The Weavers

The art of weaving has stood the test of time and it's appeal is alive and well in Lanark County. Precious relics of fabric and weaving tools remain from the early days of settlement. Visitors to the Middleville and District Museum marvel at the evidence of early technology in the barn frame loom, the spinning wheel and the collection of yarn winders on display. As the settlers packed their trunks to cross the ocean centuries ago, they included the tools they would need to continue their trade in the new land. They brought along small parts of looms and spinning wheels to recreate the larger structures in their new homes using wood from the forest around them. They also brought their knowledge of patterns and dyes. They learned to incorporate new sources of colouration for their wool and linen using what they found in their surroundings. 
Before they had the means to care for a flock of sheep in the harsh conditions, the settlers planted flax seeds and harvested the crop to produce linen fiber for weaving the cloth they needed. It was a long and arduous process, but the settlers had limited choices. Little money and isolated conditions meant they had to produce their own fabric in the early days. 
The Middleville Museum has a display of tools used to process flax plants into linen thread. 
Drop by the Museum to view these tools of the weaving trade and learn how linen was made in the wilds of Canada two centuries ago. You'll also see some examples of the beautiful fabrics that have been preserved for several generations on display.  

hackles

stone pestle for water to keep fingers wet when spinning linen