Story through Cloth - Story telling and Fibre Art Workshop at Brodie Castle, Forres

The Story of Cloth - Storytelling and fibre art workshop

The Story of Cloth is a unique collaboration between Sophie of Forest and Dot, and Nana Tomova, traditional oral storyteller from the Story Apothecary. We will bring to you through tales and demos, a unique connection with the journey of fibre and cloth.

Stories are held orally, and also in the clothes that we wear. Traditionally, stories and songs were shared whilst spinning, weaving, knitting, waulking (the practice of rhythmically beating the cloth to soften and shrink it). Women have been spinning and weaving for perhaps 20,000 years. There are ancient stories of spinning, and working with thread, preserved from old times. 

Heritage Craft tutor and enthusiast - Sophie from Forest and Dot will demonstrate the process of hand spinning of local sheep’s wool into yarn.You’ll get a chance to be part of the process by learning how to card the raw wool that will get spun up during the story telling. We will also work with other fibres such as nettles and flax. 

Nana will share with you old traditional stories about spinning and weaving, and together we’ll explore the imagery and mythology of the stories – from the distaff, to the thread. We’ll look at stories of spindles and of spinsters, and how these stories can still support us today, as well as the history of the craft. It will be an interactive session, so whilst the story speaks of carding and spinning, we will card and spin.  

At the end of the session, you will go home with a small ball of yarn or carded wool batt, made together by many hands, enthused with the stories of the day, for you to craft something with. Whatever item you make with the yarn, will carry the memory of the stories within it.

This is a unique experience like no other, supporting two local businesses, as we gather in community the way our ancestors did, to deepen our practice of these ancient crafts, whilst listening to old stories. A social, interactive and memorable day. The perfect treat for any craft and story lover.

Feel free to bring any fibre projects that you are working on (knitting, spinning, crocheting). All is welcome, the workshop is suitable for beginners and beyond.

A hot drink and sweet treat is included in the workshop. Don’t miss out on this unique experience!

Saturday 9th August from 10-1pm at The Stables, Brodie Castle, Forres. 

Investment: £55 pp or book with a friend and receive £5 off per ticket.

Please let us know if you have any allergies. There is parking on-site and is free for National Trust for Scotland members. 

 * Please note workshops are subject to run according to a certain number of bookings if these bookings are not met then the workshops will be cancelled on a 5 day notice. You will either get to transfer onto a new date or a refund will be given. By purchasing this workshop you are agreeing to these terms. All workshops are non refundable. So if you cancel or cannot attend a refund will not be given.