Our goal with Chesapeake Fibershed Flax is to initiate a community effort exploring  the viability of flax production in the Chesapeake Fibershed. History tells us that our region can support the cultivation of flax for the purposes of producing linen, though with the emergence of synthetic textiles and the growth of industrial cotton, flax for linen production moved overseas.  As proponents of establishing local fiber systems, we would like to bring flax production home, initially by reintroducing it to local growers as an opportunity to engage in a more regenerative textile economy.

Our short term intention for this year is to create an inclusive learning and sharing project around growing and processing flax from seed to cloth.  A longer term goal extending into future growing seasons is the gathering of vital information that could be applied to larger scale flax production in our region, as well as opening discussions about future supportive and cooperative ventures with the PA Flax Project.

If this interests you but you don’t have the space or resources to grow your own flax this year, don’t fret! We will keep our fibershed updated with our progress and there will be opportunities to meet and talk flax together in the future.

We invite you to join us in this 2023 growing season for an exploration of flax growing, harvesting and processing.  If you are interested, here’s what you need to know.

• Participants will trial small plots of garden or field grown flax or larger crops as time and space allow. The size of your experimental plot is entirely your choice, from a square yard to whatever you want to attempt if you have more space, though erring on the smaller side is probably preferable to over- extending if this is your first time growing flax.

• We are asking for a $20 donation to join. This will be used to cover administrative costs and seed for a square yard of planting. Additional seed for larger plots is available on a first come, first serve basis.

• Seed will be mailed out to you in time for spring planting.

• The project will launch February 22nd at 7:00pm with an introductory (virtual) gathering to meet everyone and discuss how to get started and what to expect.  These meetings will be recorded and available for participants to watch at their own convenience.

• We will stay connected throughout the growing season to share experiences, observations and progress. We will host periodic virtual gatherings and hope to arrange at least one or two local in-person gatherings to include information on harvesting and processing. More information to come.

• The year’s project will conclude with a fall gathering (hopefully in-person) to share results and discuss the goals and intentions for the following season.

If you are interested in participating, please

• Click this link  to complete the enrollment form  Registration deadline is February 12th.

• Mark your calendars for our first Zoom gathering on February 22nd at 7:00. Zoom links will be sent out to registered enrollees.