cathy Winship and Nancy Young.

Plus, something we have not been able to do for years—DEMONSTRATORS!

Several of our exhibiting braiders teach and have generously set up a schedule of days they will appear at Maine Fiberarts to demonstrate braiding for us. Demos run from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on the following days:

SCHEDULE OF DEMONSTRATORS

Come learn about the wonderful art of braiding. Thank you demonstrators!! 

Here are images of some of the braidings you will see at the show:

Now, as a special treat, watch this presentation Christine Macchi gave to a group of rug braiders. It was recorded on zoom and covers lots of information bryond braiding:

Along with our new exhibit, we are announcing a SPECIAL RAFFLE: Master Braider Nancy Young and friends have made a beautiful, all wool “Color Wheel Braided Rug” (pictured above) to raffle for the benefit of Maine Fiberarts. Tickets are on sale at Maine Fiberarts, 13 Main Street, Topsham ME 04086—by checks or by cash—for $20 per ticket. You can also mail us a check for the number of tickets you want with your name, address and phone number, and we will mail you the tickets. Our goal is to sell at least 100 tickets and to award one lucky person with a gorgeous keepsake. For more information and raffle tickets, contact Christine Macchi, christine@mainefiberarts.org.

 But Wait! There’s even more! Coming in July!

BRAIDED BASKETMAKING WORKSHOP with Bobbi Mahler, Instructor

Live and In-Person! (not on Zoom) Make a Circular Basket (Suggested size: 12.5” diameter, 4.5” sidewall, with two 5” handles. Can be made larger or smaller.)
Three Saturdays: July 8, 15, and 29 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: $100 Maine Fiberarts’ members; $125 nonmembers; 6 people maximum. Payable to Maine Fiberarts, 13 Main Street, Topsham, ME 04086
Call for more information: 207-449-8573 or download an informational flyer here.