Women's Handwork in the West workshop

Explore how women’s hands have shaped the history of the American West, crafting both survival and art with every stitch!

Join the Buffalo Bill Center of the West's Exclusive Tours program and Wyoming Yarn & Fiber on Saturday, March 8 at 2 p.m. for this Deluxe Tours & Toddies event at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. This program features author and expert craftswoman Dr. Karen Penders St. Clair, who guides participants in exploring the history as well as the modern role of Women’s Handwork in the West.

Karen is a history enthusiast and fourth-generation needleworker proficient in knitting, crochet, many forms of embroidery, and other handwork. She received her doctorate from Cornell University and is a contributing author to Piecework Magazine, a leading publication that explores the history of needlework and the stories of traditional makers.

During the program, Karen takes program participants back in time as she recounts the twists and turns involved in deciphering a knitting pattern that dates to the late 1800s. Like many handwork crafts, this knitted-mitten pattern connected five generations of family members.  Exclusive Tours staff will take groups of participants behind the scenes to view handwork treasures from our own Center of the West vaults. And then, using this family heirloom pattern and artifacts from our collections, Karen weaves the story of women bringing handwork traditions westward as they searched for new lives.

 

Tickets include the guest’s choice of either a knitting kit or a crochet kit curated by Karista Low, owner of Cody’s Wyoming Yarn & Fiber. These kits feature 100g of 100 percent American grown and processed yarn from Nature Spun along with the necessary handwork tools for each project. The knitting kit includes the step-by-step instructions for Karen’s “Lost Mitten” pattern, while the crochet kit includes instructions for a shawl pattern that Karen recreated from a historic costume in the Whitney Western Art Museum’s collection.

At the end of the main program, participants can try their own hand at recreating historic textiles with these curated handcraft kits. A variety of teas, small desserts, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for participants to enjoy during this crafting time.

Spots are limited and advanced registration is required. This Deluxe Exclusive Tours & Toddies is $60 per person, and just $55 for Center of the West members. Register online at tickets.centerofthewest.org, by calling 307-254-7073, or by e-mailing tours@centerofthewest.org.