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Learn macramé basics and leave with a finished clutch at Parkwood Estate’s Carriage House. This three-hour beginner-friendly workshop with Melissa of Hiraya Crystal and Chord combines hands-on instruction with a historic setting in Oshawa.
Learn macramé basics and leave with a finished clutch at Parkwood Estate’s Carriage House. This three-hour beginner-friendly workshop with Melissa of Hiraya Crystal and Chord combines hands-on instruction with a historic setting in Oshawa.
Book with Parkwood National Historic Site
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Operated by Parkwood National Historic Site · Oshawa, Ontario
On a bright Sunday morning at Parkwood Estate in Oshawa, Ontario, the Carriage House opens its McLaughlin Room to a small group gathered around lengths of cord, wooden dowels and the quiet hum of handcraft. Knot & Carry: The Macramé Clutch Workshop, led by Melissa of Hiraya Crystal and Chord, turns basic fiber techniques into a polished, wearable purse over a focused three-hour session. The class is intentionally beginner-friendly: Melissa walks students through cord selection, the Lark’s Head and Square knots, pattern shaping, and finishing methods so each participant leaves with a sturdy, stylish clutch and the confidence to make more.
The setting is as part of the lesson as the knots themselves. Parkwood Estate’s Carriage House provides a light-filled workspace and a short stroll across the lawn to formal garden beds and mature canopy trees, offering a calm backdrop that contrasts the precision required for structured knotwork. With room for just 18 people, the workshop balances one-on-one instruction with communal energy—perfect for a solo traveler wanting to meet locals, a friend’s creative day out, or a slow afternoon of hands-on learning after exploring Oshawa’s waterfront.
Practical details you’ll appreciate: the workshop lasts three hours and checks in at the gift shop no earlier than ten minutes before start time; the McLaughlin Room is wheelchair accessible; parking is limited so carpooling or alternative transit is encouraged; and the event has a no-refund policy. Materials are supplied and the finished clutch is ready to carry or gift, making this an efficient way to bring home a handmade souvenir without a complex toolkit.
What makes Knot & Carry stand out is the intersection of craft and heritage: you’re learning a tactile, global craft inside a local historic venue, taught by a maker who runs Hiraya Crystal and Chord—this isn’t a mass-produced class, it’s skill transfer that stays with you. The project’s structure teaches repeatable patterns and finishing techniques that scale up to larger macramé projects or translate into simple repairs and embellishments for existing pieces.
Beyond the hands-on curriculum, Knot & Carry is a slow, social craft: expect time to swap techniques with neighbors, ask Melissa about sourcing cord, and get tips on scaling the clutch to a tote. The McLaughlin Room’s large windows give steady light for detailed knotting, and the gift shop lets you browse local goods before you go. Small class size, a historic venue, and a finished handmade make this a practical creative stop on any Oshawa itinerary.
easy.
3 hours.
Minimal physical fitness required; this is a seated, hands-on workshop suitable for most participants.
Yes—cord and basic tools for crafting the clutch are provided as part of the workshop.
No age limits are specified in the listing; contact the operator if you have concerns about younger participants.
This event has a no-refund policy—please confirm your plans before booking.
Check in at the gift shop no earlier than ten minutes prior to the workshop start; staff will direct you to the McLaughlin Room.
Yes—the McLaughlin Room in the Carriage House is wheelchair accessible.
On-site parking is limited; carpool where possible and note there is paid parking available at nearby Lakeridge Health lots.
Parkwood Estate is a prominent historic estate in Oshawa; the Carriage House and grounds preserve elements of early estate landscape and domestic architecture.
Due to limited parking the venue encourages carpooling; participants are also encouraged to choose natural-fiber materials and minimize waste when possible.
Parkwood National Historic Site in Oshawa, Ontario preserves a rich cultural setting and offers a broad calendar of public programming that blends historic interpretation with hands-on experiences. The site presents guided tours and interpreted performances such as Servants' Tours and themed walks, alongside practical workshops in crafts, food, and floral design. Programming includes seasonal markets like Retro Fest Vendor Market and Winter Fest Vendor Market, community-focused events such as Parkwood Christmas Tours and The Way Home Film Location Bus Tour, and creative workshops covering stained glass, candle making, holiday wreaths, pottery, perfume making, and culinary demonstrations. Several workshops are taught by named instructors or partners noted in event listings — for example, stained glass sessions led by Emilie Shipman-Wight and Meghan Murphy and perfume-making presented by Dakaari Fragrance House. Parkwood also stages horticultural programs in its greenhouses, including floral arrangement workshops and guided garden tours led by site staff. Parkwood’s event listings show a mix of ticketed and free events and seasonal sell-outs, reflecting active community engagement. The site's public programs combine interpretive tours with hands-on learning opportunities across craft, food, horticulture, and holiday-themed experiences. All descriptions and event listings are presented in third person and reflect the programming and partnerships publicly listed for Parkwood National Historic Site.
Book with Parkwood National Historic Site