Growing Your Own Linen
Linen has been used for thousands of years for clothes, beding and furnishings. It is loved for its soft and cool feel. It is a very strong and durable material which will last much longer than other alternatives, like cotton. Growing your own linen may see overwhelming, but it helps to break it down into manageable steps.
Plant 1 kg. fibre flax seed in a 6m x 6m plot
One plot will give you enough fibre to make a shirt from line (long linen fibres) and tow to weave a couple of towels. Your actual yield will depend on growing conditions, how well you weed the plot and how perfect your retting and hackling techniques are.
Broadcast the seed thickly, over well tilled ground and then walk on it to firm the seed in.
Weed it well about 4 weeks after planting.
Your flax will take about 2 weeks to germinate in a cool, wet spring. When it reaches just over 5cm in height you should walk into the plot and weed it well. You can step on the plants without damaging them when they are between 5cm and 30cm tall.
Admire the blue flax flowers as the linen grows
Once the bed has been weeded well, you can just admire it as it grows. About 60 days from planting the flowers start to open. It is very beautiful watching the blue flowers swaying in the breeze. Each flower is open for only one day. Each stock produces several flowers and each flower turns into a seed boll with 6 to 8 seeds.
100 days after planting, harvest the flax
The stocks of flax will be 2/3rds yellow and 1/3rd still green when it is ready to harvest. The flowering will be finished and each slender flax plant will have 4 to 6 seed bolls. You harvest the flax by hand, by pulling each plant out by the roots. Toss the weeds and place the stems of flax in order. Tie into bundles (shooks) about 30cm across, using strong twine.
See the whole method here: www.curtainclean.co.nz...
The latest product recalls
We are bringing you the latest list of recalled products from across the country. Make sure you aren't using these at home!
Click on the blue text to learn more about that particular product and why it was recalled.
Food and household item recalls:
Akaroa King Salmon brand Mānuka Cold Smoked Slices and Trim
Tom & Luke Low Carb Snackaballs
Woop brand Pistachio Dukkah
Product Recalls: Infant care and clothing
Zummi Monaco 4-Wheel Travel System - Sold at Farmers
Product Recalls: Toys
⚠️ Asbestos risk in Galt branded Mini Makes Sand Stickers
⚠️ Asbestos risk in Licensed Sensory Activity Sets: Frozen, Bluey and Paw Patrol - Sold at Kmart
⚠️ Asbestos risk in Make Your Own Unicorn Sand Ornaments- sold at Kmart
⚠️ Asbestos risk in Coloured Sand for Unity Ceremony - 200 gram bags
⚠️ Asbestos risk in Coloured sand by Creative Sand
⚠️ Asbestos risk in MIKI Sand Art Set
⚠️ Asbestos risk in Rainbow Sand Art Toy- sold at various discount stores nationwide
⚠️ Asbestos risk in Craft Sand 380g
Pop & Surprise Playset- sold at Kmart
Product Recalls: Cosmetics
Endota Mineral Protect SPF50 Sunscreen
Bondi Sands Zinc Mineral Broad Spectrum UVA & UVB Protection Sunscreen SPF 50+ Face Lotion 60ml and Body Lotion 120ml
Product Recalls: Electronics
E-LOK Gateway Wall Plug
Mecca 240V Single Vertical Heated Towel Rail NRV902H
3M ™ Versaflo ™ TR-802E Powered Air Purifying Respirator Motor/Blower
Sigenergy- SigenStor EC 8.0/10.0/12.0kW SP AU Energy Controllers with quick connect AC plug
Sylvan SLG02 Wif Hub power adapter
Product Recalls: Other
⚠️ Asbestos risk in Handmade Gummy Worm earrings and Salted Pretzel earrings sold at Joy's Handmade Boutique
Ello Glass 10pc Meal Prep Set - sold at Costco
Check the New Zealand Transport Agency's handy vehicle recall list here.
See past months' recalls. Stay safe, neighbours!
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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73.2% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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15.7% Hmm, maybe?
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11.2% Yes!
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
How many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?
(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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