Visitors to this year’s Leeds Wool Festival at the Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills will be learning the art of Shetland lace.
The lace was made famous by British royalty and was said to be particularly popular during the reign of Queen Victoria, who often commissioned it for herself and to give as gifts.
At the event on June 4, knitwear designer Karie Westermann will deliver workshops where visitors will be able to try their hand at making their own traditional hap shawl.
Both workshops are now fully booked, but this year’s Wool Festival, which will see the event return to the museum for the third year in a row, will also include a market place with a selection of locally-produced yarn, craft tools and textiles for sale.
The festival will also feature live music and dance performances inspired by Yorkshire’s textile industry and films in the 1920s cinema including the award winning ‘Addicted to Sheep.’
The very popular pop-up café hosted by The Darling Roses branch of the Women’s Institute will also return, selling delicious homemade cakes and teas. Some adorable sheep and alpacas will also be paying a visit for the day.
Councillor Brian Selby, Leeds City Council’s lead member for museums and galleries, said:
“Leeds Industrial Museum has been a focal point for the local textile industry for hundreds of years now and it’s wonderful to see that heritage celebrated each year with such a vibrant event.”
The Wool Festival takes place Saturday, June 4 from 10am to 5pm and usual admission applies. Parking on site is limited, so visitors are encouraged to use public transport.
Leeds Industrial Museum was once the world’s largest woollen mill and gives visitors a chance to learn about the industrial history of Leeds, including manufacturing textiles and clothing to printing, engineering and locomotives.
