Fibreshed: local fibres, local dyes, local labour
Fibreshed is an international network born in California USA. It exists to encourage the development of an ecological approach to textiles; the tagline is ‘local fibres, local dyes, local labor‘.
The environmental impact of textile production, especially ‘fast fashion’, is well documented. The textile industry is one of the top three most polluting industrial sectors in the world. As well as being associated with unhealthy labour conditions, modern textile production also relies heavily on monocultural farming; this results in soil depletion and a loss of biodiversity. The harm is amplified by the industry’s widespread use of pesticides and synthetic dyes. Long-haul supply and distribution chains add to allied damage.
You may have heard the term ‘regenerative textiles’. We use the term here to emphasise that there are methods of textile production which have the potential to enhance the planet, rather than continuing to extract and exploit. By keeping production local, growing natural fibre and dye sources, and employing ecologically-sensitive farming and production methods, textiles can go “soil to soil” enhancing soil health in the process.
What is a Fibreshed?
The following explanation is from Fibreshed south west England
“Much like a watershed, a Fibreshed is a designated area within which efforts are made to harness and use natural resources – in this case fibres, dyes and labour – in a responsible way that minimises waste and creates opportunities not just for sustaining these resources, but for improving them over time in positive feedback cycles.
In other words, the Fibreshed ethos goes beyond sustainability, to something that is truly regenerative and it does this by considering the whole system in which fibres, textiles and garments are not only produced, but also how they are worn and how they are disposed of.”
Can we develop a Fibreshed for Scotland?
Scotland is up for the challenge. We already prioritise both well-being and circular economies. Creating regenerative textiles is part of a growing culture shift that has its roots in our heritage and our contemporary concern for the most pressing issue of our time: climate change.
Journeys in Design has begun to collate ideas and links across Scotland, supporting further developments as more interest in regenerative textiles grows.
In September 2021, we were delighted to welcome Fibrevolution founders Shannon Welsch and Angela Wartes-Kahl, to our Think GLOBAL Grow LOCAL Roundtable. Fibrevolution is an part of the Pacific North West Fibreshed.
In October 2021, we convened a meeting at The Ecology Centre near Kinghorn Fife, to discuss the potential for Fibreshed in Scotland, having circulated details of the Fibreshed network, and the many and varied interpretations now affiliated worldwide.
Presenting at our first meeting were:
- Angela Wartes-Kahl: of ‘Fibrevolution‘ and co-founder of Fibreshed Pacific North West
- Rosie Bristow: MSc Heriot Watt researching mechanised flax processing equipment
- Prof Jane McCann: textiles innovator and design lead for Invest N.Ireland Fibre Development
In March 2022, we convened a further meeting at Bowhouse Farm near St Monan’s Fife, sharing our common values and to begin the road to affiliation for Fibreshed Fife, celebrating our existing practice with a ‘show and tell’ of nettle, flax and wool fibres.
Presenting at our second meeting were:
- Justine Aldersey-Williams of Home Grown Home Spun and founder Fibreshed North West England
- Chantel Davies of Soil Association Scotland
Are you interested in supporting a Fibreshed for Scotland?
Your small Admin team of 5 volunteers: Gill Murray-Dickson, Jan Hughes, Nick Evans, John Ennis, and Toby Anstruther.
Following a survey of interested parties, we have now secured Fibreshed Scotland affiliation particular thanks to Gill.
We will work with you on a Website, Instagram account and Mapping exercise, particular thanks to Nick.
Signal your interest with an email to fibreshedscotland@gmail.com – completing a registration document will help us all keep in touch.
Check out the story as it develops, on this webpage, on our dedicated website Fibreshed Scotland and on Instagram @fibreshed_Scotland
We now seek your support in planning for our third network meeting, a Fibreshed Scotland Symposium in Spring 2023.
