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Wool and Weaving
Wool production in Maine has been around for centuries. Since the 1780s and even earlier, farmers in Maine and New England have been processing raw wool into usable textiles. Wool is a natural fiber that comes from sheep. By the 1840’s, water powered textile mills and factories were producing a wide, affordable variety of textile products.
Let’s look more closely at warm and fuzzy wool!
But, let’s back up! What is a textile? We all use textiles every day. People use textiles to make clothing, towels, sheets, tablecloths, carpets, boat sails, flags, and many other things. Textiles are made from fibers, like wool, cotton, flax, or silk. Yarn, thread, or rope is knit, knotted, or woven into fabric or cloth.
At the Maine State Museum, our Made in Maine exhibit features different 19th-century tools and methods of turning wool into yarn, fabric, clothing, and blankets.
More About Wool!
Want to learn more about turning raw wool into a soft, cozy blanket? Check out these resources!
Weave at Home!
Weave yourself a bracelet or bookmark using drinking straws! You can follow the video instructions, or read the written instructions below.
