Explore the evidence for and the practicality of the Stone Age Sewing Kit with Sally Pointer. Have the chance to use flint tools to cut deerskin and experience sewing it using bone awls and real sinew, as well as plant fibres. Make your own needle case, get to grips with thread production, and start designing and making a sewing bag of your own using a range of traditional leathers, flax and nettle fabrics and stone age inspired beads. You will have the choice of making this bag using the methods explored earlier or switching to modern needle and thread if preferred.
Take home a complete sewing kit of bone awl and needle, wood or leather needle case, assorted threads, a sewing pouch in progress, and a good understanding of the surviving elements of the prehistoric sewing kit and what can be inferred using archaeology and anthropology.
About the workshop
One-day workshop, 10am - 3:30pm with a break for lunch
Make your own stone age sewing kit made from natural materials
Spend the day with Sally Pointer exploring archaeological evidence and anthropological examples to understand the origins of sewing
Set in the unique surroundings of Butser Ancient Farm’s historic buildings
Sally Pointer is an award winning heritage educator and experimental archaeologist with diverse research interests including the development of textiles and the earliest soaps and cosmetics. She is an honorary associate research fellow at Exeter University and teaches traditional crafts and heritage skills throughout the UK.
Included in your ticket
Entrance to the farm, a day’s tuition and expertise, and all the tools and materials needed, including a complete sewing kit of bone awl and needle, wood or leather needle case, assorted threads, a sewing pouch in progress.
workshop info
Please wear sensible clothing and footwear for this workshop. Lunch is not included, although sandwiches (subject to availability), hot and cold drinks, and snacks are sold in our gift shop. You’re also welcome to bring a picnic if you prefer!
This workshop is intended for adults.