This afternoon’s workshop offered an insight into traditional craft industries that provided an income for women on the Ards Peninsula in the 1800s.

My lovely participants had a go at Tambour embroidery, learned how straw was plaited to make straw hats, and hand sewed some milliner’s plaited straw.

We also had a flax spinning demonstration, including how to dress a flax distaff, with an interval for tea and homemade scones and cake.

Great craic, and a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon!