The Art of Net Making with Jen Maffett

EAC’s Workshop Wednesday offerings continue on July 24, 10 am-noon, with Jen Maffett’s Art of Net Making. Net making and repairing has been an essential skill for seafarers for thousands of years. Perhaps it is something all Moose Islanders should know too. Dating back to Paleolithic times, nets were used at sea and on land for many purposes. Roman soldiers carried net bags as part of their march pack. Nets have been used to capture quarry as delicate as a butterfly and as menacing as a swordfish. They are used to tame hair and save falling acrobats!

Participants in this fun workshop will create a net bag to take home using a traditional stitch and netting needle, while catching up on some netting history tidbits.

The session is designed for students ages 9 to adult. All materials are included. Workshop fee is $20 per student. A sliding fee scale (pay what you can) is available by request. Space is limited; reserve below or by email to workshops@eastportartscenter.org.

Eastport Gallery artist Jen Maffett designs fabric and uses stitchery in many of her creations. Coastal living became an enticement to extend her fiber art endeavors into net making.  So, she got together with her granddaughter (also a creator in stitches and knots) and they learned some basic net-making techniques. Along the way they’ve been discovering the fascinating history of net making. Jen is delighted to be able to share some of this knowledge with others in this seaside town.

This session has been supported by the Belvedere Traditional Handcrafts Fund of the Maine Community Foundation.