You are invited to attend an all day, comprehensive workshop on how to grow and process flax. Sandy Fisher and Durl Van Alstyne of Golden State Linen will conduct this hands-on workshop at Pie Ranch in Pescadero.

10am-4pm

at Pie Ranch, 2080 Green Oaks Way, Pescadero, CA 94060.

Topics and demonstrations will include:

• Planting flax seed—broadcasting techniques versus row planting
• Harvesting flax—the right time to harvest for just fiber or fiber plus seed
• Bundling flax—preparing the harvested flax for retting
• Retting—both dew retting and wet retting explained. We will discuss using a small tank or low-volume, sprinklers, and show examples of ready-retted flax.

The hands-on portion of the workshop will include:

• Processing retted flax—learn how use a traditional brake, scutch/paddle, and a series of hackles
• Creating a strick—a decorative bundle of fiber ready to be converted into sliver for spinning
• Students will come home with some seeds for planting in their garden, flax straw ready for processing, handouts on how to make equipment, and more!

A simple vegetarian lunch will be shared in the meadow, prepared by Pie Ranch’s chef educator, Linh. Please bring your own beverage, and/or your water bottle to be refilled.

Supporting Guild:

Blacksheep Handweavers Guild

Schedule of Day:

10am-12pm: Growing, harvesting and retting flax

12-12:30pm: Lunch

12:30-1:15pm: Visit to the field to see the flax growing

1:15-4:00pm: Flax processing using traditional tools including hands-on experience.

Additional information:

Pie Ranch is a 27.5 acre organic, educational farm on the coast of San Mateo with a mission to cultivate a healthy and just food system from seed to table through food education, farmer pathways, and regional partnerships. Learn more here !

DETAILS OF TICKETS:

Participants must be 16 years or older. Ticket fee is non-refundable unless we are able to fill the seat. If we are sold-out, please email Tamar@pieranch.org to get on the waitlist.

WHAT TO WEAR:

This program in hosted both indoors and outdoors so please come prepared for any weather with layered clothing, as well as sturdy farm-appropriate footwear for the uneven terrain.

WHAT TO BRING:

• Notebook
• Sun protection: sunscreen, sun hat, and sunglasses
• Water bottle, and any snacks or beverages you need.

DRIVING:

• Make sure to plug in your directions when you depart as some folks lose cell-service when just over 10 miles away.
• Please use Pie Ranch’s full address (2080 Green Oaks Way, Pescadero, CA 94060) with zipcode as some folks will use a Cabrillo Hioghway address which also exists in Half Moon Bay.
• Do not forget to fill your gas tank BEFORE you embark Hwy 1 to Pie Ranch. There is one gas station 3 miles north of Pie Ranch at Gazos Road intersection and another in Pescadero.