On Sundays in August, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., historic Pottsgrove Manor will offer a series of workshops, focusing on a different colonial textile art each week. Kids 8 to 12 years old can learn historical crafts and take home their creations in these fun sessions.
Aug. 3: Learn to Knit – In an era before elastic and modern stretch fabrics, knitting was the best way to create stretchy, fitted clothing and accessories. Textile artisan Zina Borys will instruct participants in the basics of knitting. Limit 5.
Aug. 10: Hand Quilting – Many textiles and items of clothing in the 18th century were quilted for warmth and fashion. Museum
Educator Lynn Symborski will teach students the stitches and techniques of hand quilting. Limit 6.
Aug. 17: Bobbin Lace Snake Bookmark – Handmade lace was an expensive trim in the colonial era. Helen Seguin of the Liberty Lacers will teach the art of making bobbin lace, and students will create a fun snake-shaped bookmark. Limit 6.
Aug. 24: Tape Weaving – Woven tape had many uses in early America – from drawstrings to ties to bindings. Students will learn how to weave tape from Eleanor Bittle, ‘The Tape Lady.’ If students want to continue at home, the cardboard tape looms they use in the workshop can be purchased afterward for an additional fee. Limit 10.
Aug. 31: Make a Leather Pouch – Prized for its durability, leather was made into items like shoes, hunting pouches, wallets, and even men’s breeches. A member of the Pottsgrove Manor staff will lead students in sewing a multipurpose leather pouch. Limit 6.
These workshops are open to children ages 8-12. There is a materials fee per child per workshop-or sign up for all five workshops. Class sizes are limited; registration and payment is due one week prior to each workshop. For more information, please call 610-326-4014, or visit the website at www.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor. A registration form can be downloaded from Pottsgrove Manor’s website.
This program is being held in conjunction with Pottsgrove Manor’s current exhibit of both reproduction and original 18th Century garments, ‘To the Manor Worn: Clothing the 18th Century Household.’ The exhibit can be toured during regular museum hours through Nov. 2.
Pottsgrove Manor is located at 100 West King Street and is operated by Montgomery County under the direction of the Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites Division of the Assets and Infrastructure Department.