I have long toyed with the idea of being a part of a Fiber Shed, which can be described as a closed-loop network of growers and producers within a region. It is usually an organization that creates channels for communication between producers and consumers. So that, someone who purchases a sweater (for example) can trace the path of that sweater back to the grass that feed the sheep that grew the wool. Another goal is to include repurposing paths for the textiles other than the landfill.
Hobby vs Production
Sometimes, when I buy a fleece to process into yarn, I am charmed to know the name of the sheep and the shepherd. I love to buy in person when I can. As a hobbyist/artist, working in a small scale I am not as concerned about repeating a product for the market.But, for designers and producers working creating a product, consistency is essential.
The one thing I make over and over is baby hats, but even there, each one is quite different from the others. I select the softest fleece I can find but, each time, the finished yarn is always unique. Some skeins are uniform texture and some are not.
When I am weaving, I usually look for features other than softness. For my tapestries, I prefer luminous long wools for weaving yarn. I also really love a squishy Shetland or Churro- not for softness but for character, for the way it takes color or filters the light.
I am also concerned about buying textiles for myself or my home that contribute to pollution or harm the people who working in the supply chain. I know that when I purchase an ethically sourced product, I am helping a woman (more often than not in a third world country) feed her family. But, what is the cost of shipping that material across the ocean?
Texas is well known as a Cotton State
Years ago I met Sally Fox, a cotton grower in Texas. She was working with ancient strains of cotton which not only grown in lovely colors but also are insect resistant. So, doubly useful: no pesticides and no chemical dyes needed. I was enthralled. Well, Texas Cotton Growers did not appreciate her work, so she had to move her operation to California. I still order cotton from her and love the way it spins up into lovely, soft yarn. You can read about VRESEIS LIMITED here.
Texas is not well known for wool growing
I have purchases wool from Texas growers with mixed results. The sheep that thrive in our climate grown decent wool, but it lacks the pleasing texture of wool grown in a colder state. But, I believe that is changing. We have a several wonderful wool mills in Texas which can successfully process the wools grown here.
Through an FB group, Grown In Texas Fiber, I have located a rancher who has a huge flock of Rambouillet Sheep, their wool is similar in texture to the ubiquitous Merino. (I don’t dislike merino, I appreciate the fact that it is a very comfortable wool, but it is should not be the only choice for yarn.)
I bought a few pounds of raw wool from him several years ago. These extra-fine wools require a special process. I have more experience with Long wools (like Teeswater or Border Leicester) which are very forgiving in washing and spinning.
I completely ruined the fleece.
So, I was thrilled to meet the rancher in person, last year at the DFW Fiberfest. In his booth, he had lovely roving and yarn made from the same fleeces that had stumped me. Since we have been communicating on line for a while about the idea of a Fiber Shed, it was great to discuss our ideas in person.
Last week, I purchased a large quantity of his roving and yarn to undertake a 100% made in Texas article of clothing. Kits have also been discussed. Hopefully, this will lead to more conversations about a Texas Fiber Shed.
Stay tuned!
That’s so exciting! I love the whole ethos behind fibershed, good luck with it all!