Establishing a robust network that fosters collaboration between farmers and consumers of fibers, with the overarching goal of nurturing and fortifying a thriving local textile economy.
Who We Are
Vancouver Island Fibreshed (VIF) links farmers, processors, makers, and consumers in creating a local textile economy based on renewable resources and climate-beneficial farming methods. We acknowledge that we are situated upon unceded traditional Indigenous territories. We help to bring local wool and alpaca yarn and fibres to customers across our area.
Active since 2018, VIF is affiliated with Fibershed, the model that is spreading throughout North America, Europe and Australia. We seek to enhance access to Canadian yarn and textile products.
From the Blog
Yarn Choice – More Adventures in Weaving Vancouver Island Fibreshed Rugs
What makes a good yarn for weaving rugs? Bobbie has been exploring different breeds of wool in her rug making. Sometimes she processes and spins…
Workshop Report: Mushroom Foraging and Dyeing with the Alberni Valley Fibre Guild
Local fibres, local dyes, local labour. The fibres we choose for our projects are important. But so are the dyes! And colour can tell such…
Dyeing with Phaeolus schweinitzii, Dyer’s Polypore
Courtenay-based fibre artist and mushroom forager Amy Crook generously shares her knowledge of dyeing with materials we can find in our Fibreshed region. In this…