A magazine called Wild Fibers has started a Non Profit called Keep the Fleece.

They are producing a calendar that will be distributed in the fiber circles (all fibers are welcome including alpaca).

It will be one of the main fiber events in the US and will have a large kick off this fall in New York.

With their calendar comes the opportunity to have events listed. This is a great opportunity especially with 2009 being designated the International Year of Natural Fibers. Here is an extract frome the Newsletter:


How It Began by Linda Cortright
Editor and Publisher
Wild Fibers Magazine

Last year, Fernando Alvarez president of Jacques Cartier Clothier and I had a meeting at the UN in Rome to discuss the IYNF. It was clear at that time that the goal of this global celebration was to educate and increase awareness about the natural fiber industry. The ultimate objective is to create new relationships that could evolve into long-term sustainable enterprises. There is little question that certain sectors of the natural fiber world need to realize an increase in market share in order to ultimately withstand the continued growth of synthetics.

I applaud the UN's efforts but believe that many of us involved in the natural fiber community share an interest at a more personal, grass roots level. Whether we are actively involved in raising fiber animals or simply have a passion for fleece and fibers that rivals the average person's need for food and shelter - our connection with the fiber community is truly of a 'high touch' nature. And though we are not exactly the audience the UN has envisioned, I believe our commitment to natural fibers is every bit as strong (if not more so) than the urban-based corporations who buy and sell natural fibers on a daily basis.

What Is Keep the Fleece?

As a result of the meeting in Rome, I conceived Keep the Fleece as a simple international fiber contest promoting the use of natural fibers within the handcrafter community. With only a few dozen flyers and a barebones Web site it soon became clear to me that the contest concept was in fact "not so simple" and definitely "not enough".

As many of you know, I have spent the past five years traveling to some fairly remote places on this planet in search of people who are engaged in all levels of fiber production, from animal to artisan. I have shared many of my adventures in Wild Fibers Magazine but I have not always been able to tell the whole story.

Meanwhile back on the farm we will be spit testing Minne again to make sure she is holding her pregnancy - hopefully sometime tomorrow morning. the farm where she is going are just about to have a new barn installed so I am sure she will be very comfortable in Bills capable hands.

If you think you are able and willing to help then follow this link and complete the survey.

Keep the Fleece Survey