Woven in Ulster

The Ulster Folk Museum tells the rich story of Ulster’s linen heritage, and demonstrates a variety of stages in the flax to fabric process across the museum site. We have designed this hands-on workshop to build on learning in the NI Curriculum’s thematic unit ‘Woven in Ulster’, and bring the themes to life in an exciting, tactile way. 

Your class will have the opportunity to explore the processes of linen making, and handle museum objects from each step of the linen journey. There’s a chance to roll up your sleeves and take part in laundry chores at the wealthiest home in Ballycultra town, and learn first-hand what was involved in caring for the textiles and clothes people wore in the past. Everyone in the class can also take part in the craft of peg doll making, utilising traditional fabric samples to create and take home authentic toys that children would have made and owned in the past. 

This textile-rich experience will offer opportunities for children to handle museum objects and materials that will help them understand the importance of the linen industry and showcase the different ways we view and make textiles today. 

Key activities

• Linen step-by-step investigation
• Peg doll making
• Large loom weaving
• Laundry chores

Price: £60 per class
Key Stages: 1 & 2
Available to book: 1st September 23 – 27th May 24