HOMESTEADING WORKSHOPS

Homesteading is a term for a "lifestyle of self-sufficiency" which describes the life of the Mather family back in 1778 when Deacon Joseph and Sarah Mather built the Homestead. Their surrounding 100 acre farm provided everything an 11 person family needed to be self-sufficient.   They raised animals, grew vegetables and other crops, cooked, sewed and embroidered their clothing, canned fruits and vegetables, made candles ... and more.  Our workshops give participants knowledge and hands-on experience with activities that would have been undertaken by Homesteaders.  Join us!

COMING UP NEXT FALL

Modern patchwork with Denyse Schmidt
Saturday, October 1, 11 am to 3 pm

Denyse Schmidt will lead a workshop on on hand-sewn improvisational patchwork.  No experience required!  By the end of the workshop, you'll create one or more unique-to-you patchwork blocks to use for a pillow, a small wall-hanging, or a small quilt!
$125 includes instruction and materials.  MORE
Stay tuned for sign up.  Email with questions.  

About Denyse:
Denyse Schmidt is one of the leading quilters of the 21st century. Known as a “modern” quilter, she actually draws much of her creative vision from quilts of the past. In Denyse Schmidt: Modern Quilts, Traditional Inspiration, Schmidt pays homage to the quilters and quilts that came before her. Take a peek at her website or follow her on instagram if you are interested in learning about Denyse ahead of the workshop!

Knitting 101 Workshop 
Fall 2022, MH Barn

Julie Van Norden of Westport Yarns will give us a bit of history on knitting and then we'll dive into beginning knitting 101.  Word on the street is that she's bringing a spinner who will teach us about spinning yarn and also carding (hopefully she will also tell us what carding is ...).

Stay tuned for date ...
 

Woodland Terrarium Workshop
Fall 2022, MH Barn

Build your very own terrarium.  We provide the materials, the instruction ... and the wine!  

Stay tuned for date ...
 

American Cheese - the history of and tasting too!
Fall, 2022, MH Barn

Gayle Martin and Michael Riahi of Plum Plums Cheese Shop in New Canaan will take us on a tour of American Cheeses.  This will involve, of course, tasting of cheeses and wines, plus a lesson in the history of cheese.  

Stay tuned for date!

RECENT WORKSHOPS

"Grow Along" at Mather Homestead
Weds., Feb 16, 23, March 9, April 6, 7 - 8:30 pm, MH Barn
$50 for the two remaining class sessions.
 
Create your own CUTTING GARDEN with help from local gardening enthusiast, Ania Janis. This four-session program will provide all the tips, instructions, plans and supplies you need to create your own cutting garden at home.  
Session 1: Wed., Feb. 16, 7 - 8:30 pm:
Intro and Cutting Garen Basics:  Sweet Peas

Session 2: Wed., Feb. 23, 7 - 8:30 pm:
Pinching & Watering:  Snapdragons, Stock

Session 3: Wed., March 9, 7 - 8:30 pm:
Succession Planting, Hardening Off: Zinnias, Cosmos & Phlox

Session 4: Wed., April 6, 7 - 8:30 pm:
Direct Sowing, Planting Out:  Poppies & Sunflowers

All supplies included.  

Scroll down for tickets.  Use code MISS75 if you missed the first two sessions and would still like to join.

Colonial Breadmaking
Thursday, March 10, 7 pm, MH Barn
Limited to 25 people.
$45 pp/$200 table for five.

Leah Jones, pastry chef at Grace Farms and owner of Black Market Bread, will lead us in a colonial breadmaking workshop which will involve baking AND tasting!  First, Leah will give us a little history on bread and some information which might help us understand the "gluten free" craze a little better.  Then we'll taste various breads, baked by Leah, and drink wines chosen to pair with each bread.  Finally, we'll make our own bread!

Includes ingredients, instruction, plus two loaves of bread - one we will cook on site and one you will take home to bake.  YUM.

BYO large bowl and spatula!

Scroll down for tickets please

Valentines Flower Arranging
Thursday, February 10, 7 pm, MH Barn

25 women created gorgeous Valentines arrangement while enjoying rosé prosecco, bon bons by Carolyn's Absolutely Fabulous Events, and time with friends old and new.

Images courtesy of Mary Wade, Leap Year Images
 

OTHER PAST WORKSHOPS

Flower Arranging and Holiday Greenery

Embroidery with artist & author Heather Ross

Beekeeping with Peet