Woven Purse Basket Workshop with Leanne Wilkie at Soule in Middleborough, MA

At Soule in Middleborough, Massachusetts, the 3.5-hour Woven Purse Basket Workshop offers a hands-on way to slow the pace of a New England getaway. Run by local weaver Leanne Wilkie of Baskets of Love, the class guides beginners through continuous-weave basketry techniques, using either colorful reed or natural materials to build a compact purse with a leather strap. All materials are included, and students leave with a finished piece that functions as a daily bag or a handmade gift. The studio setting at Soule feels candid and practical rather than museum-polished: folding tables, bundles of reed, and the quiet focus of a small group. The workshop foregrounds the technical features of reed basketry—splitting, setting uprights, and carrying the continuous weave—that make this purse both sturdy and elegant. The leather strap is riveted on-site, adding a functional contrast to the organic fiber. Participants choose a bright, dyed reed palette or an un-dyed reed purse that highlights the natural tan and pale cream tones of the material. This is a beginner-friendly, craft-oriented experience that complements the outdoor options around Middleborough: it’s an ideal afternoon when weather pushes you indoors, or a creative capstone to a day of hiking or paddling through nearby rivers and conservation lands. Leanne’s instruction emphasizes repetition and rhythm; many students describe the process as quietly meditative, with tangible progress every half hour. Small-group pacing ensures instructors can correct posture, tension, and edge finishing so pieces leave the table ready to carry. Practical details are streamlined: the workshop runs roughly 3.5 hours, materials are provided, and the minimum age is 12. No prior weaving experience is required, though comfortable hand dexterity helps. The Soule location and Baskets of Love practice are part of a larger New England craft tradition—basket weaving here blends utilitarian roots with modern colorwork. Why book this during a trip? It’s an immediate souvenir you made yourself, a way to meet a local maker, and a creative counterpoint to outdoor adventures nearby. The purse workshop offers a concrete skill to practice at home and expanded-material packages for travelers who want a wearable reminder of their visit. For anyone who values tactile learning, small-group instruction, and a durable, beautiful object to take home, this session at Soule is an unexpectedly satisfying addition to a travel itinerary in southeastern Massachusetts. Meeting point is listed as TBD; check the booking page for exact directions, and use the referral link provided to reserve a seat. Groups are small, so reservations fill early during summer and holiday weekends. The class welcomes makers age 12 and up, offers alternate material packages for students who want to extend practice afterward. Expect patient instruction, step-by-step demonstrations, and a tidy workspace with clean, organized tools.