Hemp holds tremendous potential as a crop that can contribute to restoring our working landscapes, revitalizing our regional economies, and rethinking the impact of the way we clothe ourselves. Our worldwide fiber consumption has tipped the scale toward a reliance on fossil-fuel derived synthetics, yet bast fibers and blended fabrics emerge as a soil-based solution […]
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Naturally Colored Fiber Fun at Blue Barn Farm
Written & Photographed by Koa Kalish On a steep and sunny, five-acre hillside in El Dorado County, Catherine Lawson tends to her flock. They are some of the most luxurious wool-producing ungulates around, Merino sheep and Cashmere goats, and here, they live in many colors. Photo of lambs on left by Catherine Lawson. The Merino […]
Read MoreNatural Tanning with Vermont Natural Sheepskins
Written by Courtney Collins & Photographed by Ben DeFlorio There’s a growing desire to support a positive impact on our shared climate and environment, with more and more consumers seeking to better understand their textile sources. When it comes to preserving sheepskins — a tanning process often obscured from farmer and customer alike — Vermont Natural […]
Read MoreFrankenmuth Woolen Mill: Preserving American-made Craft for Over 100 Years
Written by Sasha Wirth; Photographed by James Saleska (mill and bedding images) & Paige Green (ranch images) In a humble Midwestern town in 1894, a mill opened its doors for business. Sourcing wool from neighboring farms, it manufactured essential goods ranging from mitts and socks to blankets and quilts. Its presence in the town provided […]
Read MoreOld-World Wool at The Paddocks
Written & Photographed by Koa Kalish Follow the road to the end and you’ll meet a wide stretch of caramel-colored sand and the wild ocean. The air is cool and the colors classic to Northern California’s coastline. This is Point Arena, one of the smallest incorporated cities in the state and one of the furthest […]
Read MoreTallow: Summer Solace’s Food for the Skin
Written by Sasha Wirth & Photographed by Paige Green On a busy street in North Oakland, nestled beside an old-school barbershop and a deli selling everything from donuts to Chinese food, stands a green converted storefront. At first glance, it appears to be just another commercial space, perhaps even a warehouse. But past the metal […]
Read MoreRenaissance Woman of Today: Starbuck Station Wools
Written by Amanda Fisk; Photographed by Paige Green In the quiet countryside of the Sonoma Coast, a fairly long, slightly steep, single-lane road winds its way up to Starbuck Station Wools—the home, studio and sales place of Martha Cant. Martha grows wool and indigo, as well as other dye plants. She raises Cormo and Wensleydale […]
Read MoreSheepie Dreams Of Love And Dedication
Written by Taya Badgley; Photographed by Koa Kalish If you ever find yourself in need of an inspiring excursion, or an excellent chutney recipe I suggest a visit to Sandra Charlton’s Sheepie Dreams farm. There’s a very good chance your outing will re-invigorate, and quite possibly leave you with a jar of chutney for the […]
Read MoreCare For Cloth, Care For Good with GDS Cloth Goods
Written by May Reid Marr & Photographed by Paige Green Headquartered at the Werkshack in uptown, Oakland, GDS Cloth Goods is the design and production studio by Geana Sieburger. A vibrant environment filled with makers of all types, it allows Geana to do her often solitary work in the company of a creative community and […]
Read MoreSmall is Mighty at Macedo’s Mini Acre
Written & Photographed by Koa Kalish Four generations ago, two families immigrated from far away lands to settle in a small town in the Central Valley of California. In this town called Turlock, Larry and Maureen Macedo now continue the tradition of their ancestors: Larry’s from Portugal, and Maureen’s from Sweden. Upon settling in Turlock, […]
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