Friday Flax Future: Nordic Flax – From Heritage to Future Cultivation

Join us on 30 October for the next Friday Flax Future webinar, where we explore the rich history and future potential of flax and linen in the Nordic region.

This session brings together cultural heritage, women’s perspectives and current research into flax cultivation. Through stories from Sweden and Norway, we will discover how traditional knowledge and new initiatives can contribute to revitalising Nordic flax and linen production.

Holma Hälsingland: Linen History Through a Woman’s Perspective

Cecilia Olsson from Hudiksvall, Sweden, will share the story of Holma Hälsingland, one of Sweden’s major historic linen-spinning mills. Her presentation will explore the history of linen production through a woman’s perspective, highlighting the people, knowledge and experiences behind this important part of Swedish textile heritage.

Please note: Cecilia’s presentation will be held in Swedish.

Exploring Flax Diversity: The NordGen Project in Norway

Milagros Sing, chair of the Norwegian Flax Association, will introduce a NordGen project testing 25 different flax varieties at Stange in Hedmark, Norway. The project explores flax diversity and the potential for growing flax under Nordic conditions, contributing valuable knowledge to the development of local flax production.

The webinar will begin with an introduction by Hillevi Skoglund, Länshemslöjdskonsulent in Västra Götaland, Sweden, and Nina Alsborn, chair and founder of Fibershed Norway. We will conclude with 15 minutes of questions and discussion.

Friday Flax Future is a space for sharing knowledge, connecting people and strengthening collaboration across the Nordic flax community. By bringing together historical perspectives and contemporary research, we hope to inspire renewed interest in flax as a locally grown resource for future textile production.

Teams link:

Welcome to join us online on Friday, 30 October! Nina og Hillevi