BA Spring School 2026: Working with Esparto – Simone Simons

Tickets available from 10am Saturday 10th January 2026

Spring School at Harrogate Ladies’ College offers four full days to immerse yourself in basketry with top-class tutors. There is also plenty of opportunity to relax and get to know fellow basketmakers from all around the UK and beyond.

Both residential (single-occupancy room, shared bathroom, all meals) and non-residential (includes lunches and Sunday evening meal) options are available. In 2026 the ticket prices are:

• Residential: £645
• Non-residential: £380

Only one ticket is available per BA member, and material costs are payable directly to tutors at the end of the week.

By purchasing a ticket you are agreeing to the cancellation policy as detailed in the Basketmakers’ Associations Terms and Conditions

Course Description

Esparto Grass (stipa tenacissima) is a native feather grass which grows in southern Spain, Portugal and Northern Africa.  As a material it is very tough, flexible and water resistant and has many uses. In basketry it is  braided and sewn together to make baskets and vessels of many shapes and sizes.

Traditionally, the main techniques used are diagonal and continuous braiding.  On this course you will learn to braid pleitas, long bands in different widths, using 3 – 15 bundles, using the diagonal braiding technique.  These are then sewn together with a needle and string with an invisible stitch to transform them into a basket or bag. You will finish by learning how to make and attach handles and edgings.  More experienced students can explore continuous braiding, punto de cofin,  additional, more complex ways of starting a piece and how to continue it.

Every student will make one medium basket or bag and, if time permits, some flat sample pieces.

Suitability: all abilities

Estimated cost of materials (payable directly to the tutor): £ to be confirmed

Your tutor

Simone Simons has a degree in Fine Arts (Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1985) and her creative work is in the field of contemporary sculpture and crafts.  She has lived and worked in Chelva, Valencia, for more than 30 years.  Apart from working professionally as an artist and crafter, she is also part of a small group of ecological olive oil producers.

She has long had an interest in esparto grass and since 2012 she has held regular courses and workshops on weaving with esparto.  She sells her work all over the world.