Jason and Izzie have been running public tests of our new textile workshops.
Last week on Thursday, three members of the public came to the Crannog to help do a public test of the one-day textile workshop that will be running throughout the year. It was a beautiful, sunny day here in Perthshire and we spent a relaxing day learning about prehistoric textile archaeology, preparing and washing wool using different methods, making drop spindles, eating a wonderful lunch prepared by one of our apprentices, enjoying music with lunch and spent the afternoon learning the ancient craft of nalbinding. Many thanks to Claire, Anne and Louise who travelled to visit us to help out with getting these workshops ready to go.
Here are a few words from each participant.
Claire
“I had an excellent experience on the textiles workshop. The staff are knowledgeable and the young apprentices were helpful and friendly, keen to share their own experiences. The workshop was very well paced, with ample breaks. We were made to think and manage our time as people in the Iron Age would have done, giving us a more involved perspective than one would gain through a simple museum visit. This was a fantastic experience I have already recommended to everyone I know.”
Louise
“A wonderful day spent at the Crannog on Loch Tay doing a textile workshop with Jason and Izzy.
It was great fun, very informative, educational and gave us some insight into life on the Crannog in Iron Age times.
We started our morning in the museum, seeing some of the artefacts recovered from the loch and then went into the Crannog to start our textile journey.
There were tools to be made and fleece to clean, a fire to stoke and time to be managed. A bit of multi skilling was required!
A break for a nice iron age lunch and then back to the crannog to learn the ancient technique of nalbinding.
Afternoon break for cake, tea and music played on a lyre – what else could we ask for? Absolutely amazing.
The day was rounded off by some more nalbinding and a little photo shoot.
There was lots of information given which was easy to digest and we were given a pack at the end of the workshop to remind us of all that was said.
I had a thoroughly enjoyable day and recommend this workshop. The atmosphere is relaxed and everyone is friendly and welcoming.”
Anne
“Just to say how much I enjoyed Wednesday it was so informative and I learned so much from the whittling of sticks to make our spindle to the nalbinding which I really enjoyed and have continued to do at home despite having to find the needle in a haystack.
I hope you get lots of people wanting to come along to your workshop.”
