Rathlin Wool: Reviving the island’s wool heritage through sustainable, regenerative practices

Description

TALK: The Rathlin Wool Project is bringing new life to Rathlin Island’s wool heritage. Surplus fleece, once treated as waste, is now being turned into high-quality yarns that support local farmers, cut textile waste, and help biodiversity thrive.

Working with students, designers, and researchers, the project explores how local fibres can be used in everything from knitwear to innovative textiles. It’s about reconnecting people with natural materials and showing how small-scale, sustainable design can shape a more ethical future.

Textile Takeover:
Shop vintage, learn repair skills, and discover the future of sustainable textiles at Textile Takeover on Saturday 11th October.
Bring along your favourite garments for one-to-one repair advice, try embroidery, and see demonstrations of rag rug making, nettle cordage, spinning, weaving and knitting. Explore showcases from the Northern Ireland Embroidery and Patchwork Guilds, the Ulster Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers, and Belfast School of Art.

Talks will feature the Rathlin Wool Project, Mallon Linen, and Fibreshed Ireland, with eco-artist Kathy Kirwan sharing her work on Ireland’s flax and linen heritage. You can also add your stitch to The Longest Linen Tablecloth, a growing artwork made from reclaimed linens and community stories.

Browse vintage treasures at Oxfam Holywood Superstore’s pop-up shop, pick up a pattern from Sloane’s Drapers, and send a Fashion Revolution postcard from J. Rea Post Office.

From hands-on workshops to inspiring talks, Textile Takeover is a celebration of craft, creativity, and sustainable living, all in the unique setting of the Ulster Folk Museum.

Period	11 Oct 2025
Event title	Textile Takeover: Discover sustainable textiles at Textile Takeover
Event type	Conference
Location	Cultra, United KingdomShow on map
Degree of Recognition	Regional