Weaving Stories Together: An Intro to the Ilokano Inabel Kusikus Pattern

Join us for a special introduction to Philippine weaving with guest teaching artist Dana Sabaria at the International Hotel Manilatown Center.

As part of Manilatown’s growing community arts offerings, this workshop honors weaving as a living tradition carried across generations, oceans, and diasporic communities. Together, participants will gather in shared practice to learn foundational weaving techniques while reflecting on how stories, memory, and identity are held within cloth.

Workshop Description: In this four-hour workshop, we will explore how our stories are woven into textiles as we create together. We will discuss the kusikus, or ‘whirlpool’ pattern and walk through the basics of weaving with a focus on using warp floats.

At the end of this workshop, you will have your very own kusikus coaster to take home or leave at Manilatown to be part of an art exhibit that will open on August 4th!

This beginner-friendly workshop invites you to connect with the tradition of weaving. Whether you are new to the craft, looking to deepen skills, or hang out to learn something new, this workshop is for you! All necessary workshop materials will be provided.

About dana:

dana sabaria (they/them) is a self-taught weaver who was drawn to weaving as a means to connect and remember their ancestry. dana is constantly inspired by the lessons that weaving has to offer as an act of embodiment and to be a witness of how those lessons translate into life.

About Manilatown Heritage Foundation

The Manilatown Heritage Foundation safeguards and activates the living cultural legacy of San Francisco’s Historic Manilatown and the International Hotel through arts, education, and community programs.

Our Manilatown Ancestral and Manilatown Academy programs are supported in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency. Learn more at www.arts.ca.gov. Our programs are also made possible by the generous support of the Asian Pacific Fund, and San Francisco Grants for the Arts.

For more information about Manilatown Academy, the Manilatown Ancestral program, or the Manilatown Heritage Foundation please contact us at: mhf@manilatown.org