Flax is a hardy, versatile plant cultivated for centuries. It thrives in cool, moist climates, making it a staple crop in early New England. But what sets flax apart is its unique fibers, which are used to create linen, one of the oldest known textiles. As part of Dr. Kimberly Alexander's Flax To Linen project, we are creating a short documentary that will be shown at partner grow sites. Through interviews and scripted narrative, From Field To Fabric introduces flax to a general audience, focuses on its importance to New England, and captures the main details of the Flax To Linen project.
We are embarking on our first feature documentary!
“Flax to Linen: New Hampshire’s Textile Revolution” weaves together the rich historical tapestry of textile production in New Hampshire with modern-day activism to revive linen as a sustainable, fashionable fabric in contemporary wardrobes.
“Flax to Linen” is a compelling narrative that intertwines the historical accounts of textile production in New Hampshire, often referred to as the Granite State, with contemporary efforts to revive linen as a staple in modern wardrobes. The story delves into the rediscovered heritage of flax cultivation and linen manufacturing in the region, shedding light on the traditional practices and the significance of this industry in the past. Simultaneously, it highlights historical and modern activism alongside scholarly initiatives to bring this sustainable and durable fabric back into mainstream fashion, advocating for environmentally friendly and locally sourced materials in our clothing choices.