Do I need prior macrame experience?

No—this workshop is designed for complete beginners and those looking to refresh basic skills.

What is provided in the class?

Cord and basic tools are provided; bring only curiosity and comfortable clothing.

Is the Carriage House wheelchair-accessible?

Yes, the venue is wheelchair-accessible and the layout accommodates most mobility needs.

What is the refund policy?

Tickets are non-refundable but may be transferred to another guest.

How large is the class?

Group size is capped at 18 to ensure personalized instruction from Melissa.

Please check in inside the Gift Shop 10 minutes prior to your workshop start time and present your receipt.

Hands-On Macrame Market Bag Workshop at Parkwood Estate, Oshawa | Workshop | Eco Tour

Mornings at Parkwood Estate in Oshawa, Ontario offer an inviting rhythm for makers and visitors. Knot & Shop: Create Your Own Macrame Market Bag Workshop is a three-hour hands-on class held inside the Carriage House, where Melissa, founder of Hiraya Crystal and Chord, teaches simple macrame techniques to beginners and returners. The accessible venue opens onto lawns and garden beds, making it easy to pair craft time with a short outdoor walk.

This class covers material selection, cord preparation, Lark’s Head knot, Square knot, and alternating square knots that form the stretchable net body. Students also learn a wrapping technique for sturdy handles, and can expect to finish a usable grocery tote suitable for everyday shopping. The class size is capped at 18, which allows Melissa to offer individual guidance. The workshop is wheelchair-accessible, and attendees should check in at the Gift Shop ten minutes before start time.

Practical notes: supplies like cords and basic tools are provided, tickets are non-refundable but transferable, and parking on-site is limited. Organizers encourage carpooling or nearby paid lots when lot reaches capacity.

What makes this workshop special is how simple craft meets local place: learning an age-old knotting technique inside a historic estate connects makers to community. The market bag is practical, sustainable, and rooted in the slow movement. You’ll leave with portable skills and a finished object you can use immediately.

For visitors looking to extend the experience, bring comfortable shoes for a walk on the estate grounds, browse the Gift Shop, and explore nearby Oshawa eateries. This workshop suits craft-curious travelers, eco-minded locals, and anyone who wants a low-impact, social creative outing. Knot & Shop turns three hours into a practical skill lab, a sustainable habit, and a relaxed way to connect with place in Oshawa.

Workshop attendees often remark on the calm pace, and the satisfying rhythm of knotting. Melissa’s step-by-step instruction supports first-timers, and makers with previous experience can adapt patterns to personal style. The finished bag compresses flat for travel, expands to hold produce, and becomes a visible reminder of low-waste choices. Expect to use your hands, focus, and a little creativity.

Accessibility is thoughtful: the Carriage House entrance accommodates wheelchairs, and the workshop layout keeps stations spread for comfort. If you have mobility questions, contact the organizer.

This class functions as both a beginner lesson and a social craft session, perfect for a solo afternoon, a date, or a small group gathering. For travelers who want experiences that teach useful skills while supporting local creative makers, Knot & Shop is an efficient accessible craft stop at Parkwood Estate. Bring curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a reusable water bottle; you’ll leave with new skills, a bag.