Spin & Weave: Reviving Ancient Threads

We are pleased to announce we have scheduled a one day workshop to celebrate National Heritage Week. The workshop is in collaboration with textile artist, shepherdess, hand spinner, weaver and natural dyer, Annie Gambrill, from Killala Woolcraft. The public engagement event will be led by Annie, held at Ballinglen and open to ten participants from the region. The event is free and booking is essential. To book, please email ballinglenarts@gmail.com

Participants will start with spinning some yarn on a drop spindle that has its origins dating back to neolithic times. From here they will weave on a frame loom to make a small piece of art with some of the yarn that they made. As they weave, they will incorporate natural dyes and materials, like wool from local farms, to create a truly unique and sustainable piece of art. As participants work, stories will be shared of the ancient cultures that relied upon these techniques. By the end of the session the participants will have gained a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship, resourcefulness and heritage of our ancestors.

As we embark on this year's National Heritage Week, the theme "Exploring our Foundations" serves as a poignant reminder that heritage extends far beyond the realm of bricks and stones, and encompasses the intangible yet profound aspects of our cultural identity. Traditions, landscapes, skills, and stories – these are the threads that weave together to form the intricate fabric of our communal heritage.