ABOUT LOCAL CLOTH |
Sustained by a passion for fiber, Local Cloth is a volunteer-led non-profit network of fiber artists, farmers, small-scale fiber processors, educators, and fiber enthusiasts, dedicated to growing and supporting the fiber economy in Western North Carolina and increasing awareness of and access to regional production and artisan practices. |
OUR VISION A regional fiber system that is health, abundant and sustainable, where farmers, designers and artists make a living wage. |
OUR MISSION Local Cloth is dedicated to growing and supporting the fiber economy in Western North Carolina through education, inclusive programming, and services which add value to local products. We advocate for our regional community of farmers, artists, makers, and designers. |
OUR INTENT + Raise awareness and appreciation for local plant and animal fiber, and fiber art products+ Increase access to and availability of local textiles and fiber + Strengthen the economic viability of our local creative community and help reinvest in the textile industry + Advocate for new markets, programs, and services to add value to local products and create jobs |
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES + We value community and believe that an inclusive and welcoming environment that celebrates our common passion for fiber can enhance the economic success of local artists and farmers. + We value collaboration and believe that the willingness to teach and share benefits the entire community. |
OUR REGION Our Blue Ridge Mountains Fibershed, roughly within a 100-mile radius of Asheville, North Carolina, encompasses the rural, mountainous region of Western North Carolina, parts of Eastern Tennessee, and Upstate South Carolina. Our region of Appalachia has a deeply rooted history in handcraft and textiles, but also in economic struggle and resilience. |