In person / Talk / Weaving
Be part of the revival of a nearly forgotten fiber! Once the backbone of the famous British worsteds that helped build an empire, longwool sheep breeds produced the magnificent fabrics that clothed the world. Thriving in our damp, northern climate, these breeds deserve fresh exploration.
Join master weaver Stephanie Seal Brown in her studio as she shares her journey of rediscovering local longwool fibers. Though not next-to-skin soft, their exceptional length, strength, and lack of shrinkage create fabrics with natural durability, brilliant luster and flowing drape—qualities that make them ideally suited for outerwear and interiors.
These endangered breeds, descended from Roman sheep and refined through 18th-century breeding, produce distinctive fibers with unique properties. Once prized for exquisite hardwearing textiles, longwool disappeared from manufacturing as mills prioritized softer, more versatile medium wools. Today, these remarkable, underused fibers are ripe for rediscovery in contemporary textile design.
Stephanie's library of samples and concept pieces demonstrates longwool's range—from luster and drape to haloing; in weights from delicate casements to sturdy upholstery—offering designers exciting new possibilities in textile development.
Guest Speakers:
Emmaline Long (Orchard View Lincolns) brings insights from the farming perspective, discussing how raising longwool sheep connects traditional agriculture with modern sustainability practices.
Harry Heissman, renowned interior designer, shares how these textiles can potentially bring unique texture and character to contemporary homes.
Whether you're a maker, designer, or simply curious about sustainable materials with stories to tell, join us to explore how these historical fibers can help answer tomorrow's needs for locally-sourced, climate-appropriate textiles.
Stephanie Seal Brown is a master handweaver and textile designer in the Hudson Valley. Her work in the interiors industry spans both collaborations with Schumacher and her studio-produced collections, where she has become known for her distinctive linen tape trims. By not automating the weaving process, she remains intimately involved at every step. Every inch of yarn passes through her hands multiple times as it is prepared and woven, with small changes and continuous iterations. Slowing down allows aesthetics, function, longevity, and materials to develop and find voice in the final design.