Threadworxs Fair: Classes, Community, and Connection

Greetings, friends! I’ve just returned home from teaching at the Threadworxs Fair, and I have so much to share!

We (my husband a I) arrived in New Harmony, Indiana a couple of days before the Threadworxs Fair began, giving us time to explore this historic town at a slower pace. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that New Harmony was more than just a host location—it was an experience all its own. With its quiet charm, walkable streets, and beautifully preserved history, it set the tone for what would become a truly memorable weekend.

There’s something uniquely calming about New Harmony. The peaceful surroundings and welcoming atmosphere made it easy to settle in, unwind, and fully enjoy both the town and the event. It felt like the perfect backdrop for a gathering centered on creativity, craftsmanship, and community.

Just a note: with the number of photos in this post, they may appear smaller to conserve space—click on any image for a larger view.

The Classes

The classes offered throughout Threadworxs Fair were a highlight of the weekend. Each session provided an opportunity to learn directly from incredibly talented instructors, with a diverse range of topics that appealed to both beginners and more experienced makers. The intimate setting allowed for meaningful interaction, thoughtful instruction, and plenty of time to ask questions.

Here is a list of the talented instructors with classes at the Threadworxs Fair:

• Belinda Karls-Nace (that's me!)
• Robin Laukhuf
• Gretchen Kraut
• Sylvia Stecker
• Shellie Fry
• Barbara Dyar
• Carol McGrew
• Lori Wilson
• Peggy Taylor
• Colleen Moody

I taught two different needlework finishing classes that were designed around New Harmony and this special event. Students in both classes received the cross stitch pattern ahead of time for pre-stitching, then fully finished their pieces during the class. My Homestead and Harmony class guided students through finishing my signature Rick Rack Rounds, while my Perched with a Pennant class focused on completing a pair of vintage zinc lid pincushions.

Fun Fact: I made blue ribbons for each of my students using stiffened felt and laminated photos of the class projects (see below). Each ribbon was finished with a locking pin back so it could be attached to a tote bag or shirt. When students completed their pieces in class, they were awarded a blue ribbon!

Classes took place in the historic Community House No. 2, a quaint and charming venue with smaller classrooms and a few logistical challenges—but its character and atmosphere more than made up for it. As with any first-time event, there were a few classroom hurdles, but I was able to quickly shift gears and make the best of it. I definitely had some star students, and it was truly a joy to meet new faces and share my passion for needlework finishing.

What stood out most was the sense of shared enthusiasm in each class—participants weren’t just learning new skills, they were connecting over a shared appreciation for fiber arts. It created an environment that was both inspiring and encouraging, making each class feel like a truly meaningful part of the event experience.

The Vendors

The vendor marketplace took place at the Rapp-Owen Granary (a stunning/perfect historic venue!) and was equally impressive, featuring a carefully curated selection of fiber artists, dyers, and makers. Each booth offered something unique, from beautifully hand-dyed yarns to thoughtfully crafted baskets, pottery, primitive dolls, hand-dyed wools, and accessories—along with vintage finds, historic needlework samplers, and all sorts of cross stitch goodies.

Here is a list of the incredible vendors that attended:

• Teresa Kogut Creative Whims
• Colleen Moody Doll Atelier
• 1803 Ohio Farm Baskets
• Loom Hall
• House of Stitches
• Barbara Dyar Scherenschnitte
• Needles Work Antiques
• Deja Faye
• Cranberry Bog Cottage
• Village Wool
• Bee Tree Pottery

It wasn’t just about shopping—it was about meeting the people behind the work. Conversations with vendors added depth to each purchase, offering insight into their processes, inspirations, and artistry. The quality and diversity of offerings made it easy to find pieces that felt both special and meaningful.

The Exhibit

The exhibit, also held at the Granary, showcased an incredible range of talent and creativity from the stitching community. Each piece reflected a high level of skill and artistry, while also offering a glimpse into the individuality of each maker. There were 95 pieces on display, from needlework smalls to large samplers and everything in-between. 

Walking through the exhibit was both inspiring and humbling. It served as a reminder of the creativity that continues to push this craft forward. 

The two-day exhibit was judged by a three member panel of experts in cross stitch and creative arts and ribbons and prizes were awarded.

Historic Garden Tour

Another memorable experience from the weekend was attending the Mrs. Lenz’ Garden of Peace and Plenty; an Evening Tour. This special garden tour was guided by dyer and weaver Peggy Taylor (Loom Hall Textiles), along with Kent Schuette, the David Lenz House Garden Manager (and architect).

The evening offered a relaxed walk through the unique garden at the historic David Lenz House, just a short distance from the Granary and Community House in New Harmony. As we wandered through the space, we learned about kitchen gardens from the Harmonist era of the early 1800s and the intentional way plants were grown for culinary, medicinal, and textile purposes.

The garden itself was both beautiful and orderly, filled with blooming flowers and varied fragrances. The vegetable beds included onions, cabbage, asparagus, cucumbers, beans, and a wide array of culinary herbs (such as lovage, comfrey, borage, tansy, costmary, and sage). Particularly fascinating was the dye garden, where plants like flax, Japanese indigo, madder, woad, sunflowers, marigolds, and coreopsis were cultivated—just as they were by the Harmonists in their self-sufficient utopian community along the Wabash River.

I was especially impressed with the traditional stick cages Kent builds to corral and support the plants—both practical and visually beautiful, they added to the historic authenticity of the garden.

It was a truly interesting and immersive experience—one that even my husband enjoyed!

The Quaint Town of New Harmony

Spending time in New Harmony added an entirely different layer to the weekend. We took a private tram tour of the town, and while I had already learned quite a bit of its history through research for my class projects, the guided experience brought those stories to life in a new way.

We also rented a golf cart and explored along the Wabash River trails, taking in the natural beauty of the area while visiting many of the historic sites throughout town. Meals at several local establishments gave us a taste of the community, and our stay in a quaint guest house within walking distance of the historic district made everything feel both accessible and immersive.

New Harmony’s sense of peace and timelessness enhanced every part of the trip—it truly felt like the perfect setting for an event like the Threadworxs Fair.

Threadworxs Fair was an incredible first-time event, made even more special by its setting. The combination of thoughtful planning, talented artists, and a supportive community created an experience that felt both meaningful and memorable.

Leaving New Harmony, I found myself carrying not just new inspiration, but also a deep appreciation for the place itself. It’s a town that invites you to slow down, take it all in, and fully experience the moment—something that made this weekend one I won’t soon forget.