American Fiber Collective’s story began on a trip to Iceland, inspired by the stark landscapes dotted with small farms and vast pastures filled with sheep. The excitement of buying wool yarn in souvenir shops and grocery stores overflowed into a conversation I had in a cozy coffee shop with two women. They were pleasantly amused by my amazement of the presence of wool in their everyday life. One of them asked, “Doesn’t America have wool?” That simple question lingered in my mind. We have sheep and produce wool, so why was locally or American-made yarn so expensive and hard to find? I was determined to find out, and if possible, resolve the issues facing farmers and crafters.

Upon returning home, I dove into research, buying as many books on fiber and crafting in the United States as I could find. The internet became my investigative partner as I read, searched, and dreamed about all things fiber-related. My enthusiasm was boundless, often overwhelming my family and partner with constant updates on my findings (none of them are fiber crafters but are always supportive). I learned that often wool fleeces are being discarded as waste or used for compost due to the high processing costs and low demand. Determined to prevent such waste, I embarked on a mission to trace local fleeces and bring them to fiber artists seeking environmentally friendly, sustainable, and homegrown products.

During my research, I encountered a couple of significant problems. First, there was no single place to find yarn produced nearby. While some brands and fiber mills in the U.S. use American wool, finding yarn from local farms was challenging. I was determined to solve this.

The second problem was the disappearance of resources. Many farms, mills, and resources mentioned in books were no longer in existence. This issue underscored the importance of supporting local fiber producers to ensure their survival.

I realized that the first problem was solvable by providing more resources, and that was how my plan began. By compiling as much data into one accessible place, shopping local could be made easier. The second problem is harder to solve, but I have hope that with the passion of crafters and mindful spending, we can support and sustain American fiber production well into the future.

This blog is dedicated to exploring and celebrating my fiber journey, connecting with local producers, and fostering a community that values and supports homegrown fiber arts. Join me as I unravel the threads of sustainable, local fiber production in the United States.