Letter from the Editor: Fibre for the People—and the Planet

19 June 2024
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Greetings from Toronto where we are all sweaters—literally. Phew, it’s hot here!

While central and western parts of the country are still holding on to their winter woollies, makers from Southern Ontario right across to St. John’s, Newfoundland, are reaching for warm weather projects (and, if you’re like me, living with the creeping existential dread of the climate crisis).

 So, what better time to take a dip into the always-cool Digits & Threads archives and bring you a round-up of articles to help you get through June, no matter the weather!

Cool Projects for Hot Days

Looking for a quick, cool project that won’t mean a warm woolly pile in your lap? Give these cozies and mats a try! 

Or, try your hand at hand sewing with Josiane Richer dit Laflèche’s step-by-step guide to making this handy nécessaire for your tools. 

And for something a little different, try Suzane Lee’s step-by-step bookbinding tutorial

If you want to get your hands in the dirt, how about growing your very own indigo plants for a dyeing project? Magan Wilson shows you how. 

Road Trip!

We love covering the remarkable fibre stories from coast to coast. Enjoy a virtual trip to the East Coast with this pair of articles from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Fibre for the Planet

As our environment struggles with the impacts of the Anthropocene, the climate crisis can feel hopeless. But Canadian farmers, scientists, and citizen makers are taking on the environmental issues around the textile industry with research, advocacy for a sustainable Canadian wool industry, and the simple acts of recycling, upcycling, mending textiles—and smart consumption. This series of articles shines a light on what’s possible.

Tara Klager’s series on greenwashing, sustainability, and design innovation in the Canadian wool industry.

Magan Wilson’s article about buying and maintaining clothing on a budget.

Kim Fenton’s profile of circular fashion icon Anne Mulaire.

Or how about some mending with Holli Yeoh’s darning loom tutorial?

Fibre for the People

It’s good for you—and your community! Learn about the science of making for your mental and community health and the role it can play in community activism with these articles.

Until next time, I leave you with Caitlin ffrench’s words of wisdom. Hug a tree today.

Digits & Threads Is a Member-Supported Independent Online Magazine

The articles, tutorials and patterns we publish about Canadian fibre and textile arts, crafts and industry are made possible by our members.

Featured image credit: Hervert Bieser from Pixabay

Copyright © Michelle Woodvine except as indicated.
Head shot of Michelle Woodvine

About Michelle Woodvine

Michelle Woodvine is a Toronto-based freelance writer and editor on a quest to never stop learning and making. When not wordsmithing for others, Michelle can usually be found working on her trilogy of speculative fiction novels, learning a new skill, or goofing around with her family (including her very own rocket scientist, two teenage boys, and one feisty ginger cat). Follow the weird, wonderful, and wordy adventures @woodvinewrites or visit www.woodvinewrites.com

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