Weaving at the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts
A few summers ago, I spent two blissful weeks learning to weave at the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts on Deer Isle, Maine. This was my first time at Haystack and my first proper weaving workshop. I had heard from many other artists that Haystack was "a special place," but didn't fully understand what they meant. Now I do.
Perched on the edge of Deer Isle, Haystack is a collection of small wooden cabins that are raised off the ground by stilts and connected by raised walkways. There is little to no cellphone reception there. There is no internet access, except inside the small research library. Meals are communal. The views are exceptional. The swimming, very cold. And the studios are open 24 hours / 7 days a week. Weaving can be done at all hours of the day and night, and it was. The studio was infused with an energy that was electrifying–a singular focus on making.
Winding my first warp out on the weaving deck
The view from Haystack at dusk
A twill scarf in progress on my loom
Threading the heddles
My loom in the weaving studio
Some weavers brought their looms out of the studio to the deck
The weaving studio at dusk
All photos by Megan Canning unless otherwise noted.