Flax (Linum usitatissimum), also known as common flax, is a member of the genus Linum in the family Linaceae. It is a food and fiber crop cultivated in cooler regions of the world. The textiles made from flax are known in the Western countries as linen, and traditionally used for bed sheets, underclothes, and table linen. In addition to referring to the plant itself, the word “flax” may refer to the unspun fibers of the flax plant. Flax fibers are taken from the stem of the plant, and are two to three times as strong as those of cotton. Additionally, flax fibers are naturally smooth and straight. Europe and North America depended on flax for vegetable-based cloth until the nineteenth century, when cotton overtook flax as the most common plant used for clothing and making rag-based paper. Come watch as flax is spun into linen thread and learn more about this amazing fiber.

• Date: Tuesday July 18th
• Time: 10:00am – 3:30pm
• Fee: Included with tour admission
• Instructor: Sue Oiler & Friends