While many Local Cloth insiders may know this, it is still one of the organization’s best-kept secrets. The retail store is only the most visible part of the organization. Behind it is a volunteer-led nonprofit network of more than 700 fiber artists, farmers, small-scale fiber processors, educators, and fiber enthusiasts

The thread that ties us together is our dedication to growing and supporting the fiber economy in Western North Carolina and increasing awareness of and access to regional production and artisan practices.

Educate. Connect. Activate. Support

The efforts of Local Cloth fall into four categories:

Education: 

We offer classes and exhibits at our Asheville River Arts District Studio and in communities throughout the Western North Carolina region. 

Connection: 

We seek to connect consumers with local farmers and fiber artists through our retail shop, artisan markets, the Blue Ridge Blankets Project, and events such as the 12x12 Textile Show, the Fiber Festival, and the Anything Fiber Sale.

Activation: 

We energize the local creative economy through workshops, interest groups, and special events. We also provide space for resident artists, organize textile shows, and host a youth summer camp to encourage interest in textile artistry in the next generation.

Support: 

We support the growing number of regional farmers, artists, and textile lovers through programming, education, and networking opportunities. We also offer a scholarship program to mitigate economic barriers to education and participation.

A volunteer board of regional fiber artists and farmers governs Local Cloth. The organization employs one full-time and two part-time staff members. A stalwart and dedicated group of volunteers fulfills a wide variety of roles ranging from serving on committees, to organizing events, to hosting interest groups, to acting as ambassadors and educators at community events, to cleaning raw fleece for the Blue Ridge Blanket Project (known as skirting), and more!

Blue Ridge Blanket Project Supports Fiber Community

The Blue Ridge Blanket Project is one of the best examples of how we support the fiber artists and farmers in our community. The project creates a local market for our region's fiber farmers; provides fair compensation to weavers and dyers; and offers local consumers an opportunity to purchase a beautiful, locally sourced, hand-crafted product. Wool, mohair, and alpaca are sourced from farms in the region, and then hand-picked (skirted), spun into yarn, hand-dyed with natural, heritage colors (indigo, madder root, walnut, weld), and woven into original designs. A self-sustaining endeavor, proceeds from each year's sales support the purchase of fiber to make the following year's blankets. 

Join Us!

Taking a class and becoming a member are two of the best ways to become more acquainted with the Local Cloth, but there are many more ways you can connect with our vibrant fiber community. We are always pleased to welcome new volunteers interested in giving of their time and talent to support our mission. For more information on volunteering, visit https://localcloth.org/Volunteer. 

Donations of fiber goods help us stock our vault and our Anything Fiber Sale. At the same time, monetary gifts can fund the newly established Judi Jetson Charitable Fund, which provides long-term financial stability for Local Cloth’s core operations, or the general operating fund. Check here for the many additional ways you can support Local Cloth and the fiber arts community.