In “The Timid Crocheter: Going Green with Woll {Part 1}“, we discussed some of the differences in raising and processing organic wool compared to doing the same organically. In Part 2, I’d like to focus on buying wool yarn that’s been raised and processed locally, from within your state, or local communities.

Support Your Planet

I think the biggest benefit of buying anything locally, including wool, is the massive resources saved. Especially when it comes to fuels used in the importing and exporting of wool to different countries for scouring, etc. (like from the U.S. to China or from Australia to the U.S.). This hit on our (limited) fossil fuel supply is atrocious and could be dramatically lessened with more mindful purchasing. I realize local wool can be more expensive, but I think buying larger brands that have been imported/exported will be much more costly in the long run.

Support Your Locals

The second benefit of buying wool locally is the support you are giving to your local indie and artisan sellers. If you want your community to thrive, then it only makes sense that you purchase your goods, not through chain stores or the internet, but from your local merchants…whether at your farmer’s market or local yarn shop that supports farmers and spinners nearby. A decision to buy a few skeins of wool may not seem like a big decision or have any relevance, but I believe every purchase decision is a huge VOTE for how you want things to be done. So, what’s YOUR “vote”?

You Deserve Better

Another thing to consider when buying wool yarn is YOU. You’re making gifts, creating projects that reflect some of who you are as a person. You’re pouring time, love, and energy into what you’re doing. Part of that starts with the QUALITY of wool you use. The chances of your wool yarn being laden with chemicals is much less when purchased locally because smaller farms can’t afford to export their wool in bulk quantities to other countries for scouring, so they are forced to do it themselves or have a smaller, local company do it. So now you have wool yarn raised from local sheep and, if not processed themselves, usually in a neighboring state, so still made made in the USA! You’ll also be exposed to much more beautiful yarns…softer, more colorful, and with a “hand spun” quality. Those imperfections in hand spun and hand dyed wool are quite beautiful and highly desired. You won’t believe what kind of character it adds to a simple project!

So, next time you’re in the market for some wool yarn, look to your local farmer’s market. If you’re not sure where to start, try LocalHarvest.org

Warmly,