Send us a text

In this episode, I’m joined by Anna Hunter, the inspiring force behind Long Way Homestead, a small-scale farm and mill in Manitoba that’s redefining what it means to work with wool in Canada. Anna is a farmer, fibre artist, and regenerative agriculture advocate who is changing the game when it comes to sustainable textile production.

We dive deep into regenerative farming, the role of Canadian wool in the global textile industry, and how Anna’s work is helping to revitalize local economies and reconnect people with their clothing and land. From her involvement in the Fibreshed movement to the innovative use of wool pellets in gardening, Anna offers a refreshing, grounded perspective on what a sustainable fibre future could look like.

If you’ve ever wondered where your wool comes from (or where it could) this episode will open your eyes to the untapped potential of local, regenerative fibres.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

• What regenerative agriculture means for the textile industry
• Why Canadian wool has been historically undervalued—and how that’s changing
• The principles of the Fibreshed model and how it applies in a Canadian context
• Creating transparency and connection in the clothing supply chain
• Wool pellets as a powerful, sustainable gardening tool
• The joys and challenges of running a small-scale mill
• How slow fashion starts at the farm level

Connect with Anna Hunter & Long Way Homestead:

🌐 Website: longwayhomestead.com
📸 Instagram: @longwayhomestead

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Fibreshed movement: fibershed.org
• More on wool pellets: longwayhomestead.com/woolpellets

Enjoying the Podcast?
Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review. It helps other sustainable-minded folks find the show!

Support the show

Follow Bridget O'Flaherty @thesustainablequilter on Instagram and @thesustainablequilter on Facebook.

You can find her online at www.bridgetoflaherty.com

Thanks to Isaac Matthews for the music, follow him on Instagram @hesjustakid

Send us a text

In Episode 46 of Threads of Sustainability, we sit down with Kate Hay of Quilt with Miss Kate, who brings over 15 years of experience in the quilt industry. Kate’s journey has taken her from working the cutting table to managing Virginia’s largest quilt shop, Patchwork Plus, and serving as the Moda/Ruby Star Society representative for the southeast. Her extensive background provides a unique and valuable perspective on the quilting world.

In this episode, Kate shares her transformation from a one-time glorifier of overconsumption of fabric and notions to an advocate for destashing and intentional fabric-buying practices. Discover how reducing her fabric stash has created mental space and enhanced her creativity. Kate offers insights into the benefits of stash blasting and how these practices can lead to a more fulfilling and sustainable quilting experience.

Tune in to hear Kate’s inspiring story and learn practical tips for managing your fabric stash, embracing sustainable quilting practices, and fostering creativity through intentionality. Whether you're a seasoned quilter or just starting, this episode is packed with valuable advice and inspiration.

Key Topics:

• Kate’s extensive experience in the quilt industry
• Transition from overconsumption to intentional fabric buying
• Benefits of destashing and stash blasting
• Enhancing creativity through sustainable practices
• Practical tips for managing your fabric stash

Join us for an insightful conversation with Kate and explore how embracing intentional quilting can lead to a more sustainable and creative journey in the world of textiles. Don’t miss this episode filled with wisdom and inspiration from a true industry expert.

Instagram: @quiltwithmisskate
TikTok: @quiltwithmisskate

Support the show

Follow Bridget O'Flaherty @thesustainablequilter on Instagram and @thesustainablequilter on Facebook.

You can find her online at www.bridgetoflaherty.com

Thanks to Isaac Matthews for the music, follow him on Instagram @hesjustakid

Send us a text

In this episode of Threads of Sustainability, we delve into the innovative world of FeelGood Fibers with founder Kim Soper. The concept of FeelGood Fibers emerged from a simple observation: the lack of a centralized marketplace for buying and selling secondhand fabrics within the sewing community.

Kim shares the journey behind FeelGood Fibers, which was sparked by the abundance of destash sales on Instagram feeds. Recognizing the inconvenience of accessing these fabrics unless one followed specific destashers, Kim envisioned a solution – a single platform where sewists could easily destash and purchase secondhand fabrics online.

FeelGood Fibers was born out of a passion for fabric and a belief that destashing fabric should be hassle-free and accessible to all. Kim's vision transformed into a vibrant online destination where sewists can browse various secondhand fabrics, fostering sustainability and community within the sewing world.

Join us as we explore the ethos behind FeelGood Fibers, its impact on sustainable sewing practices, and the journey of creating a centralized hub for fabric enthusiasts to destash and shop easily. Tune in to discover how FeelGood Fibers is revolutionizing how we approach fabric destashing in the sewing community.

Website: https://feelgoodfibers.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feelgoodfibers
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/feelgoodfibers

Support the show

Follow Bridget O'Flaherty @thesustainablequilter on Instagram and @thesustainablequilter on Facebook.

You can find her online at www.bridgetoflaherty.com

Thanks to Isaac Matthews for the music, follow him on Instagram @hesjustakid