About this Event
Come and join local Living History enthusiast as she brings to life crafts from the Northwest's Heritage. Demonstrating the slowly vanishing skills that went into producing our clothing using natural materials.
Inspired by Heritage Crafts Red List
Starting in Autumn we will take an adventure spanning 10 sessions.
Sessions will be led by our local Living History enthusiast Heather (They/She) or by a visiting artist.
What we're making
September
Natural Dyes Currently Viable
We know that fabrics, leather and woods can be dyed with natural dyes, but you would be surprised at what can be obtained from the world around you!. Guiding you in this fascinating world of colour and using hand dyeing techniques discover something can revitalise your wardrobe, or be used for your textile creations
October
Drop Spindle and Nalbinding: Endangered
This session we will be introducing the Heritage Crafts that are endangered in the UK. We shall then be working with wool from once it has been processed ready for making into fiber using the drop spindle.
Once you have your thread where now? Let me introduce one of the oldest techniques for garment making, Nalbinding. Referred to as working with the wool all you need is your fiber and a needle for the ultimate carry craft.
November
Wet Felting. Make a hat or purse Currently Viable
Its the season for needing to keep warm in a hurry, no talent for knitting let me show you wet felting and you can make a hat, mittens or socks in a few hours. You can be cosy in no time.
December
Yuletide themed Mini Looms Currently Viable
Weaving is a rewarding craft to use all that fiber you have made from tlocal fieldwalking gathering fleece.
2025
January
Leatherwork Make a Viking Pouch Currently Viable
Making a simple item introduces leatherwork techniques which will hopefully inspire you, like myself, to make your own slippers, purse or belt when you can’t find the style you want, in your size.
Please be aware we will be working with an animal byproduct and utilising Vegetable Dyed Leather not Chromium tans. See Ethical information listed.
February
Pigments Endangered
(Local artist confirmed)
Always wanted to make your own pigments, me too. Today I take a break and enjoy a lovely local guest artist introducing the ancient pigments made from natural materials to use in your crafting projects.
March
Block Printing Endangered
Well we enjoyed making the pigments lets now make some art or print onto fabric and make our own tote bag or cushion.
April
Coiled Straw Basket Making Critically Endangered
Basketry is a hard skill to master for those with hand issues, but it is very popular and currently viable. Now to introduce its more accessible ancestor the coiled straw basket. This is a lovely basket that you can be confident you can use for daily use or in the garden as a skep for the bees.
May
Summer Hat Reed Plaiting Critically Endangered
Blackpool Donkeys would be nothing without the iconic straw hat, let me show you this wonderful Critically endangered craft and make a useful item for daily wear.
June
Ti's the season…
Bast Fibers - The Humble Nettle Endangered
Love them or hate them the Nettle has had a major influence in the textile industry in the UK, prized for its fibers from cordage to beautiful weaves.This W**d is now proving popular in the sustainable textile market, you may even have items from its cousin with no sting Ramie.
We'll supply
- All materials and tuition
- Hot/cold drinks and tasty snacks
Access
Important physical access info: We’re in the process of having a lift installed. Work should be completed by late 2024.. The sessions will take place in the upstairs workshop space. Spaces are limited so please book your spot early to avoid disappointment.
If you have additional access needs (e.g. large print, BSL interpreter, level access) please let us know by emailing (using the contact organiser button/link) or sending us an SMS text/WhatsApp message on 07957 602790.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Aunty Social, 28 Topping Street, Blackpool, United Kingdom
GBP 15.00
