Fibershed

The Fibershed Project is a challenge:  To live for one year, in clothes made from fibers that are solely sourced within a geographical region no larger than 150 miles from my front door; this includes the natural dye colors as well!  

Why?

The textile industry is the number one polluter of fresh water resources on the planet, as well as having an immense carbon footprint.

The average CO2 emitted for the production of one T-shirt is up to 40 times the weight of that shirt.

The goal of this project is to both show and model that beauty and fashion can function hand-in-hand with sustainability, local economies, and regional agriculture.

Natural Landscape and Local Clothing

The Fibershed Project is designed to spotlight the beauty of our landscape—and the abundant plant, animal, and human resources that exist in our own regions. While this project will be focused on Northern California, it is designed to create a replicable module that can be used as inspiration and technical assistance for other communities across the globe.

The texture and sheen of local fibers speak the language of the land in the way that local food and wines echo the qualities of the soil and climate.

To wear a sweater made from the sheep who graze the local grasses, live in the same climate, and are as dependent upon the soils for food as we are—is to put on a second skin.

The look and feel of these fibers—and native plant dyes —feels as delicious to the body, as a fine Napa Valley pinot noir, or slice of Cowgirl Creamery cheese is to our palate. (for those of us living in the Northern California bioregion)

With the right designs, blends, and natural dye colors this project intends to put a face on the local clothing movement, by producing a beautiful and functional wardrobe.

We feel it is important to have the farmers, knitters, spinners, and plant life well documented so that this project will have a strong online and potential publication presence. We would like to keep you all updated—if you are able to contribute to the Fibershed Project as a funder or artisan, please contact Rebecca Burgess.