Did you know that wool can be ranched in a manner that benefits the planet? Incredible work is being done in California to offset the impact of climate change by ranching sheep in a manner that sequesters carbon back into our soil. I learned about the Fibershed in 2011 when I started my apparel business. I wanted to use the most ecologically beneficial fibers that I could find. Fibershed is a non-profit organization that works to promote a local apparel supply chain, linking knitters, weavers and apparel producers with shepherds, cotton farmers and mills, all in a 150 mile geographic range. Through a collaboration with local sheep ranchers and the University of California at Davis, Fibershed is researching regenerative systems of fiber production, with the hopes that we can transform our clothing production system in the United States.

The yarn used in this project comes from sheep who are raised using these climate beneficial ranching techniques at Estill Ranch. The wool from this ranch was processed into yarn right here in the USA by Lani Estill of Lani’s lana. I am proud to offer this knitting pattern in an effort to spread the word and educate hand knitters about the incredible impact our craft can have for the planet.

The stitch pattern for this project is unique, and a little challenging. It’s not the usual brioche, though it looks almost like it. I made a video demonstrating the pattern, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1DpKW-dqzo
Read more about Climate Beneficial Wool, here: http://www.fibershed.com/programs/fiber-systems-research/climate-beneficial-wool/
Read about Lani Estill’s Ranch, here:
http://www.fibershed.com/2015/11/02/cusp-of-a-revolution/