Register online at
https://maineshakers.com/event/shaker-sweepers/
2-Session Workshop (must attend both sessions)
Saturday, August 30, 2025 12:30pm-4:30pm
Saturday, September 13, 2025 1pm-4pm
Popularized and primarily produced by Shaker Communities, flat stitched kitchen brooms were ubiquitous in American homes of the 19th and 20th centuries. Shaker brooms were made from undyed broomcorn, typically on finished dowel-type broomsticks, and lacked the decorative weaving seen in Appalachian styles. In this class, we’ll create our own beautiful and functional modern Shaker-style sweepers. Students will choose from a selection of broomsticks, natural or dyed broomcorn, and colorful cord for tying and stitching. Each broom will be a totally unique piece of art–and a fantastic cleaning tool to boot!
Over the two class sessions, students will learn the separate skills of tying and stitching. We’ll cover the techniques that allow you to successfully tie broomcorn onto a stick and create a beautiful and long-lasting broom. You’ll learn what’s really going on inside of a stitched broom–the inner workings that create the beautiful sloping ‘shoulders’ of the traditional American broom. In the second session of the class, we’ll stitch our brooms flat before trimming and finishing. Please note that tying onto a broomstick requires more physical strength and manual dexterity than tying a whisk broom.
This workshop is taught over 2 sessions with 7 hours of instruction to cover the various skills and techniques needed to create a stitched sweeper. The class size is restricted to 3-4 students so that I can give everybody individual attention and ensure you leave class with a beautiful, functional broom. Students will need to take their broom home between class sessions so that it can dry completely before stitching.
Tying a broom is a stress-reducing, full-body practice — and a great workout. You’ll use both feet to hold tension and both hands to manipulate the cord and wrap the broom tightly. Tying onto a stick requires a certain amount of strength and dexterity. You’ll feel this in your arms and shoulders when you pull the cord tight, and then tighter! Broom tying is best attempted with bare or stockinged feet, so please be prepared to take your shoes off during class.
Level – Intermediate: Students should have taken a previous broom making class or have other relevant experience. The Cobwebber or Besom classes are ideal prerequisites, though any whisk broom class is sufficient.
Your instructor is Robert Sheckler of Redmond Philbert Handwork, an enthusiastic learner, teacher, and crafter living and working in the Portland area. Beyond the visceral joy of broom-making, Robert is interested in elevating natural materials over synthetic alternatives and loves to incorporate color into his work, making an everyday object and an everyday activity feel special, vibrant, and even fun.
Minimum number of participants: 3
Maximum: 4
Did you know that current members of The Friends of the Shakers receive $5 off each workshop? Sign up or renew today for your discount!
Register online at
https://maineshakers.com/event/shaker-sweepers/
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