Almost one year ago we set out to explore how wool textiles fit within environmentally and socially sustainable consumer choices. Through this blog series we have examined wool as a raw material, how it is processed, what kind of useful applications it has, and how to expand its lifespan to the longest possible time by using […]
One of the remarkable things about wool is that it remains functional for a very long time – something that makes it a great sustainable textile. The wool in a Cold Country 100% Wool-Filled Comforter can easily outlive its fabric covering, but there is no need for it to go to waste! You can send […]
On Remembrance Day 2016 we pledged to give a free sock darning lesson to anyone who came to the mill this winter with a holey pair of wool socks. So far, no one has taken us up on this pledge. Perhaps that is because all the folks out there wearing socks are already master sock […]
Happy, happy holidays folks! The Christmas holidays mark the only time of the year when our little woolen mill is not in production. From Christmas Eve to the New Year we close down to take a bit of a breather and, with a whirlwind year like 2016, we can sure use it. Looking back […]
December has brought a harsh reminder of what winter can mean in Canada. With wind chills in the -30′s here in Alberta, good shelter and clothing are life or death concerns. Across Canada there are many folks for whom securing these things is a daily struggle. Fortunately there are generous individuals willing to lend a […]
We are so pleased to offer the inaugural Custom Woolen Mills Natural Dye Club subscription; a collaboration with fibre artist, Megan Samms. This subscription is a knit-along with a twist – it is also a grow-along and dye-along. What does that mean? That means we send you a kit with dye plant seeds for growing, natural […]
In this blog series we are using the R’s of Sustainability – rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, repair, recycle, and rot – to help us examine wool as a sustainable textile choice. In parts 1 and 2, Rethink and Refuse, and Reduce and Reuse, we looked at wool from raw material to finished product; wool is […]
Natural dyeing as a practice is equal parts chemistry, magic, and artistry. As well, sometimes accidents support colour exploration and one winds up with a colour completely unexpected and is pleasantly surprised. Of course, the opposite is true as well. There are a few basic rules to follow when diving into the world of […]
We are excited to be hosting artist, Megan Samms, Sept 17th through to Oct 15th, as our first resident in what we hope will become an annual program, the Custom Woolen Mills Fibre Artist Millstay. Here at the mill, we believe that art is an important medium of communication within society. It serves as […]
It is rare in today’s day and age to meet someone who has dedicated a literal lifetime to the pursuit of one trade. Someone who knows their material, their tools, their craft, with an intimacy that only decades of disciplined work can culture. Someone who understands the connection between beauty and functional application. Edmonton-based weaver, Ilya […]
