On our last full day we had big plans. But even though Mara's knee did feel a bit better after the water, it was still not good. And we all thought it might be wisest if they took it a bit easy that day. So, instead of the folk museum we went to the linen museum in Lisburn.
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| Flax. It looks just like hair! |
Linen is a natural product made from the flax plant and it was used for everything and anything as the threads were really strong. Even upholstery was sewn together using linen threads.
First we saw how the thread was made on a simple spinning wheel. The girl doing the spinning was single and looking for a husband, at least that was what the ribbon around the thread told us. Different colours were used for single and married girls/women.
When we went to check out the looms however, there was a problem. There was a school party that used that room and there was something special going on. So we left and visited another part of the museum.
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| My favourite: a skirt with long tunic. |
After we had seen the rest of the museum, we tried to get back to the looms, but they had still not finished, so in the end we left to get some food. We will have to come back at some other time I think.
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteOh, lucky bear, Brom - flax is such an interesting material and of course, Ireland is renowned for the quality of their product. It is a beautiful material - but the very devil to keep smart. Now... did you get far on that penny farthing? Hugs and growlies YAM-aunty xxx
I have a yarn that is part cotton, part linen and it knits beautifully. I hope to finish the garment at some point as well so I can show!
DeleteNice photos to record the visit.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting place to visit. Too bad you couldn't see them using the looms.
ReplyDeleteThe girl at the spinning wheel had the mask under the nose. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteLinen is less popular than cotton in our part of the world.
Sigh indeed. I see them with their masks on their chins and keep telling them they should be in a research facility if they are breathing through their chin. They pull it up then!
DeleteThat looks like an interesting place!
ReplyDeleteI do like linen but it creases so easily it's not that practical. Good photos.
ReplyDeleteI never really minded that, but then I only ever had things that were to be worn for day to day, never the pretty pretty stuff.
DeleteIt looks like to was a nice tour. I enjoyed seeing the photos.
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