SCOTLAND
basket weaving workshop
in Edinburgh and Shetland
June 27 - July 6, 2026
trip waitlist below
Join Thread Caravan & Hannah Haworth of Handa Textiles in Scotland where we will be taught the ways of willow and straw by veteran local weavers Anna Liebman and Eve Munson. All experience levels welcome.
Willow weaving has a long history in Scotland, deeply rooted in the country's social and economic life: Many essential tools for domestic, social, and economic activities were woven from willow. The baskets were integral to the crofting and fishing communities, used for storing, carrying and merchandizing various items, from peat and seaweed to fish and animal fodder. In historical construction, willow was woven for wattle and daub walls in dwellings as well as used for fences. Willow weaving is an important part of Scottish cultural heritage, reflecting the ingenuity of past generations and their connection to the natural world.
Our trip will take us via road and overnight ferry from the gothic city of Edinburgh to the picturesque Fair Isle, Shetland; where we will immerse ourselves in the traditional straw basketry of the region. Our breaks will be taken on scenic hill and beach cliffs around this stunning northern island led by our mountain guide Martin Haworth- an expert on local ancient history and folklore.
cohost,
hannah haworth
Hannah Haworth has been interested in textile making since she was a child, fortunate to grow up in a small indigenous village in the Philippines with a very rich weaving culture. As a teenager she returned to her native Scotland and she became more and more interested in knitting and its ancestral practices there. She studied sculpture at Edinburgh College of Art where she knitted several large-scale sculptures of animals and other natural forms, which she continued to produce and exhibit throughout her 20s when she moved the US. At that time she began working in design in NYC and started really enjoying making (mostly knitted) garments for herself and friends whilst learning more about clothes.
In 2016, she moved upstate to the Catskill mountains and founded her textile company ‘Handa’ where she currently offers a small range of knitting patterns that she designs in partnership with small farms/yarn producers that work with minimally processed and naturally dyed wool. Handa also offers handmade textiles from all over the world, beginning with the textiles of the village she grew up in.
Experience Shetland
Shetland in July offers a mix of clear northern light, mild weather, and long days, ideal for exploring its history and cultural traditions. The islands sit between Scotland and Norway, and this location has shaped everything from their language influences to their architecture and seasonal customs. Shetland was under Norse rule for centuries before becoming part of Scotland in the 15th century, and that blend of Scandinavian and Scottish heritage is still visible in daily life, the landscape, and community events.
During this trip, we’ll be weaving a Skekler hat, a craft connected to one of Shetland’s old midwinter traditions. Skeklers were masked figures who appeared around New Year, wearing tall straw hats and full straw outfits. They went from house to house performing simple dances and offering symbolic good wishes for the coming year. The practice likely has roots in both Norse winter rituals and local farming culture. Although it faded out in the early 20th century, interest in Shetland’s folk traditions has led to a careful revival of Skekler costume-making, guided by local researchers and craftspeople.
Learning how to weave the hat provides insight into the islands’ agricultural past and the communal nature of their festivals. Afterward, we’ll celebrate with a traditional music performance.
itinerary
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Arrive to Leh, Ladakh. Private transportation to our accommodation at Indus River Camp. Enjoy the scenery of the camp and settling in.
Group welcome dinner and trip orientation.
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Group breakfast at the hotel.
Create several dye vats to naturally color the native wool fibers and silk from another region of India.
Homemade group lunch of traditional momos from the region.
Group dinner at the hotel.
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Group breakfast at the hotel.
Practice spinning the fiber in the traditional way. Begin setting up your backstrap looms for a simple plain weave textile.
Group dinner at the hotel.
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Group breakfast at the hotel.
Continue weaving your textiles on the backstrap loom.
Group dinner.
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Group breakfast at the hotel.
Check out and head up to the Kharnak in the mountains, stopping at a Buddhist monastery en route.
In the village, observe the making of milk products, stitching, weaving and more.
Around sunset, spend time with the shepherds as the animals come in from grazing in the mountains.
In the evening, visit the community hall for group dinner with Angtak’s family.
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Enjoy a slow morning in Kharnak. Optional morning walk with the shepherds.
Return to Leh, and enjoy a slow afternoon settling back into the Indus River Camp.
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Check out at Indus River Camp and head towards the historic Nimmu House, visiting a pottery workshop in Likir en route.
Upon arrival at Nimmu, take a village tour, and optional yoga class at the hotel.
Overnight at Nimmu.
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Drive from Nimmu to Tar Village, stopping at the Alchi monastery en route.
Participate in a 2 hour mountain trek, followed by afternoon viewing the activities around the village.
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Enjoy a breakfast at our homestay in Tar Village.
Return to Leh, with a final night at the Indus River Camp.
This afternoon you may take a heritage walk around Leh, or enjoy a peaceful final afternoon at camp.
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Final group breakfasts.
Private transportation to Leh airport. Safe travels onward!
