Right now in Western Massachusetts, sewers are crafting clothing from textiles produced within a 100-mile radius. In Montana, skilled spinners are creating yarn from the fleece of locally raised sheep. In Denmark, gorgeous yarn is being dyed naturally for sale at local markets. And in Puerto Rico, field studies are underway to determine the best way to grow cotton and dye plants while enriching local soils.
Fiber producers, artisans, designers, and makers are developing regional fiber systems all around the world. These are the 58 and growing Fibershed Affiliates, and their grassroots work will spark the essential growth of local fiber economies in the years to come.
We need your help in supporting their efforts.
We’re proud to introduce Threading Resilience, a fundraising campaign to aid in the growth of regional fiber systems worldwide.
Every year, Fibershed Affiliates send project proposals that require funding to Fibershed through our Micro-grant Program. We’re honored to have been able to fund and support many of these projects, including an initiative to map local natural fiber supply chains in Pennsylvania, a natural dye field trial in Southeast England, the creation of a regional fiber sourcebook in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and many more. To date, Fibershed has supported over 40 projects since 2017.
But as the Affiliate network continues to grow and the Fibershed movement spreads around the globe, the need for project funding grows with it. We must financially support more of these incredible initiatives in order to strengthen the presence and impact of regional natural fiber economies.
That’s where you come in.
We’re asking for donations to the Threading Resilience fundraiser until September 15. Every dollar donated will be matched by Fibershed up to $50,000. Micro-grants will be distributed to Affiliates in mid-October, and we’ll be thrilled to share some of their projects with you.
You already do so much for Fibershed simply by showing interest in our work. Your open heart and passion for our work are deeply appreciated. We hope you’ll consider taking your commitment to our mission one step further by making a donation today. Every little bit helps.
P.S. We recently created a zine showcasing the work of 19 (out of 58+) fibersheds around the world. Read the stories behind the movement!