In this class, you’ll learn the traditional New England Porch Weave — a classic pattern designed for those sturdy rockers you often see on lakeside porches in the summer. But don’t worry, this beautiful weave can be done on any chair with a four-rung seat frame!
Perfect for screened porch furniture, this weaving style is known for being strong, durable, and comfortable, with just the right amount of give. Join us and create a seat that’s both practical and charming, while learning a timeless craft!
This is a two-day class where the wrap is completed in the first class, then dries overnight, and then is woven in the next class.
A lunch break is built in for Saturday, so we recommend bringing your own brown bag lunch, snack and resealable-bottle drink.
Please have any repairs such as refinishing, tightening of the joints, or painting, done to your chair before the class.
Tools to bring with you: Scissors, bucket to soak the material, twist ties, measuring tape, pen and paper. One or two 2” spring clamps.
Students to advise at time of registration whether they are weaving seat only, or seat and back.
Please read our Class Attendee Policy, which includes our cancellation policy, prior to registering.
Location: Downstairs flexroom
Class Size: Minimum 2 and maximum 6.
Age Group: Adults and youth aged 10-15 are welcome and will be teamed with their adult
Registration Fee: Non-members $190 Members $170
Non-members will need to sign our General Waiver at the beginning of class if they do not already have one on file.
Materials Fee: payable to the instructor at class via cash,check or Venmo
$20 - ¼” flat oval reed enough to replace a seat.
If the seat and back are to be replaced, materials will be $40.00
Instructor: Vikki Thelemarck
Vikki started weaving in 2007 working with Tappan Chairs of Sandwich, NH completing Shaker chairs with the traditional Shaker weave. Friends subsequently asked for repairs using other weaving techniques, and that created an opportunity to learn caning, rush, and ash splint. In 2012 Vikki demonstrated at a farmers market to see if there was a need in the area for chair seat repair, and the interest was overwhelming. Now she offers chair seat restoration in many different weaving techniques such as fiber rush, traditional caning, pressed cane webbing, Shaker tape, New England porch weave, and splint ash. Vikki loves the idea of recycling chairs that are well-designed and sturdy, and giving them a new life.
