Join Brigitte on her time travels through textile history. Learn how to make fibre from local stinging nettles. An ancient fibre plant, nettles have been used for over 3000 years up until the 18th century for everything from heavy sailcloth to fine table linen. Plus, it is one of the most sustainable local fibre sources

 

Date: Friday 13th June 2025, 10.30am – 1pm, and 2pm – 4.30pm

Venue : Waterperry Gardens, Oxford OX33 1LA

Duration: 2.5 hours

Cost: £40 pp

 

What you’ll do

In this introduction, you will learn about the history and tales of nettle as fibre plant, and also how to make fibre from local stinging nettles with very simple tools. Most likely you will have some of them in your household already! Once we have processed the nettle stalk to extract the fibre, we will explore a basic method to create spun yarn.

 

What to bring

Aprons or flat woven kitchen towels, masks (Fibre processing is dusty business :D).

 

What you’ll get

Tools and Nettle straw will be provided. You will walk away with your own hand processed nettle fibre, and a short length of nettle yarn, plus a detailed hand-out.

 

Book Your tickets now, as spaces are limited.