Most of us have heard the buzz words – slow food, watershed, farm to table, reuse, re-purpose, and recycle, right? Did you know that similar terms can be used to describe the clothing we wear?
Slow fashion — this has to do with the process of how clothing is made, (it may take longer and have more steps like food) and using natural materials as much as possible. Slow fashion means that you can buy higher quality clothing, which lasts longer and is more functional than fashionable.
Fibershed — this is a geographically specific area in which fiber resources, such as angora, cashmere, flax, hemp, cotton, etc., are produced and used by people in the area. Fibersheds connect local fiber to communities, and ensure sustainability in the textile industry. For more information on fibersheds in Montana, go to www.montanafibershed.org.
Wear it from the farm — just like getting to know the farmer or rancher that grows the food you purchase, farm to where is like knowing where your fiber comes from. Being a sheep rancher with a few sheep gives me great satisfaction by having my wool made into felt sheets or roving. I also enjoy creating new products and learning from the past.
It will help you appreciate and value our products more if you know the origin of your clothing or follow the journey. I am amazed at the work put into “pure clothing and crafts.”
These fibers may seem strange, so you might wonder why. These fibers are versatile, natural and renewable. You might also wonder what you can do to help these efforts. These are some suggestions:
● Ask questions about how the garment is made
● Read the labels
● See if you can visit the farms and ranches
● Attend Fiber Festivals
● Shop at secondhand and vintage stores
● Support and build connections with local weavers, spinners, and makers
● Learn about different fibers from good books
● Join a sewing, mending, spinning, felting, or weaving class
● Most importantly, have fun, re-purpose, create, and enjoy the journey!
Gallatin Conservation District administers the Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act, provides youth and adult education opportunities, sponsors grants, provides assistance to small acreage landowners, conducts a cost share program for landowners, provides items for sale, partners with other agencies on natural resource based projects, and gets actively involved in various programs and events. For more: https://gallatincd.org/