18th Century Weaving Demonstration and Sunday Family Talk at KTM&HC #HandsOnHistory Exhibit
Kathy Wright (pictured, left), an 18th Century historical interpreter and weaver, will demonstrate how Ridgefield's colonial forebears wove yarn into whole cloth on Sunday, October 21, from 1 – 4 p.m., the third Sunday Family Talk as part of KTM&HC’s #HandsOnHistory exhibition, called Threading the Needle: From Field to Fabric. Ms. Wright will demonstrate how weavers create cloth on a loom and explain how different shapes and patterns are created.
Threading the Needle: From Field to Fabric highlights the three types of textile fibers commonly produced in Ridgefield and the region—linen, wool, and silk. Visitors will discover, and be able to try their hand at, the steps of producing these textiles, from the field to finished fabric to its use in clothing and decorations. Families will be able to walk through the exhibition with their children and participate in cleaning, spinning, dying, and weaving wool. Hands-on activities for all ages include carding wool, spinning fibers, and dying with natural dyes. Visitors to the exhibit are also invited to participated in a community weaving project by adding to a loom to create a unique #HandsOnHistory tapestry. All weaving materials are sourced from the Ridgefield Thrift Shop, where the tapestry will go on display after completion.