Weaving
In the mid-19th century, even as the Industrial Revolution was on its way, it was not an uncommon practice for people to weave their own cloth. This was accomplished by using wool sheared from sheep, which had to undergo a process of cleaning, washing, and then spinning into yarn. There was a blanket factory at Sutter's Fort. Captain John Sutter imported thread and yarn as well as used the wool from his own sheep to manufacture blankets. He employed Native Americans to spin the wool from his sheep into yarn and then weave such yarn into blankets. A skilled carpenter, James Marshall (who would later discover gold along the American River while building a sawmill for Captain Sutter ), manufactured spinning wheels and looms for the fort. Blankets made out of wool are sturdy, durable and warm. If you visit Sutter's Fort, you can see looms that people would have used at the time. The weaving process is quite straightforward: you have a warp that goes up and down, and a weft that goes side to side. By intertwining both, a fabric is produced.
Your pioneer box has materials for you to try your hand at weaving. Follow along with the slideshow below, make sure to pause as needed.
Your pioneer box has materials for you to try your hand at weaving. Follow along with the slideshow below, make sure to pause as needed.