Here at Flax Mill we have never been known to do or say many “seasonal” things. Except for our Winter-Solstice-Gathering on the 21st of December we don’t celebrate either.
I would like to send you a bit of music though – a chorus to be precise- which was written by our friend Colum Sands. I like it and find it suitable as my personal wish for you:
Wherever your shuttle may fly
I wish a long life to your loom
I wish you the golden thread
That’s spun from the sun and the moon
I hope we’ll meet up soon – here at the mill or at one of the interesting events to come. Below you’ll find a few dates which might fit well into your diary and a few bits of “insider” information to go with these dates.
Have a great season!
Love over Gold
Marion
– Iconic German painter exhibiting at Flax Mill during our 27th Open Day and Yard Fest on September 12th, 2020!
She is one of the “larger than life” figures on the huge German arts – scene. Painter/political activist ULA RICHTER from Dortmund just had a very successful exhibition in Berlin to mark her 80th birthday.
The member of “Tendenzen” (=tendencies), an influential group of artists will exhibit in Ireland for the first time, about 10 paintings will go on show in our mill-cottage, complemented by several of CHARLIE MALLON’s spectacular bronze castings.
We don’t know as yet whether Ula Richter will be present at the exhibition but we can reveal that the manager of Dungiven Library, SHARON RILEY, is going to welcome the invited guests from around a dozen countries at the exhibition launch (Vernissage).
It will take place on September 11th, the day before the Open Day.
We will soon publish details about the unique event – those of you who have already booked for the Open Day and Yard Fest can place a reservation for the exhibition launch (very limited space) from now on.
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– Large step forward in flax processing!
It had to come: 2020 will see a proper flax-scutching turbine (or “Belgium mill”) back in operation after almost 40 years of “trout”. The good news for people who grow (or intend to do so) the raw material for linen have a lot to do with the tireless efforts by Helen Keys and Charlie Mallon. We’ll keep you up-dated.
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– Pull up your socks!
Every year, a number of friends and customers ask us for knitted products, every year we have to decline most of their wishes. Knitting on a larger scale is not possible for us at the moment – weaving is extremely busy and uses up our time. This winter is experiencing a little exception; I have “given in” following a large number of requests and designed a very limited edition of socks which I knitted from pure wool spun and dyed by Christine Casey, our “commission spinner”. Heel- and toe – area is strengthened with Irish linen yarn.
Give us a shout for all details on this project.
Last minute news – last minute news – last minute news
Helen’s back on the cat walk!
Our number one candidate for compering the trend-setting and at this stage almost “sold out” (!!)fashion show 2020, Helen Keys, has just given us a “yes”. The university lecturer from Moneymore who also grows flax was our favourite after her excellent performance in 2019.