A practiced-based research project
For Flax Sake
The project “For Flax Sake: Power and Resistance through home-grown fiber production,” is a practice based research project that centers around the fine-craft and intangeable heritage of flax-growing and processing. Our inquery centers around the question How did linnen go from a declaration of independent industry, to a forgotten fabric in the American North East?
The project documents the insights of experts and novices on the Aquidneck Land Trust farm Hawk and Handsaw Farm, during the harvest, fall 2024.
Outcomes will be shared here.
PRACTICE BASED RESEARCH
Flax was once used as a signal of economic resiliance and independence. The Boston Gazette announced on October 10, 1768, that “We hear from Roxbury that, one Day the Week before last, near 60 young Woman of the Place, met together at the Minister’s House, early in the Morning, and gave Mrs. Adams the Materials for, and the Spinning of above 100 Score of Linnen yarn, such an unusual and beautiful Appearance drew a great number of Spectators from Town and Country, who all expressed the highest Satisfaction at such an example of industry.”
Both quotes from Paul Revere and 1768: His Portrait and the Liberty Bowl – Colonial Society of Massachusetts
MODERN KNOWLEDGE SHARING
We are interested in how flax production in New England can be reinvigorated as a sustainable and collaborative form of textile production using whole system farming, while diving into the historicity of its social “canceling.” We believe that the flax plant can be a resource for social justice research, while providing an excellent, organic and low-impact crop for aspiring and established circular-farms in Rhode Island; a tool for use in contemporary social and enviromental action. How does erasure of such a useful fiber illuminate current active subversion of enviromentally friendly, practical, and accessable practices and knowledges in the modern, smallscale agricultural context?
A Community Resource in Flax growing and production
for flax sake how to guide
Comming soon: Poster sized prints of the For Flax Sake How-To Guide made by artists Druken and Tracy Jonsson-Laboy.
A double-sided How-To Guide for flax growing and processing, from seed to swag. Available as a free download to local community land trusts, community gardens, and other non-profits by request. Please email info@woodspoonfarm.com
With deep gratitude for supporting us
