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.

This 2023 growing season  is for an exploration of flax growing, harvesting and processing.  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 the experimental plot is entirely the grower’s choice, from a square yard to whatever they want to attempt if they have more space, though erring on the smaller side is probably preferable to over- extending

• The project launched in February with an introductory gathering to meet everyone and discuss how to get started and what to expect.  This and future 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.

• 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.

Updates for the project will be posted on our blog and on this page. Stay tuned!!