4 ways I source fibres and yarns sustainably
Weaving is a tactile practice. It feels important to me that the wall hangings I weave are also tactile. As well as using a variety of weaving techniques, it helps to use a range of different types of yarn and fibre in my work. My yarn stash is ever-growing and ever-changing.
But I know the huge impact textile production has on the planet: from cotton growing that uses huge quantities of freshwater to dyeing processes that use synthetic chemicals and pollute waterways. It's not good. So aside from buying a flock of sheep and hand processing vast quantities of fibre (for which I do not have the space nor time), there is no perfect way to source fibre and yarn. Although that shepherdess life does sound quite dreamy!
So this is where I get creative. From the start of Woven by Eve I have endeavoured to source fibre in a sustainable way. Here's four ways I try to do it:
Renewable fibres
Acrylic fibre and yarns come from oil. Yes, that dirty fossil fuel. It doesn't biodegrade and introduces microplastics to landfill. It can have many positive qualities but environmentally, boo to acrylic. Instead, I want to use more natural and renewable fibres. Wool is a by-product in sheep farming (there's a surplus!) and handily a sheep grows a new fleece each year. Wools from UK-based sheep is the ideal and I do use these beautiful natural colours in my work. But when I need colour I love merino wools which are from further afield but they are renewable and can bring a beautiful soft or airy texture to your wall hanging.
Recycled fibres
In this age of eco-consciousness, some big businesses are realising there's a demand and understanding the economic sense of recycling other materials or fibres to make new. I'd sooner put money into this. I've used yarns that are recycled cottons and even recycled plastic bottles. Obviously there is more processing involved in this but I'm so pleased there is a financial case here now and it makes sustainable options more accessible.
The fringe on this mountain wall hanging is made from a recycled yarn from www.hobbycraft.com and is stunningly soft.
Secondhand
There is a huge amount of fibre and yarn sat in homes unused around the UK. I scour secondhand sites for people de-stashing or downsizing (Facebook marketplace and eBay are brilliant for this) and am a regular visitor to charity shops and scrap stores. I recently discovered the Scrap Shop at Sunny Bank Mills (www.scrapstuff.co.uk) which was so inspiring to be surrounded by so much waiting to be repurposed. It's great to breathe life into yarn that's just been sat waiting for a use. The joy of secondhand is that you have no idea what you'll find and it can be an absolute treasure trove full of different textures, thicknesses, colours etc. I haven't delved into waste from commercial production yet but I'm sure it's just a matter of time...!
Female-led small businesses - woo!
When buying new I like to choose to support other small businesses like my own when I can. Community over competition! Female-led businesses led by women who are themselves fibre artists are my favourites. They curate fantastic collections of fibre that are perfect for weaving and adding texture. A couple of my favourites are Hannah at the Joyful Studio www.thejoyfulstudio.com and Laura at the Ivy Studio www.theivystudio.co, but there are many fab sellers out there on Etsy, Instagram and with a quick google search.
In this image, you can clearly see how different yarns can work alongside each other to bring textures to a handmade woven wall hanging. It just makes you want to touch it!
So, when you buy a wall hanging from me the money I spend on supplies has gone to supporting a better textile industry. Whether that be through choosing renewable fibres, recycled fibres or supporting my local community and other small businesses. It often isn't the cheapest way, but I hope it's a better way.
Have a look at the wall hangings I currently have available by clicking here.
Eve
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