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
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…
Growing a linen vest in Comox
A short story of a long project When I declared to my guy Jim that I wanted to grow flax and make linen textiles, he…
From Fleece to Sweater: A Spinner/Knitter’s Tale
by Janet Ware Poppy’s fleece (Somerset Farm, Gabriola) Last Spring, when I first saw this large fleece from Alexa at Somerset Farm, I was first…