The Northeast Basketmakers Guild is holding
its Fall Retreat on
Saturday, October 17, 2026
9 am to 3:30 pm
(Check-in begins at 8:30 am)
John O’Leary Adult Community Center in Merrimack, NH
Join us as we come together once again for the NGB Fall Retreat! Weavers of all levels can choose from a varied selection of classes to learn new techniques and designs while spending a day weaving together.
Merrimack NH is home of tax-free shopping at the Merrimack Premium Outlets and fine dining. The Fall Retreat is a perfect opportunity for a getaway weekend to enjoy weaving, shopping and touring southern NH. Located within a 5-mile radius of the Community Center are the Premium Outlets, fine dining and overnight accommodations (Holiday Inn Express (603-429-3600)).
Plan to register early to get your choice of basket. Deadline for registration is September 19, 2026. Confirmation emails are sent when you register.
Registration is free for NBG members and only $10 per class for non-members. Children 16 and under who attend with an NBG member will not pay a registration fee (sign up for both classes under the NBG member’s account). Basket fees (90%) will be returned if notice is given before 9/26/2026. If a cancellation is received within 3 weeks of the retreat, the weaver may arrange postage fees with the teacher to receive the basket kit by mail. We encourage everyone to use the online registration and payment.
Payment
You can pay for your classes with a credit card through PayPal (you do not need to have a PayPal account) or you can make out a check to “NBG” and mail it to:
Stephanie Gage
93 Lakewood Drive
Belmont NH 03220
Teachers
We have five great teachers joining us for this event: Kimberley Harding (Wicker Tray), Ruth Boland (Small Storage Basket with Overlays), Marlene Pouliot (Nantucket Twill), Dona Nazarenko (Weave a Keepsake II) and Larry Antonuk (Turkey Wing Whisk Brooms).
Things to Bring
- The tools that are required for each class are listed below.
- Brown Bag Lunch There is refrigeration at the Community Center but may be limited with the number of attendees.
Within a mile of the Community Center, there is a variety of local eateries: Domino’s, Buckley’s Café, Lobster Boat, D.W. Diner (6:00 am to 1:30 pm), Dunkin’ Donuts, and Hayward’s Homemade Ice Cream.
NBG will provide coffee, tea, and water, and we would encourage a few of you to bring some individually packaged snack items to share. Please contact Ellen if you would like to volunteer to bring snacks/drinks or if you would be willing to help with set up and clean up.
We will have some great door prizes also! Feel free to contribute a door prize of your own. Please contact Ellenif you would like to donate a door prize.
Any questions, please email Ellen Raskiewicz (FallRetreat@northeastbasketmakers.org)
Schedule
Time | |
| 8:30 – 9:00 | Registration |
| 9:00- 3:30 | Classes |
| 12:00 – 12:30 | Lunch Break |
Marketplace
NBG members and Fall Retreat teachers are welcome to set up a table to exhibit or sell baskets, basket related items or basket supplies. Please let Ellen know if you plan to set up a table.
Class Skill Levels
When signing up for your classes, please be very careful about the skill levels and prerequisites listed for each class. We want you and your classmates to all have a good experience. If you are not sure if you are ready for a particular class, send us an email and we’ll help you to figure out if it will be a good fit for you.
As a general rule, follow this guide
| First Basket | Weaver has never woven a basket before. |
| Beginner | Weaver has little or no experience with the materials being used for that project. For instance, if you are an intermediate reed weaver but have never worked with pine needles before, then consider yourself a beginner for a pine needle class. |
| Intermediate | Weaver is skilled at basic techniques with the materials being used. |
| Advanced | Weaver has mastered all of the basic skills and is ready to try new techniques, fibers, shaping, and creative methods. |
Registration
NBG Members – please log into the website before adding your registration. You must have purchased a 2026 membership to sign up for the Fall Retreat. 2026 memberships begin on July 1, 2026. If you are purchasing a membership at the same time as you sign up for the Fall Retreat, please put the membership in the same cart as your Fall Retreat registration. Sign up for 2026 NBG Membership here.
2025 Fall Retreat Classes
| Intermediate Level Flat Reed $96.00 Saturday, October 17, 20269:00 AM – 3:30 PML 20” x W 11” x H 4½” Prerequisites: Should have made a few large baskets in a 6 hour class Students are given various dyed and natural reed spokes to learn how to design their own custom style basket and overcome challenges and make basket adjustments as needed. This basket has shaping and tips techniques, especially fitting a “special” handle that must fit in place. This is a large oval woven basket and some might need to do the rim at home. Materials supplied: Materials supplied are a custom handcrafted handle, several colors of dyed and natural reed and seagrass Tools needed: Heavy duty shears, fabric style tape measure, low water basin, old towel and awl | |
| Advanced Beginner Level Flat Reed $68.00 Class FullSaturday, October 17, 20269:00 AM – 3:30 PML 9” x W 9” x H 6” Prerequisites: Students should have made a couple of baskets. Students will set up and square their base and weave using start/stop rows. Overlays will be incorporated to add texture. Students will learn to fit and scarf a rim. Materials supplied: All materials to complete the basket Tools needed: Tape measure, scissors, clips or clothes pins, packer and/or fid | |
| Intermediate Level Cane $65.00 Saturday, October 17, 20269:00 AM – 3:30 PML 5” x W 5” x H 4” , circumference is 16” round. Prerequisites: Even if this will be your first Nantucket and twill weave, this class is for intermediate weavers. Students will learn to taper and shape spokes for the Nantucket and insert into the round wooden base. Students will be weaving with cane on a mold in a twill pattern. Nantucket baskets are varnished and you will need to do this at home. Varnish is not included. I use Watco Wipe-On Poly Finish Satin. Materials supplied: Mold for weaving, wooden base, cane, rims, zip ties and seagrass. Tools needed: Tape measure, packing tool, tabletop weaving stand or floor weaving stand (not absolutely necessary), scarfing tool and surface to scarf on, scissors, clothes pins, small 8” water bowl, sponge and sandpaper. | |
| Beginner Level Broom Corn $55.00 Saturday, October 17, 20269:00 AM – 3:30 PML 2” x W 12” x H 16” Prerequisites: None Students will create a variety of broom styles that will teach basic brooming techniques. Each student will make several brooms of their own design. Students should have suitable hand strength and hand-eye-foot coordination. Materials supplied: All materials are supplied Tools needed: All tools are supplied | |
| Advanced Beginner Level Round Reed $53.00 Saturday, October 17, 20269:00 AM – 3:30 PML 12.5” x W 12.5” x H 1” with handle 2.5” Prerequisites: Students should be comfortable weaving with round reed Students will weave a split-spoke base using Japanese weave. The beautiful, braided border is the most challenging but rewarding part. The handles on the basket are optional and students must have some hand strength to weave them. Materials supplied: round reed in several sizes. Tools needed: Pencil, awl, basketry shears, cutting mat or piece of thick cardboard and side cutters |
