01/30/2026
Meet the Sowers family!
Hello, our names are Nathan and Leah. Nathan is a grandson of Jeff and Marlys Sowers and grew up learning the art of basket weaving from Marlys at a young age. As he got older, he developed a passion for woodworking under Jeff’s guidance and now completes all of the Shaker box work for the family. Over the years, Nathan has expanded his craft into furniture making and produces Shaker box bands for customers across the country.
Nathan and Leah began dating in 2020, and it wasn’t long before Leah joined him for Sundays at Jeff and Marlys’ shop. While Nathan worked alongside Jeff, Leah learned to weave with Marlys, who patiently taught her the entire Nantucket basket-making process from beginning to end. Those years spent learning side by side are deeply cherished, and Leah considers Marlys the very best teacher.
Together, Nathan and Leah helped with many shows during the final years of Jeff and Marlys’ lives, including the Iowa State Fair and the Christkindlmarket. This past December, they returned to Christkindlmarket for the first time without Marlys, continuing the traditions she held so close. Nathan and Leah have been happily married for two years and are expecting their first child in June. Leah continues to weave when she has time away from her other business, Sowers Gymnastics, and remains the one who finishes all of the family’s Nantucket baskets using the skills Marlys so lovingly passed down.
