In becoming educated on wool – the way the sheep are raised, what they eat, being synthetic vs organic, what is pure wool – helped me a lot in educating people I would make pieces for. The perception is that wool is itchy! However, when I discovered Shepherds wool, then Alpaca and then the ply of the wool, I was able to actually wear something I personally could not before.
During my research in 2014, I found this campaign which was really a huge educational tool for me – Campaign for Wool. The campaign is a global initiative, launched in 2010 in the UK. I am not sure why the US is not as active, but I am doing some more research…most of the sheep farmers and fiber artists I meet in the US care about this as well.
They have many different sub-campaigns and events they promote, that I will be adding to the events list and sending notice about them as well through FWC blog.
“The Campaign for Wool is a global endeavour initiated by its patron, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, in order to raise awareness amongst consumers about the unique, natural, renewable and biodegradable benefits offered by the fibre. Encouraging collaboration between an international community of woolgrowers, major fashion designers, retailers, manufacturers, artisans and interior designers, the Campaign has been instrumental in educating consumers about the versatility of wool, and reconnecting them with its myriad uses; From luxurious fine merino knitwear and cloth through beautiful hardwearing interior products to fire-retardant insulation for the home. Since its launch in 2010, The Campaign for Wool has influenced a new demand for wool on an international scale, and its efforts have seen an outstanding threefold increase in the price farmers receive for their wool.” – Campaign for Wool
Fiber With A Cause 