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.
Bid in our Spring Fundraising Auction
- Original artwork from Josh Simpson, Morgan Bulkeley and Jo Matsen (Ashenden)
- Prints of original works from John Marcy and Nathan Marcy
- Week-long getaways to Quaint Rhode Island Beach House or Cozy Cottage in Marfa, TX
- Elegant linen damask napkin handwoven by Justin Squizzero of The Burroughs Garret
- Towel set handwoven by previous Väv Immersion students
- Silver and gold table napkins, turned twill table runner, Damask tablecloth, and colorful cotton towel handwoven by talented local weavers
- Handwoven brocade shawl from Chiapas, Mexico
- Luxurious recycled cashmere scarf handwoven by Lisa Hill
- Handspun naturally colored cotton scarf gift set
- Handmade pickup band earrings, quilted table topper, and sheepskin boa
- Cozy wool twill and colorful satin handwoven blankets
- 4-shaft twill wool blanket kit and 10-shaft wool blanket kit
- Öxabäck warping mill and ski shuttles for weavers
- Vävstuga Press weaving books
- Det Gamla Linneskåpet : Från Tuskaft Till Damast (The Old Linen Closet: From Plain to Damask) by Doris Wiklund
- Yugoslavia: Republics and Provinces book
- Beginner ukulele kit and lesson
- Registration for our sold-out Basket Making Workshop with Wendy Jensen
- Exclusive legacy tote bag and clutch, hand-sewn from Becky Ashenden’s handwoven fabric
Upcoming Fabric of Life Programs
Planting the Dye Garden with Michelle Parrish
June 7, 2026
10am – 12pm
80 Bassett Rd, Shelburne, MAAttend a two hour workshop with natural dyer, weaver, and spinner, Michelle Parrish and learn about planning a dye garden, and selecting, planting, and growing natural dye plants. Expect to get your hands dirty as we spend the second portion of this workshop planting out the Fabric of Life dye garden.
Workshop is open to gardeners, dyers, and enthusiasts of all experience levels.
Tamburitza Orchestra Play Along
June 20, 2026
Workshop starts at 2pm
Concert starts at 7pm
80 Bassett Rd, Shelburne, MAThis powerful music is contagious and accessible. Native to Serbia, Croatia and neighboring regions, it also has had a strong presence in the US for over a century, where pockets of immigrants have kept this joyful culture alive. See our list of links below to learn more.
Please consider joining this orchestra for the day if you play plucked or bowed strings, accordion, or like to sing! These tunes fit well on the traditional tamburitza instruments which are tuned in 4ths, but can also be played on mandolins or other plucked strings as well as fiddles, of course.
Listeners & Dancers welcome to join for after-dinner concert.
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.
Learn More About Fabric of Life
