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Spend a focused half-day at the Historic Ramsey House weaving a stadium basket with instructor Sheri Burns. Beginners welcome; materials and tools are included — leave with a handmade piece and a new skill.
Spend a focused half-day at the Historic Ramsey House weaving a stadium basket with instructor Sheri Burns. Beginners welcome; materials and tools are included — leave with a handmade piece and a new skill.
Book with Historic Ramsey House
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Operated by Historic Ramsey House · Knoxville, Tennessee
At the Historic Ramsey House, 2614 Thorn Grove Pike in Knoxville, Tennessee, the Stadium Basket Class offers a hands-on introduction to traditional basketry.
Sheri Burns, a practicing nurse and former homeschool parent, leads the four-hour workshop with patient, step-by-step instruction; beginners are welcome and all tools and materials are provided.
The class is limited to ten students, which keeps the pace deliberate and ensures hands-on coaching for rim stitching, handle setting, and shaping the finished piece.
You will learn to build a stadium basket — a low, sturdy carrier that is useful around the house and easy to personalize — while practicing basic weaving patterns and tool techniques.
Beyond the craft, the setting matters: workshops take place inside the Historic Ramsey House, a local landmark that frames the work with quiet architectural character and accessible facilities.
Sheri's approach has roots in regional storytelling; she learned basketry while teaching Appalachian history to her children and brings that practical, domestic perspective to the lessons.
Expect four hours of seated work, moderate hand strength, and patient repetition; the instructor recommends wearing comfortable clothes and bringing a container to safely transport your finished basket home.
Pricing is $60 for Friends of Ramsey House members and $65 for non-members; the class is wheelchair accessible and refunds are not provided within 48 hours of the start time.
This is a compact cultural detour for travelers who want to learn a practical Appalachian craft, leave with a handmade object, and spend a quiet half-day inside a distinctive local venue.
Spaces are small; book through the provided referral link to reserve one of ten seats and arrive ready to focus, learn, and carry home a piece you made with your own hands.
Work begins with material prep: Sheri demonstrates how to select straight lengths, soak or condition flexible materials if needed, and set a stable base. Even when the vocabulary of ribs, spokes, and weavers feels new, the step-by-step repetition quickly builds confidence. Students often comment that the first complete round — when the basket starts to take shape — is the most rewarding moment.
The workshop accommodates beginners and adaptive needs; the venue is wheelchair accessible and the instructor tailors tasks to individual ability. Class size and timing create a focused learning environment, and the instructor keeps tools clean and organized for a safe, pleasant session.
Whether you're a local resident or a visitor in Knoxville, reserve a seat to learn a tangible regional craft and leave with an object that carries a story. Bring curiosity and willing hands; expect a slow, steady rhythm of work, friendly instruction, and a compact, satisfying creative day that contrasts with the usual outdoor itinerary. Book via the referral link online.
easy.
4 hours.
Moderate hand strength and the ability to sit and use fine motor skills for several hours.
No. Beginners are welcome and the instructor provides step-by-step guidance throughout the four-hour workshop.
The workshop meets at The Historic Ramsey House, 2614 Thorn Grove Pike, Knoxville, TN 37914.
Class size is limited to 10 participants to ensure individual attention.
Yes. All tools and materials required to complete the stadium basket are provided by the instructor.
Yes. The location is wheelchair accessible.
No refunds will be provided within 48 hours of the class start time; book accordingly.
The workshop takes place at the Historic Ramsey House, a preserved local site that provides a historical frame for the craft experience.
Instructors favor natural fibers and mindful material use; participants are encouraged to minimize waste and handle materials respectfully.
Historic Ramsey House offers immersive historic programming and hands-on craft workshops at a preserved 18th- and early-19th-century homestead. The organization presents guided house tours, seasonal candlelight tours, and public events such as Ancient Sounds Celtic and Appalachian music festivals, Families of the Fork reunions, and a holiday marketplace. Educational workshops include hand quilting, Dorset button making, basket weaving classes (tote, spring tote, catch-all, melon-shaped egg, Christmas), beginning blacksmithing, and herbal medicine sessions. Small-group formats and limited-capacity classes ensure personalized instruction from experienced local artisans and instructors. Family-friendly activities include Mrs. Claus readings with tea and treats, vintage base ball demonstrations, a bonfire with s'mores, and community receptions. Membership opportunities feature annual meetings, special presentations, and behind-the-scenes exhibit previews. Public programming supports preservation through volunteer engagement, fundraising events, and interpretive exhibits that rely on primary sources and conservation best practices. Registration and reservations are required for select workshops and special events to maintain quality and safety. The organization emphasizes stewardship, accessibility, and community heritage while offering a seasonal calendar ranging from summer music gatherings and dinner events to autumn celebrations and winter candlelight tours. Notable instructors and presenters include Misty Anderson for quilting, Sheri Burns and Sheri Burns Bion for basketry, Carolyn Fogelman for Dorset buttons, Dr. Marcy Conway for herbal classes, and guest speaker Patrick Hollis for historical presentations, reinforcing program quality and regional expertise and student satisfaction.
Book with Historic Ramsey House