Flax was once a staple crop across the island of Ireland, as part of its thriving linen industry. Historically, the coarser “tow” fibre from flax was favoured for making strong fishing nets and twine.
Following a short introduction to Gillian’s work this hands-on workshop will engage participants in the use of drop spindles to spin Irish grown flax to twine, from which they will then braid a fishing net.
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As part of Rathlin’s Maritime Festival
The workshops are for all ages – under 16 years accompanied by an adult.
About Gillian Steel
Gillian Steel is an artist, filmmaker and design activist who will be living on Rathlin over the coming year. During this she will be offering a series of environmentally sustainable creative interactions including spinning, printing and filmmaking workshops which draw on the fibres, colours and chemistry of the island’s plants and flowers.