• About the program
• How to apply
• Current & past apprentices

Vävstuga apprentice program

In early January 2009 we launched our apprentice program.

Following are the guidelines for the Vävstuga apprentice program:

• Apprenticeships are for a finite length of time, with a minimum of six months.
• Apprenticeships are project and goal oriented. A personal project or two should also be included.
• Apprentice and Becky will discuss projects and goals in writing throughout the apprenticeship.
• Apprentice must be punctual and keep the hours mutually agreed upon.
  (Generally, during classes this will be Mon–Thu 7:15–3:30, Fri 7:15–5:30, Sat 9–5; non-class time Tue–Sat 9-5.)
• Apprentice is responsible for his or her own transportation, room and board.
• Apprentice will audit all Vävstuga classes throughout the apprenticeship.
• Apprentice will work on project planning; wind, beam, and thread many warps; weave current Treasures projects between class sessions.
• Apprentice will assist with store and telephone sales, inventory, and cleanup.
• Apprentice will complete a "service project" to improve Vävstuga in some way (cataloging, organizational help, gardening, etc.)
• All candidates are required to have taken Vävstuga Basics in order to qualify for the apprenticeship.

How to apply

We are currently accepting applications. To apply, send us your résumé, along with a short letter stating why you would like to be accepted into our apprentice program. We accept submissions by snailmail or email. Please do not telephone us; discussion will only take place after consideration of résumés.

Current & past apprentices

	Mary Beebee     (1/2012 - ) I am the luckiest weaver on the planet being an apprentice at Vävstuga! My background is with competition horses and I manage, judge, and steward horse shows on a national level. I have a MBA in small business management and I have always enjoyed working with fibers knitting and needlepointing. I have transitioned to Vävstuga with an open and blank slate for learning the art of Swedish weaving. I love the tradition, high standards, materials, artistic caliber and history,... and, oh yes, did I mention fun? My goal is to absorb as much knowledge and expertise as possible, explore in depth the art of Swedish traditional weaving, and assist in any way the staff and guests of Vävstuga.
	Sarah Easton     (7/2011 - 1/2012) My weaving journey began with a childhood fascination with rep placemats, but it wasn't until 2005 that I took a weaving class. After joining the Handweaver's Guild of Connecticut, I learned about Vävstuga's Basics Class from some experienced weavers who had recently returned from the five-day class with completed products. In 2006, I took the Vävstuga Basics Class and later a Swedish Rag Rug Class. Then life intervened and I was only able to come to Vävstuga and Alumni Days for the next few years. I'm a teacher (both special education and ESL) and for the past twelve years, my husband and I lived in a freshman girls' dormitory while I worked six days, nights and weekends in acquisitions at the school's library -- so most of my weaving time has been allotted to summer vacations. Vävstuga is a magical place, where I found a knowledgeable and patient teacher, where I could relax, reflect and be vulnerable to grow and learn this craft. I am a novice weaver, more color-oriented than pattern; I'm fascinated by techniques that change the color of fabric. I'm humbled to be able to spend the next five months as Vävstuga's third apprentice, in which role I hope to become a more skilled, balanced weaver. I'm sure I'll put my cooking skills to use, too, and learn some new recipes. I look forward to meeting more weavers in the coming months.
	Lisa Maria Bertoldi     (9/2009 - 1/2010) Lisa Maria Bertoldi, twenty-year resident of Williamsburg Massachusetts, has a background in environmental education which informs her involvement in the world of textiles. A long-time spinner, she has raised silkworms and for the first time has a small patch of flax in her vegetable garden.  As a developing weaver, she enjoys the subtleties of a good selvedge and good yarns.
	Celeste Johnson     (4/2009 - 9/2009) As a soon-to-be high school graduate in early 2008, I was having some difficulty deciding on my next step. I knew I would not be ready to head off to college immediately, but I also felt a strong need to be actively doing and learning... something. The solution presented itself when I took the Vävstuga Basics class. I fell in love with the yarn, looms, people, and environment and was thrilled to learn about the possibility of an internship. A year later I found myself as the new apprentice, embarking on a six-month weaving adventure! It was not all fun and games, as I worked hard for my weaving and instruction privileges, but it was well worth it. I learned so, so much and truly enjoyed being immersed in the colors, sounds, and smells of this amazing school. It was difficult to leave when my time ended, but as I look ahead at the upcoming year I am thrilled to see the opportunities that have opened up to me as a result of my time at Vävstuga. I am proud to be following in the footsteps of Becky Ashenden as I head off (late summer 2011) to spend a year studying weaving at her alma mater, Sätergläntan, located in Dalarna, Sweden. Once my studies there are completed, I anticipate many joyous years of weaving and teaching -- the passion for which I never would have discovered without the skillful mentorship I experienced during my time at Vävstuga.