Station: [109] The Loom

M: The rattling and clattering of the loom was mostly heard in winter. Flax was sown in spring, harvested in early summer, processed and spun in autumn and winter.

F: Linen and wool were the most important materials available to the Ammerland farming families – all produced on the farm, of course.

M: Often, the maids spent the long winters weaving the cloth for the trousseau of the farmer's daughter. The weaving itself, in other words, passing the wooden shuttle back and forth, was a minor part of the work. First it took several days to "dress" the loom, that is, set up the warp threads. The more unusual the pattern, the more difficult and time-consuming the process. Experienced weavers will tell you that the weaving itself feels like a reward for the tedious detailed work of dressing the loom.

F: If you'd like to know what unprocessed flax feels like – our guided tours give more insight into this ancient craft. And our museum in Specken has an entire department devoted to spinning and weaving!

Fotos: © Tanja Heinemann