Braid like Your Grandma Did!
Learn to turn worn-out clothes into something warm, useful, and beautiful. This beginner-friendly workshop teaches you how to prep old textiles and use a five-strand braiding technique to start your own handmade rug, placemat, seat cushion or whatever you can dream up. You’ll explore layout and design options and walk away with the skills and printed instructions to finish your rug at home.
When: We’ll schedule this workshop again when we get at least 10 pre-registrants.
Where: Redmond Library, Community Room, 827 SW Deschutes Ave, Redmond
Pre-registration Price: $75
Full Price: $82
Supplies Fee: $15
Get First in Line! Pre-Register!
Pre-registration is free; we only charge your credit card when we’re ready to schedule (and you say ok). When 10 people pre-register, we’ll set up the next workshop!
The Details
From Clothes Pile to Cozy Style
You’ll start by learning how to spot the best materials hiding in your closet—or the giveaway pile we will have on hand. We’ll show you how to prep and cut fabric into usable strips and hand-sew them to size. Polyester, denim, wool—this is upcycling with purpose.
Get into the
Braid Zone
You’ll dive into the five-strand braiding technique, a heritage skill that’s way easier than it looks. Practice at your own pace in a very supportive space You will learn layout and design options for circular or rectangular rugs, and start your own braided masterpiece.
Community Potluck! Feed Friends!
Nothing says community like a potluck. Breaking bread while building bridges, so to speak. This workshop will include a potluck, a chance to talk about what you are learning, share experiences, and get to know one another. We’ll supply the main protein. Please bring something along to share with your neighbors!
Workshop Leader
Heidi Maricle
Heidi Maricle learned to braid rugs from her Great Aunt Barbara—a gold miner and writer who passed on more than just technique. Heidi carries forward that legacy of reuse and storytelling by crafting rugs from worn clothing. Though she calls herself a “novice crafter,” she’s a passionate teacher who loves helping others discover the simple, satisfying joy of making something useful by hand.
Partner
You Need a Farm Girl
Run by Heidi Maricle, You Need a Farm Girl is a one-woman wonder that offers farm services, skilled labor, and rural know-how with a creative twist. Heidi is a long-time Central Oregon resident, farmer, and educator with a passion for helping people make the most of their land. With deep roots in agriculture and years of hands-on experience managing crews, running equipment, and leading farm projects, Heidi brings both skill and heart to every job. Whether you need guidance, hard work, or education in all things farm-related, You Need A Farm Girl is here to help you grow, build, and thrive with confidence.
Join school of ranch
Save 20% On This Workshop!
Join School of Ranch and get 20% off all workshops for a year. Your membership helps us cover our costs. Being non-profit doesn’t mean you can lose money! We need your support and nothing shows support as much as a membership.
frequently asked questions
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for hands-on work.
What should I bring?
If you can, bring worn cloth, clothing or pants made of polyester, wool or cotton (like khakis, jeans, corduroy, heavy flannel), scissors, and needle/thread. We’ll also have supplies, clothes, and a sewing machine. And don’t forget a potluck dish, eating utensils, silverware, and a water bottle.
What about food?
There will be a potluck! Bring a dish to share, your own eating utensils, silverware, and a water bottle.
Can kids attend?
Yes, interested, creative and crafty teens are welcome! Everyone must have their own ticket.
What will I leave with?
A rug-in-progress, basics supplies, the knowledge to finish it, and printed instructions to guide you at home.
What is School of Ranch?
School of Ranch is a Central Oregon based 501c3 nonprofit. We hire experienced locals to teach practical and artisan skills, live and in person. Beyond teaching skills and helping grow our workshop leader’s businesses, we create common ground for neighbors. School of Ranch brings together people regardless of politics, age, background or beliefs.