Here are some of the ways you can participate:
- Raw materials: A farmer who raises animals or grows plants for fibre or colour in an ecological fashion.
- Processors: A fibre processor who cleans and prepares fibres for use.
- Products and People: A person who uses local fibres to create products. This includes dyers, weavers, knitters, spinners, and other creators.
- Local Yarn Shops: Retailers who sell local fibres to their customers.
Our programs support and focus on education and outreach to our community on the benefits of supporting a Fibreshed, including: Carbon sequestration, wildlife conservation, habitat preservation, and economic development.
Fibershed Producers follow these guidelines:
- All fibre is ecologically farmed/sourced within the the Upper Canada Fibreshed region (see map)
- All botanic dye is farmed/sourced within the Upper Canada Fibreshed region (see map)
- All labour is sourced within the Upper Canada Fibreshed region (see map)
Exceptions:
- Until the region has its own linen and fine gauge wool milling facilities, Fibreshed verifies goods from farmers that have had to send their raw material out of the area for milling.
- Sewing thread and most notions are also not yet manufactured in our region, Fibreshed verifies goods from artisans whose thread and notions are from out of the area
If you are interested in becoming a partner, leaning more about the requirements, or need clarification, please contact us.
Photo taken at Rampart Farm and Woolen Mill by Emily Neill
Photo taken at Freelton Fibre Mill by Emily Neill
Fibreshed Producer & Supporter Programs
PRODUCER MEMBERSHIPS
Farmers, artists, processors and retailers – $50 / year
Membership includes:
- Listing on the website that includes link to your website, brief bio, and a photo
- Media kit with product tags, web badge, and soil-to-soil postcard
- Educational opportunities via peer-to-peer learning and networking, an e-newsletter, private Facebook group, email forums, bi-monthly webinar meetings, workshops and events
- Advertising in the newsletter, on social media, and the website
- Early-bird access to special events, workshops and promotions offered by UCFS
- Brand recognition for your fibreshed products
- Join a community of like-minded folks who really have a lot of fun making the world a more fibre-friendly (and healthy) place
Photo taken at Kimber Valley Farms by Emily Neill
SUPPORTER MEMBERSHIPS
Supporters of fibreshed products and services
Becoming a supporter member directly impacts the growth and development of a soil-to-soil framework for creating regional textile systems in Ontario.
Solomon’s Seal Supporter Membership $25.00 / year
- Quarterly Digital Newsletter
- One Vote at AGM
- Early-bird invitation to events
- Access to Network and Connections
Rhubarb Supporter Membership – $50.00 / year
- Digital Media Kit with UCFS Web Badge and Style Guide
- PDF Printable Poster
- Quarterly Digital Newsletter
- One vote at AGM
- Early-bird invitation to events
- Access to Network and Connections
Dandelion Supporter Membership $100.00 / year
- Digital Media Kit with UCFS Web Badge and Style Guide
- PDF Printable Poster
- Quarterly Digital Newsletter
- One vote at AGM
- Early-bird invitation to events
- Access to Network and Connections
Sumac Supporter Membership – $250.00 / year
- Digital Media Kit with UCFS Web Badge and Style Guide
- PDF Printable Poster
- Quarterly Digital Newsletter
- One vote at AGM
- Early-bird invitation to events
- Access to Network and Connections
- $50 UCFS gift certificate to be used with any of our producer members products.
Photo taken at Freelton Fibre Mill by Emily Neill