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Post by antiquestuff on Dec 21, 2006 20:30:33 GMT -5
Well, my interest in eventual self-sufficiency (as far as possible anyways) made me realize something: I've got nothing on processing flax or cotton into useable materials. Flax grows okay in a rather short growing season state like mine, so I think it's more practical than cotton. I'm thinking about growing a tiny bit of it next year, just enough to experiment with, seeing how it grows and how to process it.
Anyone got some links on info. about flax processing? I'd like instructions on how to make a simple wooden flax break, any other tools needed, and simple detailed instructions (for people like me who've got no idea how to do such a thing) for processing raw flax plants into basic twisted yarn/string for use as candlewicks, linen, etc.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2006 21:25:32 GMT -5
Here is s link with some information for you. It is a very complicated process but worth it. You should probably look into hemp not only for the ease of growing it in all climates but for the strength and durability of the fiber. Granted you probably can't grow it legally but you can buy the processed fibers. It is also a very environmentally friendly fiber since it is naturally disease and pest resistant. For flax: www.allfiberarts.com/library/aa97/aa072397.htmFor hemp: www.naihc.org/hemp_information/hemp_farming.html |
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Post by antiquestuff on Dec 24, 2006 12:56:40 GMT -5
Thanks for those links. I've got info. on making rope, etc., out of hemp, but unless it's made legal to grow it (I think it's stupid and unconstitutional that they've tried to make it illegal, forcing us to be dependant on imported fibers!) it won't be possible to grow it myself.
It does look a bit complex, but it'll be worth knowing how to do it.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 1, 2007 22:45:22 GMT -5
Antiquestuff, I just heard on the radio today that North Dakota is offering permits to grow hemp commercially. They said that the federal government says it is still illegal but if the feds push it it sounds like there will be battles in the courts. One of the arguments will be that back in the 40's the government was encouraging people to grow hemp.
Thought you might be interested to know. Might be fun to watch through the year.
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Post by antiquestuff on Jan 3, 2007 18:50:49 GMT -5
Antiquestuff, I just heard on the radio today that North Dakota is offering permits to grow hemp commercially. They said that the federal government says it is still illegal but if the feds push it it sounds like there will be battles in the courts. One of the arguments will be that back in the 40's the government was encouraging people to grow hemp. Thought you might be interested to know. Might be fun to watch through the year. Now that's interesting to hear, I'll have to keep an eye on what happens. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2007 1:24:44 GMT -5
I had a question on flax too. Last year I grew a 10 by 20 patch of it for the chickens and all the while I wondered if the same plant was the one that linein came from. Now my did not llive thru the chickens but I never intended it to. But I wonder?
What is the name of the seed?
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Post by antiquestuff on Jan 5, 2007 7:50:28 GMT -5
Linseed oil and flax seed oil are the same thing, just different names. Flax was the traditional source of linen, though synthetics seem to be replacing it...
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Post by bergere on Jan 13, 2007 12:59:42 GMT -5
I love Linen clothes.
Used to have some very good Flax to clothes web sites but not sure if I still have them. One of the best was out of Sweden, though the web site was written in English.
Yes, there are a few extra steps to take but once one gets the idea it looks like it would be pretty easy.
Even had some flax growing at the old place.
One of those things I have always been interesting in doing.
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