MEDUEVAL TEXTILES DAY
30 September, 2023
Friends Medeting House York

We are delighted to announce our September event – a fascinating day exploring early medieval textiles. The day will focus on two versatile techniques with very long histories, nalbinding and tablet weaving. Our speakers are both experts in their field. 

‘Nalbinding an Ancient Endangered Heritage Craft' will explore the archaeological and cultural evidence for Nalbinding (Nalebinding). A fibre craft technique that predates knitting and crochet, with a 8,000 year old history across the Globe. Traditionally used by different cultures to make clothing accessory garments such as hats, socks, mittens etc., as well as items such as bags and pouches. This ancient skill is a World craft that few people realise exists. This talk will be an introduction to inform, educate and inspire those to find out more about this fascinating Craft that’s having a modern resurgence.
The talk will be given by Emma 'Bruni' Boast MA, an Archaeological Finds Specialist and the UK's first Nalbinding Master Craftsman.

Tablet weaving dates back to the Iron Age, and is a technique which uses tablets or cards during weaving to produce intricate and highly decorative narrow bands. These bands were used to decorate the edges of clothing by women and men alike from the Iron Age onwards, as well as being used as belts and sashes. 

This talk will be given by Heidr Gragas (Heidi Shaw) of Gragas Textiles. Heidr is a Viking reenactor and textile artist. She has been living the Viking dream for ten years now and plies her trade at the Murton Park Danelaw Village near York. Tablet weaving is an ancient form of textile production in which she specialises, along with the making of era authentic clothing and accessories.

There will be plenty to see, handle and learn in this fascinating study day. 

Programme:

10:30am – coffee 
11:00am – Nalbinding an Ancient Endangered Heritage Craft by Emma ‘Bruni’ Boast
12:30pm – lunch
2:00pm – reconvene
2:15pm – Tablet Weaving by Heidr Gragas

There will be time after each talk for questions, as well as for taking a closer look at the reproduction textiles and tools the speakers have brought. 

The cost of the meeting is £10 for members, £15 for non-members, and £5 for students.

To book for this event, go to Eventbrite, or request a Booking Form from nsctmembership@hotmail.com