On exhibit November 4, 2019–January 3, 2020.
Opening reception Saturday, November 9, 11am–1pm.

FIBERSHED: Woven Together, celebrates the successful production of bioregional wool fabric that was fashioned into original designs by ten local craftspeople.

From bespoke shoes to flat caps and everything in between, ten expert artisans turned the flat fabric into one-of-a-kind, wearable items.  Alongside the completed apparel, the fiber, yarn, cloth, and narrative storytelling materials will be on display to educate the public about producing local textiles—introducing them to the land, the people, and businesses integral to the journey.

“The Western Mass Fibershed project was an interesting opportunity to consider materials in a new way and to stretch what I considered to be materials I could work with: locally woven wool, which I did not know existed, and discarded bicycle rubber, which I have not before used as decoration.” —Daphne Board, Shoemaker.

The Holyoke Bicycle Shoe was created as part of the Western Massachusetts Fibershed by Daphne Board of Holyoke, MA.

Western Mass Fibershed received a microgrant for this debut project from Fibershed California, an organization that develops regional fiber systems that build soil & protect the health of our biosphere. With this funding, the Fibershed embarked on a two-part mission: first, to navigate new territory to map the process and potential for future bio-regional cloth-productions and second, to inspire, educate, and generate interest for locally sourced, sustainable materials.

Uniquely situated, regional resources enabled the metamorphosis from farm to fabric within a 50-mile radius!  This project aligns with Hitchcock Center’s commitment to explore, “the interconnections between the health of humans and ecosystems” and more.

“Draped Cocoon” is a mid-weight jacket inspired by metamorphosis. Designed by Anna Gilbert-Duveneck of Framingham, MA. Photo by Travis Widrick

The exhibit opens on Monday, November 4 with an opening reception Saturday, November 9 from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Meet the Fibershed founders, farmers, spinners, weavers, and designers who are involved with this premiere Fibershed project and others interested in sustainable practices.

For questions and to learn more about this project please contact WMF co-founder Michelle Parrish, 413-461-5588. Parrish is a natural dyer, weaver, spinner, and blogger living and working in the Connecticut River Valley of Western Massachusetts.