Spider web stitching taught

THE Boat Crafters' Group will be teaching the traditional craft of spider web stitching this weekend at Gloucester Waterways Museum.

In the old days working boat men and women had little to do on their long runs, with many taking up rug making and spider web stitching, Alan Tilbury tells us.

Boaters' belts

This stitching was used to decorate many things, particularly boaters' belts, with women  passing down such traditional skills to their children, and now both adults and children are being given the chance to learn this virtually forgotten skill at the museum this coming Sunday, 26th February.

An inspiration

At present there are only 10 members in the Boat Crafters' Group, but they are trying to get more people involved. One member,  Avril Lansdell, has written books on the waterways crafts, and is proving an inspiration to other members.

Anyone interested in joining the group can obtain all particulars from Museum Manger Doreen Davies on 01452 318200.