This workshop follows on from Saturday’s introductory workshop. However, it can also be booked separately; no prior knowledge is required.

Participants will first explore the historical background of needlebinding, an ancient craft technique that has been widely used for thousands of years. They will then learn the Oslo stitch and begin working on their first project – such as a hat, gloves or socks.

What is included in the cost of the workshop?

• needles and material
• handout
• tea/coffee and light snacks 
• admission to the museum, including a Q&A with Carey Fleiner, where they can ask all their questions regarding historic wool crafts, not only needlebinding. Depending on the participants' interest, Carey Fleiner may demonstate weaving, spinning or sprang.

Duration

The workshop begins at 10am and ends at 2pm. We will take one long or two shorter breaks during this time, so the actual duration of the workshop is about 3 hours. You can attend a Q&A/crafts demonstration by Carey Fleiner after the workshop (beginning at around 2.30pm)

Visiting the museum

As the workshop takes place inside the museum, admission to the museum is included. No refund will be given if you don't visit the museum. If you visit with your partner and kids, who'll be having a look around the museum while you take part in the workshop, please let us know before they buy their ticket as you may be eligible for a discount on a family ticket.

Who is this workshop for?

• Reenactors
• Crafters
• Anyone interested in learning a versatile, ancient wool crafting technique
• Men and women with an interest in wool crafting, knitting, historical techniques or just learning new skills in general
• or in short: anyone who is interested. :) There are no prerequisites.

Reasons to learn nålebinding

There are many good reasons to learn nålebinding. If you are a reenactor, this is a very useful skill, but even if you have no interest in history, needlebinding is an exciting hobby. You can easily make your own socks, hats and more, and all you need is some pure wool and a needle. It's ideal if like travelling or enjoy crafting while you relax in your favourite café. Many people find needlebinding easier on the hands than knitting. 

About Dr Carey Fleiner

Dr Carey Fleiner is currently Senior Lecturer in Classical (Roman) History at the University of Winchester. Her areas of research include Roman women and entertainment & sport in the Classical world. She learnt to embroider, knit, and crochet as a child, and later learnt spinning, weaving, and nalbinding, studying with eminent textile artisans such as Norman Kennedy, Sally Pointer, and Riita Sinkonen-Davies. She has exhibited & won awards for her work in particular in the United States. She is keen on the history of textiles and techniques of all sorts, especially in the Classical period. In practice, she enjoys cotton-spinning on the charkha, working with exotic fibres and blends, and practicing ancient and medieval textile techniques.

She has demonstrated spinning and weaver techniques at heritage sites including Fishbourne Roman Village near Chichester, England, Butser Ancient Farm, Weald & Donwland Museum, and the Campus Galli in Messkirch, Germany. As a demonstrator she has appeared as a Roman, a 13th-century lady, a 17th-century peasant, a Victorian, and a World War II housewife, amongst other guises.

Do you have any questions?

Don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions about this workshop. Simply send an email to info@living-history.ie or message the Irish Military Museum on their Facebook or Instagram pages.

Fancy more?

Dr Carey Fleiner is giving an introductory workshop on needlebinding on 8th August 2026 (10am - 5pm), followed by a talk on Roman women, wool and spinning. 

You can buy a ticket for the whole weekend (including both workshops) here https://billetto.ie/e/historic...

We have a camping site at the museum, or alternatively you can stay in one of the many lovely B&Bs or hotels in the area. There is a lot to explore in the area.