Regeneration of Flax: Spinning Workshop
2024-10-30 15:00 - 17:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Join expert Andrea Myklebust to learn the craft of spinning flax fiber into linen yarn. Working with hand spindles and distaves, participants will be introduced to the foundational concepts of spinning: the control of loose fiber through drafting, and the addition of twist to create a structurally-sound yarn. The instructor will provide all of the necessary tools and materials, and participants will have their own handspun linen fiber to take home at the end of the workshop.
The workshop is part of a series of public events coinciding with our current exhibition, Regeneration of Flax: Linseed, Linen, Shive & Oil at the Arnold and Sheila Aronson Galleries, 66 Fifth Avenue at 13th Street, New York.
Event open to the New School Community only by application.
No prior experience is required.
Attendance is limited to 12 and will be selected from the applicants.

Workshop Lead

Andrea Myklebust, Shepherd, weaver, bast fiber researcher and educator

Andrea Myklebust is a shepherd and weaver with a background in the fine arts. She and her husband Stanton Sears worked together for many years creating civic artwork across the US. In 2011 her work shifted to focus on natural fiber textiles. She began growing flax in 2012, and teaches the process of turning flax into linen, from seed to finished cloth. She began growing fiber hemp in 2023, and her farm in southern Vermont is presently the site of research in partnership with the University of Vermont and a USDA-SARE grant. She believes that a revitalized bioregional textile infrastructure centered in cloth made from flax, hemp and wool will help meet the existential challenges of climate change.

Panel Discussion/Moderated Conversation at the 2024 Textile Society of America Symposium
2024-11-14 11:15 - 2024-11-19 12:45 (America/New_York)
Join us for a Panel Discussion/Moderated Conversation at the 2024 Textile Society of America Symposium titled “Shifts and Strands: Rethinking the Possibilities and Potentials of Textiles”.
Panel Discussion will take place on November 14, 2024, 11:15 am to 12:45 pm EST.
The Symposium will be held virtually on Zoom from November 12-17, 2024.

NALA will host a Panel Discussion: The re-emergence of the North American fiber flax industry: An opportunity to re-think.
Fiona Barrett, Kristina Foley, Leslie Schroeder, and Angela Wartes-Kahl “The re-emergence of the North American fiber flax industry: An opportunity to re-think”
North American Linen Association (NALA) has assembled a diverse group from different backgrounds so that they can give their perspective from their experience and focus. There are farmers, academics, and artisans, all with a different focus in a united goal of creating a North American Linen industry.
The two main themes would be ruptures and repair.
The first questions will revolve around the notion of rupturing with the existing European industry. Is it possible? Is there an opportunity to do things differently? Is it possible to be completely independent? If things can be kept, what should be kept? If things are broken, or unsuitable, how can we ensure that we do not become that in the future?
The second theme will cover the theme of repair and will broadly explore the following problem. We, who are involved in the sustainable textile movement are in a bit of a bubble. We all agree with each other, and want to achieve the same things. The problem is this. Is it more beneficial to our movement, and to the planet to serve our community, or to broaden it and reach others?
Here is a practical example. Which has more impact? Expanding the fibershed movement, and bringing on more small producers? Or convincing the major producers to do better, and practice a more sustainable form of agriculture?
NALA is a 501(c)6 trade group with the explicit mandate “to advance sustainability and resilience in the organic agriculture, bast fiber, textile and fashion industries.”
Each individual, as well as each business involved are known for their ESG policies, whether they be sustainability initiatives or diversity and inclusion policies, or both.

NALA Member Social: Community Connection *MEMBERS ONLY EVENT*
2024-11-21 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Hello NALA members!
We’ve had many new members join over the past few months, so as a nod to Thanksgiving/Giving Thanks, we’d like to dedicate our November meeting to Community Connection! This will be an opportunity to meet like-minded linen enthusiasts, share your interests and talents, and learn about NALA and each other.
We hope you can join us!
*All NALA members receive a link for this online event.*

Sagra del Radicchio
2024-12-08 15:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Redd East Event Space, 831 Southeast Salmon Street, Portland, Oregon, 97214, United States
During this fun and lively event in Portland, OR, NALA will showcase flax fiber, seed, and more at the fiber table.
Discover why “Bitter is Better” at the fourth SAGRA del RADICCHIO! This event is not just about celebrating Italian chicories; it’s a journey into the world of underdog crops. From winter radishes to pomodori d’inverno, from dry-farmed winter squash, beans, and corn to buckwheat and beyond, join us in a culinary and cultural exploration like no other.
Taste, learn, and experience the diversity of locally grown winter vegetables and grains that often need to be more appreciated. Farmers and chefs from the PNW and afar will share dishes, drinks, and stories at over 40 tables. Take advantage of this opportunity to celebrate the unsung heroes of the culinary world!
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT

NALA Member Social: Guest Depoortere from Belgium *MEMBERS ONLY EVENT*
2024-12-19 07:00 - 08:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Hello NALA Members!
We’re excited that Claude Lesage from Depoortere will join us for our December NALA Member Social & Networking event! Depoortere, located in Belgium, manufactures machines for harvesting and scutching natural fibers: flax, hemp, kenaf, and other natural fibers.
We appreciate the flexibility of the membership as we looked for a reasonable time across many time zones and Europe! Recordings will be available after the event for all NALA members.

NALA Member Social: Meet the New BOD *MEMBERS ONLY EVENT*
2025-02-04 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Hello NALA Community!
We’re excited to kick off our first member social & networking event of 2025 by introducing this year’s Board of Directors. We’re excited for you to meet and get to know our new directors.
We’ll also introduce our first NALA Annual Report, with a look back on 2024 and a sneak peek at the coming year.

Green Mountain Linen at Brattleboro Farmers Market
2025-02-22 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Green Mountain Linen Company will be at the Brattleboro Farmers Market on Saturday 22 February.
“We will be representing the North America Linen Association with our good friend in all things flax, Andrea Myklebust. We’ll be demonstrating spinning flax as well providing information on all aspects of growing and processing flax for fiber.”
The Brattleboro Farmers Market is indoors during these winter months: 60 Austine Drive, Winston Prouty Campus, Brattleboro, VT 05301.
Hours are 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

March NALA Connect: Industry Insights & Member Networking
2025-03-28 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
** THIS IS A MEMBERS ONLY EVENT **
March Topic:
Flax Fiber in Composites: Join us for an insightful presentation by Patrick Flaherty, where he will provide a comprehensive overview of his work and offer valuable insights into the current landscape of the U.S. and international composites industries. Patrick will be attending key events, including the Sustainability Council with the Home Page of the American Composites Manufacturers Association, a meeting with IACMI – The Composites Institute in Knoxville, and will be heading to Paris, France, for JEC World 2025, the leading international composites show, where he will engage with European suppliers of natural materials. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear about the latest developments in the industry!
Friday, March 28, 2025 at 10 am PDT
All members will receive a zoom link to join this online meeting.

NALA Connect Presents: Sharon Kallis – Weaving Community, Ecology & Ancestry *MEMBERS ONLY*
2025-04-24 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
NALA Connect Presents: Sharon Kallis – Weaving Community, Ecology & Ancestry
April 24th 12-1 pm PDT | Special Guest: Sharon Kallis
Meet Sharon Kallis, artist, educator, and fiber enthusiast whose work beautifully intertwines ancestral knowledge, ecology, and community practice. As the founding lead artist of the EartHand Gleaners Society, Sharon cultivates spaces where traditional fiber arts reconnect people with land, seasons, and story.
With roots in Scotland, Wales, Ireland, England, and Germany, Sharon reflects deeply on her lineage—acknowledging settlers and disruptors—as she builds relationships with the lands she now calls home. Her creative practice explores the languages of plants and the rhythms of the seasons through spinning, weaving, knitting, dyeing, and stitching—transforming natural fibers into garments infused with memory, care, and connection.
At this NALA Connect session, Sharon will share:
Her personal journey “from seed to garment” through collaborative, community-based learning
The ethos and impact of EartHand’s fiber-centric gatherings and events
Her own hand-made garments using knitting, 4-shaft weaving, warp-weighted loom work, and sprang techniques
Sneak Peek: Flax Grow Along 2025
Get inspired by Sharon’s Flax Grow Along—a six-month, hands-on exploration of growing, harvesting, and transforming flax into linen thread.
Don’t miss this rich conversation with a leader reviving North American flax fibre traditions!
**Meeting link will be provided to all NALA Members**

NALA Connect *Members Only*
2025-05-29 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
This May, we’re thrilled to host a special community conversation focused on celebrating and empowering our members – the heart of the NALA community.
At NALA, we’re committed to building a vibrant flax fiber movement that educates, inspires, and connects. This will be a conversation to tap into the collective creativity and brilliance of fellow flax enthusiasts. Together, we’ll explore ideas to strengthen our community, bring us together and generate support for NALA’s mission.
Please join us: May 29th from 1:00-2:00 pm PDT

June NALA Connect *Members Only*
2025-06-19 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Let’s hear what’s happening in the field! We’re very excited to share that our June NALA Connect meeting will feature two NALA members / farmers growing flax fiber in North Dakota.
Spencer Marchand is on the NALA Board of Directors, and is Chairman of the Dakota Linen Company. Spencer’s mission is to bring back the flax fiber industry to North Dakota and the surrounding region.
Eric Singular works with NALA member Horizon Specialty Seeds, is President of INCCert, and is committed to advancing responsible products & a regenerative economy through seed & genetics, standards, and certification.
We’re excited to hear their insights and stories from the fields of North Dakota! Make sure to join us for this insightful session!

Field to Frock
2025-06-20 00:00 - 2025-06-22 23:59 (America/North_Dakota/Center)
Midwest Linen Revival presents Field to Frock events in and around the Madison, WI area to build community for the emerging flax fiber movement. Learn some things about our connection past, present, and future with the beautiful flax plant. Attend one event or all of them!
Join us over the Summer Solstice: June 20, 21, and 22 – all events are free!
A complete schedule of events can be found here – https://www.midwestlinenrevival.org/field-to-frock

July NALA Connect *Members Only*
2025-07-29 10:00 - 23:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
NALA Connect is excited to welcome the Textile Society of America to our July meeting! Several NALA Members spoke at the TSA Fall ’24 Symposium on the “Re-emergence of the North American Flax Fiber Industry” and NALA was recently featured in TSA’s newsletter in April.
Ashley Occhino, Executive Director of TSA, and members of her team, will introduce us to the Textile Society of America. Founded in 1987, the Textile Society of America is a United States 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides an international forum for the exchange and dissemination of textile knowledge from artistic, cultural, economic, historic, political, social, scientific, and technical perspectives. This will be a wonderful opportunity for cross-sharing of the history and importance that flax linen has and continues to play in textiles.
We are so grateful for the support of TSA and are looking forward to this interactive and educational session!

September NALA Connect with Coast Fibers
2025-09-17 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
**NALA MEMBER EVENT**
September’s NALA Connect session will be a special treat as we have NALA members Shannon Welsh and Angela Wartes-Kahl, co-founders of Coast Fibers in Oregon alongside Will Altschwager, to share insights from their recent travels in Europe studying the flax and linen industry. Their presentation will highlight key takeaways and explore how European models can inform efforts to build a resilient, sustainable flax-to-linen industry in North America.
This is an especially timely talk as we combine their insights with data recently submitted by flax fiber growers in North America. If you are growing flax fiber of any quantity and haven’t yet completed the survey – we encourage you to take 15 minutes to contribute to this first of it’s kind report to be published later this year. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DFNSR36

Montreal Fashion Week - Quebec Fibre Flax Production
2025-09-25 09:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Redpath Museum, Canada
On September 25, NALA Board Member Arin Gintowt will be speaking at a half-day event at the Redpath Museum in Montreal during Montreal Fashion Week, alongside other speakers organized by Fibershed Quebec.

Arin will present: Quebec Fibre Flax (and Hemp) Production: the future of sustainable agriculture

https://en.semainemodemtl.com/evenements/fibreshed-quebec

Autour du lin: notre culture, notre histoire Event
2025-09-27 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | Sainte-Christine, Canada
The Canflax team will be with Autour du lin, notre culture, notre histoire in Quebec on September 27th!
Did you know that Quebec could soon become a land of textile flax, like Europe? Since 2023, the Canflax company has been working passionately to rebuild a complete flax industry in Quebec, from seed to garment. A local, sustainable, and traceable industry.

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/share/16uJfUwMN9/?mibextid=wwXIfr

NALA Connect: Textile Recycling Expo
2025-10-22 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
*Members Only*
NALA Connect: Textile Recycling Expo
Flax fiber is a low-impact, low-waste crop and a durable, versatile material. NALA is proud to partner with Textile Recycling Expo USA, sharing a commitment to sustainable inputs and reducing waste in the textile industry. Marketing Managers Isobel Ree and Chrissy Winegarden will provide insights on the Textile Recycling Expo and highlight how our partnership can positively impact the industry.
Please join us for this interactive talk and sharing session!

Textiles Recycling Expo USA
2026-04-29 00:00 - 2026-04-30 23:59 (America/Los_Angeles)
Discover the future of textile circularity at the first-ever dedicated textile recycling exhibition and conference in North America – taking place April 29–30, 2026, at the Charlotte Convention Center, North Carolina. This landmark two-day event will bring together global leaders from across the textile recycling ecosystem – from recyclers and innovators to manufacturers, brands, and sustainability experts – for in-depth discussions, cutting-edge technologies, and meaningful networking. With a dynamic conference program and expert-led panels, the expo provides a powerful platform to exchange ideas, spark collaboration, and accelerate circular solutions in the US textiles industry.

Website: https://events.amiplastics.com/textiles-recycling-expo-usa

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and lead in transforming the textiles sector.
