Fibre Arts Bootcamp is the educational arm (or is it a leg?) of Llamas in the Raw, which produces and processes the fibre and raw materials for fibre artists. We’ve held a couple or workshops, which were very nice, but……. this is just the beginning of a BIG journey.
British Columbia NEEDS a focal point for natural fibre production and processing. It needs to develop the fibre arts industry and encourage more people to become involved. The cottage craft image might be very quaint, with visions of a rocking chair and spinning wheel on the porch, but taking back control of the fiber and clothing we wear, localizing production and reducing imports is beneficial, not only to individuals, but the country as a whole.
Speciality fibres like alpaca constitute less than one percent of the 1300 to 1400 tonnes of wool produced annually in Canada. Asia is importing huge quantities of alpaca fibre from wherever it can obtain it. Natural fibres in clothing are coming back into fashion and we need to keep it that way.
Canada is ideally positioned to be a major producer of a variety of natural fibres, both animal and vegetable origin, instead it imports huge quantities. Farming changes with the times and for the last 80 years we have been driven into the synthetic age by the chemical Super-Corps. According to researchers at the University of Massachusetts DuPont, who were the original developers of nylon and polyester, were the largest corporate polluters in the United States of America in 2004.
Despite the conveniences of synthetic fibre, over the years it has been established that wearing plastic fibre for long periods is seriously detrimental to our health. Perhaps it is time to reconsider our clothing design and needs together with the needs of the environment. Together we can help change the global direction once again to natural fibres and natural living.
How do we start?
Local production, local processing and marketing, together with a co-operative business structure. These are the essential ingredients of a new foundation. We build upon this foundation with education and a shift in attitude towards fibre arts. Dispense with the notion that spinning and weaving is something you do when you get too old to do anything else. We need youth and imagination as well as knowledge and wisdom. This is where Fibre Arts Bootcamp in BC is establishing its roots. This is what drives FAB and we very much hope that support for this will come from all directions.
What do you think? Do you have ideas and suggestions?
Do you consider the concept to be sensible or do you think it’s all a load of nonsense?
We need your feedback, whether it’s positive or negative. Please comment.
We can make a difference. There’s only one time to start and that’s right now.
Calling All Fiber Artists - all proceeds from the FAB Fiber Arts Store go directly to help the Llama Sanctuary
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