
Instructors
Mary Ellen Ashcroft
Grand Marais, MN

Mary Ellen has been sewing since she was seven, and even bravely made her daughter’s wedding dress! She has been teaching for years: English literature and writing at a couple of small colleges, and more recently in Cook County, several writing and literature courses. She guides canoe and hiking trips, leads retreats, has published a number of books and has recently retired from being vicar at Spirit of the Wilderness Episcopal Church. She has lived near Grand Marais for eighteen years and considers her highest calling to be enjoying the North Woods and lakes with her 7 grandchildren.
Current Courses Offered by Mary Ellen Ashcroft

Sewing a Simple Garment: Introduction to Sewing
Instructors:
Mary Ellen Ashcroft
Many of us have moved beyond cheap fashion: we want our own original fabric and pattern. We want to…
Fri, Jan 23rd, 2026 – Sun, Jan 25th, 2026
Day 1: 3-6pm; Day 2: 9am-5pm; Day 3: 9am-noon
Day 1: 3-6pm; Day 2: 9am-5pm; Day 3: 9am-noon
Instructor:
Mary Ellen Ashcroft

Sewing: Next Steps
Instructors:
Mary Ellen Ashcroft
Moving beyond the most basic sewing skills (such as pattern layout and sewing simple seams).…
Fri, Jun 26th, 2026 – Sun, Jun 28th, 2026
Day 1: 2-5pm; Day 2: 9am-5pm; Day 3: 9am-noon
Day 1: 2-5pm; Day 2: 9am-5pm; Day 3: 9am-noon
Instructor:
Mary Ellen Ashcroft