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Our mission is to educate and promote all aspects of the natural fiber industry with special emphasis on sustainable practices and responsible use of natural resources throughout the world. We believe fibers represent an important chapter not only to artisans and cultural development, but an increasing sensitivity to environmental impact as well.
Spring Pattern Feature:
Create this unique “Goat Love” sweater made from 100% American cashmere from Black Locust Farm
Create this unique “Goat Love” sweater made from 100% American cashmere from Black Locust Farm
Knitting Patterns Spring 2010 Issue
Join as we travel to the High Andes and learn about Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez’s inspiring efforts to save ancient Incan textile traditions, and then “wander” through the Gobi learning some hard facts about the cashmere industry, and finally visit with a diamond digger in Lesotho who has traded his “semi-precious” shovel for a very precious flock. We are also debuting a new section called “Reflections,” just wait until you see what it’s all about.
This issue of Wild Fibers will at times make you howl as we once again go chasing around some of the most areas of the planet in search of wild and unusual stories about the fiber industry. It will also give you pause, as we look at some of the unimaginable struggles that continue to both challenge and threaten the guardians of some of our most precious fibers.
Falling Fortunes
A little more than six months ago when we traveled to the Gobi for our story on the cashmere industry, the weather was warm (and rainy), the skies were blue, and our nomadic host was looking at a flock of healthy cashmere goats. Although the economic downturn had caused more than a fifty percent drop in the price of raw cashmere, there was hope that good times would reign once again. Today, the picture is bleaker than ever as fortunes are falling, optimism is waning and another horrific zud (unusually severe winter weather) is killing off herds at a rate of as high as ten percent a week.
To Russia With Love
Thabo Toreba has spent most of his life literally digging for diamonds in South Africa. But when the mine closed he decided it was time for a career change and began raising Angora goats--which he dearly loves, particularly a very handsome one named “Russia.” Saving Incan Textile Traditions
Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez has dedicated her life to preserving the ancient weaving traditions of the Andes. Her efforts have resulted in the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco and include nine different communities where both men and women practice ancient techniques and still wear the traditional dress of their ancestors.