This kurta was made using flax grown, processed and spun in Blackburn as part of the Homegrown/Homespun project working with volunteers and members of the community over the past two years.
The yarn was spun at our Spinning and Weaving school in Blackburn Market last summer run by The Bowland Guild of Weavers and Dyers and Spinners and then woven by professional weaver Kirsty Leadbetter. The final garment has been fabricated by two of the Homegrown/ Homespun volunteer team, Kirsteen McGregor and Judith Rothwell, using a traditional design of this classic South Asian garment.
It is the product of two successful harvests of flax grown next to the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in Audley both at St Mary and St Joseph’s School and at our Audley space which has now been transformed into a beautiful green oasis in the middle of this neighbourhood. It has substantially increased the biodiversity of the area and, as flax captures carbon, it regenerates the soil. Other activities take place around the flax field including a gardening club and canoeing along the canal, as well as an ongoing programme of workshops.
Homegrown/Homespun is testing whether it’s possible to create a local low carbon cottage textile industry in the 21st century, one that can involve everyone in the community regardless of age or ability. It is, for now, a slow labour of love but everyone involved is learning so much more than weaving and spinning. If you would like to get involved in growing and harvesting, come along to one of our Flax Fridays or Wednesday Gardening Club at Audley.
Presented as part of National Festival of Making With huge thanks to the many many people involved with the making of this garment over the last two years who are too numerous to be named here!
