Charlestown, NH This Saturday and Sunday (June 29 and 30), the whir of flax wheels, clicking of knitting needles, and rhythm of great looms will replace the din of musket firing and cannon when the reconstructed stockade�s staff and friends host its first annual Fort Textile Festival. Fort staff, volunteers, and experts in the processing of wool and linen, both historic and contemporary, will fill the Fort and grounds from 10:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. each day with displays and demonstrations of wool and flax preparation, natural dyeing, lace making, knitting, spinning, weaving, sewing, and animal husbandry. �There is something to interest every textile enthusiast,� reports Johanna Caldwell, from Charlestown, one of the event�s organizers. �Living history interpreters inside the Fort will be demonstrating wool and flax preparation, spinning, weaving on all sizes of looms, felting, natural dyeing, knitting, and bobbin lace,� explains Caldwell. Highlighted will be Doreen Demeyer, proprietor of Topaz Traders and an expert in period materials and clothing. Demeyer will display her work in the Hastings House with an exhibit of miniature mannequins clothed in 18th century styles. The tradition of gathering and weaving cloth into material and creating clothing is still being practiced in countless homes across New England. Outside the Fort modern exhibitors will demonstrate changes made in weaving, spinning, and knitting, and many of their items will be available for purchase. Exhibitors will also feature angora rabbits, sheep, and possibly llamas. A hands-on area will be available for visitors to try hand spindles, spinning wheels, and looms. Children�s stories relating to sheep or home cloth production will be read at scheduled times during the day. In addition, the Fort staff will provide an area to view textile publications, and a raffle will be held during the weekend. The Fort will be open during the festival for tours. The Association�s new gift shop will also feature unusual items for children and adults. Wool, yarns, finished clothing and other related articles will be for sale and make excellent gifts. The public is encouraged to picnic on the grounds during their visit. Fort At No. 4 is located on Springfield Road (Route 11) along the Connecticut River in Charlestown, New Hampshire and is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the festival. Admission is charged. For further information call (603) 826-5700. Explore our web site at www.fortat4.com.
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