Kudzu Backpacks

Learn to turn the south's most infamous weed into a supremely useful pack basket! In this class we will cover methods for harvest and preparation of kudzu vines, as well as a variety of weave patterns and techniques to make your basket unique. You will also learn to attach naturally-tanned leather straps with copper rivets. We are going to enjoy a wonderful weekend laughing, weaving, and eating good food on the beautiful Turtle Island campus. At the end, you'll wear home a comfortable, beautiful backpack, that's sure to turn some heads!

Delia Fian lives off-grid in the mountains of Western North Carolina and weaves invasive plants into useful items. She runs a school for rewilding and handcrafts called School of the Greenwood with her husband Joel Thorn Fian, where she teaches children and adults to meet their needs in place. Delia is working towards a handmade life, building a treehouse with wood from the forest, harvesting wild food, sewing clothes, and woodcarving, but basketry is her favorite skill as it transfers into many aspects of life. Delia weaves hats, shoes, chairs, backpacks, bowls, and is always exploring new (old) uses for the plants outside her door.