Facilitator: Sharon Kallis (EartHand Gleaners)
EartHand.com | sharonkallis.wordpress.com | @earthandgleaners
Dates: Saturday, July 26 — 10:00 AM–5:00 PM & Sunday, July 27 — 10:30 AM–4:30 PM.
Location: The Old Tulip Farm (Howser area)
Camping available on-site. Participants are welcome to camp for the weekend — bring your own camping gear. This is a rustic farm setting with outhouse-only facilities. Space for tents, vans and RV’s.
Cost: Free for West Kootenay Fibreshed Members thanks to the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance (CKCA)—funded by Columbia Basin Trust and managed by the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council.
If you are interested in taking this mentorship and are not yet a member of the West Kootenay Fibreshed you can become a member here and gain access to this rare opportunity!
Mentorship Description
This weekend intensive will take fibre artists right from the nettle patch through to silky-strong spun line over two days. Understanding how each nettle patch, soil, and seasonal variation presents unique characteristics in fibre quality and processing, Sharon Kallis will guide participants through hands-on work with both freshly harvested green nettles and retted nettles gathered at different points the previous year.
Nettles are a culture connector with deep textile traditions across many Northern hemisphere cultures. Expect storytelling, fibre history, and ecological knowledge alongside practical, skill-building sessions.
This mentorship is designed for experienced fibre artists with some drop spindle or spinning wheel experience who are interested in expanding their skills into working with bast fibres and learning to process and spin nettle for textiles. You don’t need to have worked with bast fibres before — many of the concepts from spinning wool will transfer, and the workshop will offer supportive instruction in the nuances of nettle processing and spinning.
What You’ll Experience
Hands-on processing of fresh green nettles and previously retted fibre
Guidance on identifying seasonal harvesting cues and best practices for supporting a nettle patch
In-depth discussion of fibre preparation stages specific to bast fibres
Spinning bast fibres by drop spindle or wheel, with time to explore cordage making
Cultural storytelling around nettles as a textile plant
Connection and knowledge-sharing with fellow fibre artists
Participants will leave with:
A mini skein of spun nettle (for those with spinning experience)
A sample of nettle cordage
A bundle of prepared nettle fibre to continue working with at home
Why This Mentorship Matters
This mentorship is part of a broader effort to strengthen and nourish the regional fibre arts community through skill-sharing and connection to local ecology. Funded by the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance (CKCA), the goals of this mentorship include:
Equipping experienced fibre artists with hands-on skills to ethically harvest, process, and spin nettles into high-quality fibre
Deepening knowledge of sustainable fibre processing techniques that integrate local ecology and seasonal relationships
Highlighting the cultural and ecological significance of fibre traditions within the Columbia Basin
Expanding regional awareness and exploration of native bast fibres beyond nettle
Encouraging long-term mentorship relationships and knowledge-sharing within our regional fibre arts community
Spaces are limited — register early to secure your spot.
Questions? Contact us at info@westkootenayfibreshed.com