We are so proud of our international student body, and the wide diversity of our conference attendees. We are also glad to be stepping onto the wider stage of textile enthusiasts and professionals world-wide. We value what we have in common, and celebrate our differences.
We are excited to share three opportunities in March and April where Elizabeth Seward, co-director of WHE, has been invited to speak with a wider community of handwork and fiber enthusiasts. You will find links to more information and registration below.
On Thursday March 20, 2025, at 11am pacific, you may enjoy a free, online panel discussion sponsored by WARP - Weave A Real Peace - Creating a Connected Textile Community: Continuing Textile Traditions: Encouraging Children Through Literature
The panel will focus on the value of stories, written, spoken, and illustrated, to share skills and experiences with the next generation of fiber enthusiasts.
Elizabeth Seward has spent her professional life teaching knitting and other fiber arts through stories and will talk about the immense benefits for the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of children. There will be a discussion of textile-centered children’s books, including Marilyn Anderson’s coloring book to remind Mayan children of their own traditional arts and crafts which seem to be threatened with extinction; Ginny Merritt writes children’s stories that are aimed at Christian audiences that include important context, such as a family growing flax and weaving linen cloth 3600 years ago.
For more information and to register:
On Saturday March 22, 2025 at 10 -11:30am there is another free, online opportunity to gain an overview of the Waldorf handwork curriculum in a conversational and interactive way.
The Alliance for Public Waldorf Education is sponsoring this workshop given by Elizabeth Seward. It is open to teachers, homeschoolers, assistants, volunteers and those interested in learning more about the handwork curriculum, grades 1-8: what, when, why, and how. Offering conversational support for handwork teachers and others, and including class management and simple short projects.
Join us and network with others in a mutually supportive collegial workshop.
For more information and the zoom link:
On Sunday April 6, 2025, 12:45 pm Italian time, Elizabeth has been asked to offer a presentation on the benefits of working with wool for health and well-being in the context of the 5th European Wool Day. This annual event is sponsored by an important organization promoting the value of working with local wool in Europe. For more information about the organization and their mission visit: https://www.ewe.network/our-mission
The event this year focuses on Wool4Health, a timely and relevant subject given the
growing interest in personal well-being, sustainable living and the interconnectedness
between natural materials and humans. The event will bring together wool processors, industry professionals, knitters, designers, therapists, health experts, and the public.
Elizabeth will draw from her 45 years of classroom teaching experience, from her latest M.A. on “Knitting: A Gateway Contemplative Practice?” and from current scientific research on the many benefits of engaging in traditional handwork using natural materials, particularly with wool.
For more information on the full program, which will be livestreamed on YouTube:
It is exciting to participate in these programs reaching a wider audience. We all know how important handwork is to the development and well-being of the whole human being. Sometimes we take it for granted, so we are honored to reach out beyond our Waldorf community. Please consider joining in this outreach however you are able.
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