Yesterday we took a trip to the Home Textile Tool Museum in Orwell, PA. We had the place almost to ourselves so got to see things we hadn’t seen before.
Esther Weldon was dyeing skeins in a cauldron over a fire. Fortunately it wasn’t too hot that day. The flax in the little plot next to the barn was just starting to bloom. It looked to be about three feet high. Nearby a fellow was shoeing a horse.
I was intrigued by the elaborate chip carving on the table of a great wheel in the big barn.
In the house there were lots of spinning wheels including this rare Farnham accelerating wheel. We were told there are only three known to exist. There was also this three legged quill winder along with beautiful old Pennsylvania overshot coverlets.
Fred got a good look at the tools hanging in Bill Ralph’s old shop.
This flax break was shorter, taller and generally handier than some we have seen.
Esther Weldon was dyeing skeins in a cauldron over a fire. Fortunately it wasn’t too hot that day. The flax in the little plot next to the barn was just starting to bloom. It looked to be about three feet high. Nearby a fellow was shoeing a horse.
I was intrigued by the elaborate chip carving on the table of a great wheel in the big barn.
In the house there were lots of spinning wheels including this rare Farnham accelerating wheel. We were told there are only three known to exist. There was also this three legged quill winder along with beautiful old Pennsylvania overshot coverlets.
Fred got a good look at the tools hanging in Bill Ralph’s old shop.
This flax break was shorter, taller and generally handier than some we have seen.
I love this post!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that you had a good trip.
The flax break looks gorgeous, and just look at all that lovely retted flax just waiting to be broken!
Great pics...I luv places like that.
ReplyDeleteI have never been there. Looks like a great way to spend a day.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this post. I love seeing those old tools.
ReplyDeleteThe HTTM is an awesome place. I try and take a workshop every summer. This summer it was nuno felting with Denise Nunn, and natural dyeing last week with Esther Weldon - both great experiences. If you can get there, I highly recommend it; and the activities on Saturday are also fun and fascinating! Gayle
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this post, with the gorgeous pictures. I'm in love with the top tape loom (you, too, I'll bet).
ReplyDeleteGreat to see all these old tools for home textile. Old is gold.
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