Do I need prior sewing experience?

No prior experience is necessary—guides will teach you everything you need to know.

What textiles should I bring?

Bring worn or damaged clothing and textiles you'd like to restore or learn to mend.

Is this activity suitable for children?

Yes, children with patience and interest in craft can participate with supervision.

How long does the workshop last?

Typically about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the group size and pace.

Do I need to bring my own tools?

The museum provides basic tools, but feel free to bring personal sewing kits.

Can I take my mended textiles home?

Absolutely—your repaired textiles are yours to keep and cherish.

Land Adventures with Friends of Dalnavert Museum: Darning Workshop

Located in the heart of Winnipeg, the Dalnavert Museum offers a distinctive opportunity for those interested in combining hands-on craft with local history. This Darning Workshop invites outdoor enthusiasts and craft lovers alike to step into a different kind of adventure—one of creative revival and textile preservation. While it’s not your typical outdoor trek, this experience is a form of mental outdoor exploration, engaging hands and mind in a historical setting. The workshop centers on the ancient art of darning, a skill that transforms worn, beloved fabrics into treasured keepsakes. Open to all skill levels, the workshop demystifies this age-old technique through simple, effective steps—turning frayed edges into functional masterpieces. The setting at Dalnavert Museum enhances the experience, with its beautifully restored Victorian architecture creating an inspiring backdrop for this craft-based adventure. Attendees bring their favorite, well-worn clothing or textiles, ready to breathe new life into each piece. Darning isn’t just a skill; it’s a way to connect with history and practice sustainability in an increasingly disposable world. Whether you’re a seasoned craftsperson or a curious beginner, this workshop feeds the soul while promoting an environmentally conscious mindset. The museum’s welcoming environment and knowledgeable guides make for a memorable and enriching day. This activity stands out because it combines learning, history, and sustainability in a creative outdoor-inspired way that appeals to a broad range of visitors. The focus on patching and mending echoes a slower, more deliberate pace of life—an outdoor journey for the mind and spirit tucked within Winnipeg's vibrant cultural scene.

About Friends of Dalnavert Museum

Friends of Dalnavert Museum supports programming and public engagement at Dalnavert, a historic Victorian house museum in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The organization partners with museum staff to present guided tours, themed events, lectures, workshops, and community programs that interpret Victorian domestic life, local Métis history, medical and social histories, and seasonal family activities.

Programs include walking tours of downtown Winnipeg focused on Métis heritage and early 20th-century urban life, small-group Behind the Ropes tours led by the collections registrar, hands-on workshops such as darning classes, and specialized presentations on topics like Victorian drug culture and funeral customs. Friends of Dalnavert Museum emphasizes accessibility and community connection. Offerings include dementia-friendly tours and family-focused holiday programming such as Halloween tea parties and Victorian-themed celebrations.

Public historians, museum professionals, and volunteer supporters contribute to research, interpretation, and delivery, helping ensure content is historically informed and appropriate for diverse audiences. Events vary in length and format; many programs fit 45–60 minutes while special events run longer. As a Winnipeg-based heritage organization, Friends of Dalnavert Museum works within museum best practices to care for collections and to share local stories, including the history of the Red River Métis and the city’s social development. Visitors can expect small-group experiences, docent-led interpretation, and chances to see artifacts not normally on display. Programming aims to educate, preserve regional heritage, and invite community participation in understanding Winnipeg’s past. Membership and volunteer opportunities support ongoing preservation, research, and public accessibility while deepening local connections to Manitoba's cultural heritage and public education.