Kilgrimol Crafts - Heritage crafts in the heart of Blackpool

In the spirit of The Red List of Endangered Crafts by Heritage Crafts we shall be shining a light on some of the heritage craft practices that are in danger of vanishing in the Northwest.

By introducing or welcoming back an old friend we hope to inspire the community to think about these crafts and how much they mean for creativity and wellbeing.

Over Spring/Summer, we will take an adventure spanning 4 sessions.

• Nålbinding
• Wet Felting
• Leathercraft
• Bast Fibers- The Humble Nettle

Sessions will be led by our local Living History enthusiast Heather (They/She) or by a visiting artist.

1pm - 4pm, Saturday 9 March

Heritage Crafts Nålbinding Endangered craft

Let me introduce one of the oldest techniques for garment making, Nålbinding.
Referred to as working with the wool, all you need is your fibre and a needle for the ultimate carry craft. I shall be demonstrating one of the 201 stitches available, creating simple shapes which can be made in to a hat, mitten, socks or a bag.

1pm - 4pm, Saturday 13 April

Heritage Crafts Wet Felting Currently Viable craft

No talent for knitting?
Say hello to the craft of wet felting, which will allow you to make a hat in a few hours. Felting has gained popularity in recent years, but I want to show the original craft for quick clothes making.
No sewing necessary just a few tools for a very versatile craft.

1pm - 4pm, Saturday 11 May

Heritage Crafts Leatherwork Currently Viable craft

You'll be introduced to leatherworking techniques to make your own 8th century pouch.
This pre-dyed natural leather bag/pouch pattern is inspired by a Scandinavian find from Haithabu. The pouch has a lovely shape to it and is suitable as a great market wallet.

The pouch can be secured with a strap and is fiddly for a pocket thief. The strap also acts as a belt loop which you can also adapt for shoulder use.

Details:

• Material: natural leather
• Dimensions: Height 14 cm (with strap 21 cm), width: approx. 21 cm, depth: approx. 3 cm
• Ethical information: We follow the Heritage Crafts guidance on ethical sourcing.

Please note this item will be hand stitched and no metal will be used except a needle and awl in construction. Also be aware we will be working with an animal byproduct and utilising pre-dyed leather.

1pm - 4pm, Saturday 8 June

Heritage Crafts Bast Fibers - The Humble Nettle Endangered craft

Love them or hate them the Nettle has had a major influence in the textile industry in the UK, prized for its fibres from cordage to beautiful weaves. This W**d is now proving popular in the sustainable textile market, you may even have items made from its cousin no-sting ramie. In this session you'll learn how to process nettles into usable yarn.

Using simple tools I want to inspire natural textile production and creativity whilst being out and about in the beautiful Fylde countryside.

• All materials and tuition
• Hot/cold drinks and tasty snacks

Important physical access info: We’re in the process of having a lift installed. Work should be completed by April 2024. Session will take place in the upstairs workshop space. There are 14 steps up, turn a corner and 2 more steps. Once upstairs there is a loo, so you should not need to come downstairs for anything.

If you need level access for the March session, please contact us 1 week before the session by emailing (using the contact organiser button/link) or sending us an SMS text/WhatsApp message on 07957 602790.

If you have additional access needs (e.g. large print, BSL interpreter, level access) please let us know too.

These sessions are supported by Know Your Neighbourhood funding from Historic England.

Host or Publisher Aunty Social