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Two Workshops: Linen’s Journey… Seed to Fiber and Flax Fiber to Yarn

COURSE OVERVIEW:

This  course/workshop will provide participants with the opportunity to use traditional flax processing equipment to create a “strick” of flax, which can then be spun into linen yarn. After a brief introduction of the presenters and description of the flax plant, the processes of rippling, breaking, scutching, hackling, and spinning will be discussed. Participants will then be provided with retted flax to physically create the clean line fiber. The program will conclude with time for conversation about and spinning of the fiber into linen yarn .

INSTRUCTOR BIO:

The Blodgett family has been involved in spinning and weaving for over 50 years. They began growing and processing flax in 1982, and in 1983, they started demonstration flax fiber extraction using traditional methods and equipment. In 2014, they began teaching about flax history, plant biology, and the processes of spinning and weaving linen.

Tom earned a BAchelor of Science degree in Natural Resources-Interpretation from Ohio State University in 1972. He later received a master’s degree in education, first from Xavier University in 1976 and then from the University of Phoenix in 2007. Joanne holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics-Clothing and Textiles, also from Ohio State University, which she obtained in 1971.

TOm’s career includes over 30 years of experience in natural and cultural history interpretation, along with 11 years as a high school science teacher. Joanne has been a pioneering skills teacher and fiber spinning demonstrator for more than 20 years. Currently, Tom and Joanne serve as seasonal historical interpreters at the Blackberry Farm Museum and Park, managed by the Fox Valley Park District in Au

REQUIRED TOOLS:

• Required tools/materials are provided by your instructor and Folk and Field School and will be available once the course begins
• Students will have to bring a spinning wheel

OPTIONAL TOOLS:

• N/A

COURSE DATES:

• September 19th: 9:00am-3:30pm (1 hour break from 11:30-12:30)

COURSE DETAILS: MINIMUM 10 MAXIMUM “unlimited” but let’s say 20

• Tuition: $125
• Supply Fee to Instructor: $5