S2E4: Growing and Processing Flax
Patsy Zawistoski joins the PSG for the first time and it's all about flax! Well, she starts with cellulose fibers and then digs deep into how you can plant and grow flax in your own small space. She covers the planting, pulling, drying, rippling, threshing, and winnowing, and then moves on to the real fun - processing! Patsy demos retting, breaking (with a flax break and without), scutching, and hackling (with a wool hackle/stationary comb and a florist's frog) helping you take your flax from field to wheel. She rounds out the episode by showing all the different types/preperations of flax and a cautionary tale about dyeing line flax. And don't miss getting to know this charming, smart, and talented spinner in the Teacher Tea segment!
-
S2E4.1 - Intro to Growing and Processing Flax
Jacey is excited to introduce Patsy Z and to learn all about growing and processing flax!
-
S2E4.2 - Plants with Patsy Z.
Patsy Z introduces us to the different kinds of cellulose fibers, where they come from, and how they impact the environment.
-
S2E4.3 - A Simple Start to Flax
Patsy gets us started spinning flax (dry or wet) so we have something to do with our hands while we watch the rest of the episode. She introduces us to the easiest "distaff" (the apron hold). teaches us how to make a bridesmaid braid, and gives us simple ways to spin flax.
-
S2E4.4 - Growing Your Own Flax
Want to grow your own flax? Patsy tells you how! She includes the planting, pulling, drying, rippling, threshing, and winnowing,
-
S2E4.5 - Processing Your Own Flax
Time to process your dried flax! Patsy demos retting, breaking (with a flax break and without), scutching, hackling (with a wool hackle/stationary comb and a florist's frog) helping you take your flax from field to wheel. She rounds out the episode by showing all the different types/preperations ...
-
Teacher Tea with Patsy Zawistoski (2025)
Get to know the charming, intelligent, and talented Patsy Z as she sits for tea with Jacey.
