Article: What We'll be Doing in Philly on the Philly Makers Tour
What We'll be Doing in Philly on the Philly Makers Tour
Philadelphia’s creative energy isn’t a trend—it’s an inheritance. From Benjamin Franklin’s famously hands-on curiosity to generations of makers, builders, and problem-solvers, this has always been a city where ideas are meant to be tested, shared, and put to work.
Today, that spirit shows up everywhere. Programs like Mural Arts Philadelphia have transformed entire neighborhoods through collaborative public art, while the Philadelphia Fringe Festival fills the city with boundary-pushing creative work each fall. Add to that an extraordinary network of maker spaces and studios—often redefining the very buildings and blocks they occupy—and you get a city where creativity is lived, not just observed.
That’s the Philadelphia we’ll experience through our four hands-on workshop!
Our week (March 10-15) includes four hands-on, textile-based workshops—because the best way to understand a place is to make something in it. You won’t just watch a demo; you’ll learn by doing, alongside the people shaping Philly’s creative scene.
Every workshop is beginner-friendly. Just bring curiosity, a smile, and a willingness to try something new—we provide every material and tool you’ll need, so you can arrive empty-handed and leave with something made by you.
Maker’s Caddy with m.a.b.e.l at NextFab
We’ll kick things off with a signature m.a.b.e.l project: the Maker’s Caddy—practical, unfussy, and designed to become part of your daily making life. Hosted at NextFab, one of Philly’s best-loved maker spaces, this workshop is all about smart construction and satisfying progress: you’ll cut, assemble, and sew your way to a finished piece you’ll actually use again and again—at home, at your studio, or tucked beside your favorite chair.
We’ll kick things off with a signature m.a.b.e.l project: the Maker’s Caddy—practical, unfussy, and designed to become part of your daily making life. Hosted at NextFab, one of Philly’s best-loved maker spaces, this workshop is all about smart construction and satisfying progress: you’ll cut, assemble, and sew your way to a finished piece you’ll actually use again and again—at home, at your studio, or tucked beside your favorite chair.
We start Day 2 with a visit to the Fabric Workshop & Museum, where contemporary art and textiles meet in the most playful way. You’ll learn the fundamentals of screen printing and create your own printed textile—part technique, part experimentation, all delight. It's a little messy, very satisfying, and you'll leave with a yard of your personally designed canvas that can later be made into pillows or a tote, or hung on the wall as a reminder of your visit.
Handweaving with Linda R. at Wild Hand
After a quick stop at Kelbourne Woolens, we'll move onto Wild Hand, where we’ll spend time with the rhythm of handweaving. Philly craftster extraordinaire Linda Ruggerio will guide you through the basics (and the magic) of interlacing yarn into cloth: structure, texture, and the kind of mindful focus that makes time disappear. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of woven textiles—and a small piece that's your unique souvenir of your visit.
After a quick stop at Kelbourne Woolens, we'll move onto Wild Hand, where we’ll spend time with the rhythm of handweaving. Philly craftster extraordinaire Linda Ruggerio will guide you through the basics (and the magic) of interlacing yarn into cloth: structure, texture, and the kind of mindful focus that makes time disappear. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of woven textiles—and a small piece that's your unique souvenir of your visit.
Our capstone Bojagi + Patchwork workshop takes place at Approved Textiles—and it’s a true love letter to cloth. The techniques are simple and approachable, but the results are quietly stunning. Matthew will show you how to build on these foundations to create work that feels surprisingly elevated—whether you gravitate toward bold and graphic or soft and subtle. Expect thoughtful guidance, plenty of encouragement, and lots of “ohhh that looks GOOD” moments as your piece comes together.
Hope to see you in Philly!!!
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