From Fleece to Cloth: Shearing, Spinning, and Weaving

Spinning—twisting a fiber such as wool into thread or yarn—and weaving that thread or yarn to create cloth is a skill dating back thousands of years. On April 15 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., Durand-Hedden visitors will have the opportunity to explore this tradition and witness how cloth is made, from shearing sheep to spinning thread to weaving into cloth.

• Watch a shearer collect fleece from woolly visitors from Kafka Farms

• See members of the Essex County Spinners Guild demonstrate that the craft of hand spinning is alive and well in the 21st century

• Watch weaving students and a fiber teacher from Peter’s Valley School of Craft show the basics of how thread is woven into cloth

• Participate as Columbia High School craft students lead young visitors in a weaving activity

• View Durand-Hedden’s frame loom, spinning wheels, and woven coverlets – once commonplace in the 18th and 19th centuries

The event is free. Donations are appreciated.

Exhibit on Maplewood

Be sure to also see the fascinating exhibit on the impact of World War One on Maplewood.