Fabric of Life is a 501(c)3 not for profit educational organization dedicated to the preservation and passing on of knowledge and skills that enrich our daily lives. We strive to see traditional skills flourish in our modern world and make these educational opportunities available to future generations. Working together creating practical things of beauty not only improves quality of life, but also strengthens communities.
Upcoming Fabric of Life Programs
Zlatne Uste Dance Party
July 25, 2026
7 – 10pm
Buckland Public Hall, 15 Upper St, Buckland, MAJoin Zlatne Uste at the Buckland Public Hall for a festive evening of dancing and/or listening to energetic music of the Balkans
Zlatne Uste (Serbo-Croatian for “Golden Lips”) is a 12-piece New York-based Balkan brass band founded in the 1980s that plays traditional music from Serbia, Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Romani traditions, including traditional, wedding, and folk music from the region. They are renowned for hosting the annual Zlatne Uste Golden Festival (“Golden Fest”) in NYC, which is considered the premier Balkan music event in the US, featuring over 50 bands, dancing, and workshops.
Natural Dyeing Workshop
September 6, 2026
11am – 5pm
80 Bassett Rd, Shelburne, MADo you want to learn how to dye yarn with flowers and plants? Harvesting dye plants allows you to be connected to the colors you use in an intimate and thoughtful way. During this workshop, Michelle will lead us in preparing dye baths and dyeing skeins of 16/2 wool yarn. Each participant will leave the workshop with dyed wool yarn in each color. No experience necessary.
Come with your ideas and questions and learn from Michelle’s breadth of knowledge about growing and using natural dye plants.
Bio-Based Building Workshop with Mike DeSorgher
September 12-13, 2026
9am – 4pm
80 Bassett Rd, Shelburne, MAThis two day intensive workshop will serve as an introduction in Natural Building Systems. This course will be an excellent primer and skill builder for both professionals and DIYers looking into straw-bale or straw-clay construction and earthen plasters. We will have space available to answer specific questions related to people’s individual projects. Workshop is open to all experience levels.
Dumbek Workshop & Concert with Raquy Danziger
October 3-4, 2026
Saturday Concert: 7:30pm
Workshop: 9am – 4pm
80 Bassett Rd, Shelburne, MAFabric of Life is proud to offer an exciting workshop for darbuka (dumbek) players with Raquy Danziger, one of the world’s premier middle-eastern drummers. She is a musician of stunning virtuosity who has performed and taught all over the world. Raquy also is a composer who has released 15 albums of original music, a teacher with more than 2,000 students enrolled in her online classes, and she has published several darbuka methods.
if you don’t play but are intrigued by the sound of middle eastern music and would like to experience the excitement of Raquy’s performance, there is an option to come only to the concert on Saturday night.
Fabric of Life Barnfest
October 10, 2026
Starting at noon
Dinner at 5pm
Evening Music & Dancing
80 Bassett Rd, Shelburne, MAFabric of Life’s biggest community event and fundraiser of the year! Barnfest features local crafters and artisans, musicians, children’s activities, dancing, and the weaving together of an amazingly vibrant community. All are invited to join us beginning at noon for a variety of live demonstrations, interactive workshops, raffles, a buffet dinner, and a full set of after-dinner music and dancing into the evening.
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