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The Jackson County Historical Society, in partnership with the Harrison-Bruce Historic Village and the Black Sheep Fiber Guild, are hosting "Linen's Journey, From Flax Seed to Fabric." Recognized nationally for their knowledge of historic flax and linen production in the U.S., Tom and Joanne Blodgett will visit the Harrison-Bruce Historical Village on April 18, 2026. The Blodgetts, with decades of experience in historical interpretation and flax education, will give a workshop on all things flax in Southern Illinois—from growing it, to processing the fiber, and ultimately to spinning and weaving it to achieve the end product, linen.
The Blodgetts will talk about the history of flax production in our area, and the importance of flax in the lives of early settlers who relied on the plant to clothe themselves and their families. In addition, they’ll share some thoughts on flax’s future in our region.
Participants in this hands-on workshop will learn how to ripple and “break” the harvested plant, then scutch and hackle it to produce a useful “strict” of flax fiber, all the while using traditional tools unique to flax production.
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Event Venue
Mees Community Center on the grounds of the Harrison-Bruce Historic Village on the campus of John A. Logan College, 7001 Logan College, Drive, Carterville, IL, United States
Tickets
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