As part of Sustainable Fashion Week 2024, on Sunday September 29th the Let’s Grow Flax group came together for a Community Day to share our bioregional linen denim cloth with the wider public. We welcomed about 50 visitors and thanks to our 'Lets Grow Flax' volunteers and demonstrators, the event was a hands-on celebration of heritage skills, local materials, and regenerative textiles.
A Cloth Grounded in Place and Community
The key exhibit of the day was, of course, our linen denim fabric - a cloth that was communally grown and touched the wider community. Every stage of its journey was on display:
Flax grown and processed by the Let’s Grow Flax group
In an era where textiles are often mass-produced and disconnected from their origins, this cloth is a testament to place-based making - grown, processed, and created within 50 miles of Farnham.
Bringing Flax to Life: Demonstrations & Displays
Throughout the afternoon, our members treated the visitors live to demonstrations, such as Flax processing:
Besides sharing the flax processes, skills and tools, group members shared their personal histories and artistic linen explorations.
Mirela, Ginny, Gill and Vicky exhibited artwork made from their homegrown flax and linen yarn
The event was more than just a showcase; it was a connection point for a growing movement. The passion and curiosity from visitors showed that people are eager to reconnect with regenerative, local textile solutions.
A huge thank you to Ginny for her help with organising the event, to all our incredible volunteers who demonstrated and shared the flax love, and to everyone who stopped by to chat and learn more about flax.
. But don't take my word for it. Have a little look at the guest book feedback below and video clips to enjoy the positive energy of the day.
The key exhibit of the day was, of course, our linen denim fabric - a cloth that was communally grown and touched the wider community. Every stage of its journey was on display:
Flax grown and processed by the Let’s Grow Flax group
- Hand-spun by Brigitte, with the support of Amanda Hannaford
- Some of the warp was mill spun by the pioneering Fantasy Fibre Mill
- Woven and naturally dyed by Brigitte using locally sourced oak galls and iron water
- Accompanied by oak buttons, handcrafted by local woodturner Philip Hamilton
In an era where textiles are often mass-produced and disconnected from their origins, this cloth is a testament to place-based making - grown, processed, and created within 50 miles of Farnham.
Bringing Flax to Life: Demonstrations & Displays
Throughout the afternoon, our members treated the visitors live to demonstrations, such as Flax processing:
- Lindsay demonstrated the flax breaking, and scutching stages, showing how raw flax fibres are extracted.
- Distaff spinning: Carey and Mirela shared the fascinating art of turning long line flax into linen thread.
- Cordage making: Vicky supported visitors that attempted cordage making, an ancient craft of creating threads and string.
- Linen denim table: The highlight was our homegrown and woven cloth, a piece that combines regional textile history and the potential of a regenerative fashion future.
Besides sharing the flax processes, skills and tools, group members shared their personal histories and artistic linen explorations.
Mirela, Ginny, Gill and Vicky exhibited artwork made from their homegrown flax and linen yarn
Mirela's Bookmark on her inherited linen - Ginny's bracelet - Gill's woven artwork - Vicky's mixed media artwork
The event was more than just a showcase; it was a connection point for a growing movement. The passion and curiosity from visitors showed that people are eager to reconnect with regenerative, local textile solutions.
A huge thank you to Ginny for her help with organising the event, to all our incredible volunteers who demonstrated and shared the flax love, and to everyone who stopped by to chat and learn more about flax.
. But don't take my word for it. Have a little look at the guest book feedback below and video clips to enjoy the positive energy of the day.
If you are now inspired to join the flax movement, visit us on LetsGrowFlax.org.uk for more information about ways to support or join the Flax Fun!
