Upcoming events.
PA Fibershed Industry Happy Hour: A Sustainable Networking Event
Join PA Fibershed for a fashion Industry Happy Hour Thursday, November 21st from 5:00-7:00pm.
PA Flax Project’s Producer Event Series: Part 3 (Processing)
Participate in a hand fiber flax processing workshop, witness the transformation of straw into golden spinnable fiber. See overview of mechanized processing, See examples of products to be produced at the mill, see an overview of PA Flax Project Mill plans.
Botanical Ice Dyeing Workshop
Natural Dye Workshop
Join us for a Botanical Ice Dyeing Workshop at Terra Luna Herbals on Saturday, September 21st from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM! Discover the magic of ice dyeing while surrounded by the serene gardens of Terra Luna.
During the workshop, you'll learn ice dyeing techniques using plants as dyes! Watch as vibrant colors emerge in unique patterns, created by the melting ice and botanical pigments. 🌱🌸
Transform your own light-colored item—refresh a new or old t-shirt, scarf, pillowcase, or any natural fiber garment (with up to 20% synthetic material). If you don't have a suitable garment, bring scrap fabric to transform or ask your local Buy Nothing group for an item!
Included in Ticket:
- Guidance from our experienced instructors from the Philly Dye Co-Op
- All workshop materials with the exception of the item that will be dyed
- Snacks and herbal tea sourced from Terra Luna's garden
Come unwind, create, and connect with nature at Terra Luna Herbals.
Space is limited, so scroll down to reserve your spot today! 👇
What is Botanical Ice Dyeing?
Botanical ice dyeing is a textile dyeing technique that involves using natural dyes extracted from plant materials and ice to create unique patterns on fabric. In this process, fabric is typically scrunched or folded, then natural dyes derived from plants such as flowers, leaves, or roots are sprinkled or poured onto the fabric. Ice is then placed on top of the dye or plant-covered fabric, causing the dyes to slowly melt and blend together as they seep into the fabric fibers. This results in beautifully intricate and organic patterns on the fabric, as the dyes interact with each other and the fabric in unpredictable ways. The use of natural dyes in botanical ice dyeing not only produces stunning visuals but also aligns with environmentally-friendly and sustainable practices.
🚨🚨LIMITED TIME OFFER🚨🚨 Get an automatic $25 off when you secure your spot TODAY! Discount applied at checkout. 👇👇
An example of what you can make!
Please note that all ticket purchases are non-refundable. However, tickets may be transferred to another individual if you are unable to attend.
We kindly ask that any ticket transfers be communicated to us prior to the event.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact us.
Farm to Furniture: Exploring Regenerative Systems
Farm to Furniture: Exploring Regenerative Systems
Join us for Farm to Furniture, an inspiring and unique event hosted on the only certified organic wool farm and small-scale fiber mill in Pennsylvania. Experience an exclusive, behind the scenes tour of Willow Creek Farm Preserve’s fiber mill. Explore natural fibers local to PA while learning about the positive impacts of supporting local supply chains.
This collaborative event, brought to you by PA Fibershed, Common Object Studio, and Willow Creek Farm Preserve, will explore these exciting possibilities through a dynamic panel discussion, farm and mill tour and design exhibit.
During this gathering, participants will have the opportunity to engage with thought leaders, network with peers, and discover innovative strategies to enhance sustainability within their industries.
Together, we aim to foster a more resilient and eco-friendly approach to furniture production, benefiting both our communities and the environment, while exploring a working Certified Organic Sheep farm and small-scale wool mill.
Don't miss this chance to be part of the movement towards a greener and more sustainable future in the furniture industry.
During this event, participants will:
Tour the only organic sheep farm and small-scale mill in Pennsylvania
Meet pasture-raised Shetland sheep and see how fiber is processed into yarn
Learn how to support and source from local supply chains
Explore materials that can be used for furniture, design, and architectural applications
Network with industry professionals and experts
Enjoy a nutritious catered lunch
Event Itinerary:
10:30 am-11:00 am | Welcome and Coffee
11:00 am-12:00 pm | Panel Discussion & Q&A: Farm to Furniture: Exploring Regenerative Systems
12:00 pm-1:30 pm | Lunch + Working Session
1:30 pm-3:00 pm | Farm and Mill Tour, Materials + Product Exhibition and Exploration
3:00 pm -3:30 pm | Networking with industry professionals and panelists
Panel Discussion:
Explore the transformative potential of the furniture industry in our engaging panel discussion, "Can Furniture Be Regenerative?" This session will bring together leading experts and innovators to discuss how regenerative practices can be integrated into furniture design, production, and supply chains.
Panelists will explore topics such as sustainable material sourcing, eco-friendly manufacturing processes, and the creation of closed-loop systems that prioritize environmental health. Attendees will gain insights into how the furniture industry can move beyond sustainability to actively restore and rejuvenate natural ecosystems.
Join us to discover how regenerative principles can revolutionize the way we approach furniture, fostering a more harmonious relationship between industry and the environment.
Meet the Panelists:
Justin Beitzel
Common Object—co-founded by Justin Beitzel and Fernando Ramirez—is a product development studio focused on sustainability and community building. Their vision is a world where people thrive, ecosystems are balanced, and objects are inherently good. The studio aims to propel organizations toward sustainability through scalable reinventions of systems, supply chains, and design outcomes. Their passion project, Okaterra, is an experiment in regenerative furniture design.
Justin Beitzel, a Baltimore-based designer, brings a deep understanding of the intersection of sustainable agriculture and design to Common Object. His work ranges from collaborating with large furniture companies to individual farmers growing regenerative wool and hemp. Justin’s experimentation with materials and processes fuels his creativity and vision.
Rachel Higgins
Rachel Higgins, a passionate advocate for circular fashion, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the sustainable fashion movement. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design & Merchandising from Drexel University and a Master's Degree of Professional Studies in Business of Fashion from LIM, she is well-prepared to drive change in the fashion industry.
Rachel's journey began with the creation and successful sale of her own children's clothing brand, demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit. Her dedication to fashion education led her to a teaching position in the Design & Merchandising Program at Drexel University, where she imparts her insights and passion to the next generation of fashion professionals.
In addition to her role at Drexel, Rachel plays a crucial part in the Philadelphia fashion community. She leads the Sustainability Committee for the Philadelphia Fashion and Garments Task Force, contributing to sustainability initiatives in the local fashion industry. As a co-founder of PA Fibershed, she is instrumental in advancing sustainable and circular fashion practices, making a lasting impact on the industry and the community.
Andrew Smith
Dr. Andrew Smith is responsible for administrating, facilitating, and implementing farm operations and research activities at the Rodale Institute main campus and seven other production and research campuses in the US and Europe.
With over twenty-five years of experience working in the organic industry as an agronomist, researcher, and farmer, Dr. Smith is passionate about providing science-based solutions to farmers and expanding the number of regenerative organic farmers and farmland across the globe.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in agronomy at Cornell University, a Master of Science in entomology at the University of Maryland, and his Ph.D. at Drexel University in environmental science with a concentration in molecular and population ecology.
Dr. Smith is the co-owner of Willow Creek farm Preserve.
Don’t miss out on this unique, interactive experience! Limited spots are available, so purchase your ticket today!
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our event sponsor Lightly for their generous support of this event.
If you or your organization are interested in joining us as a sponsor and contributing to this exciting event, please reach out to Hello@pafibershed.org for more details.
Lunch & Learn: Microplastics 101
Fast Fashion, Slow Destruction: The Environmental Impact of the Fashion Industry Unveiled
Lunch & Learn: Why Green Matters
Fast Fashion, Slow Destruction: The Environmental Impact of the Fashion Industry Unveiled
PA Flax Project’s Producer Event Series: Part 2 (Harvest)
See a demo of the “Grubber” mechanized harvesting equipment necessary for harvesting fiber flax at scale, Learn about hand harvest and an overview of retting and post harvest handling. Learn how flax fits into rotations and about PA Flax Project’s cooperative business model.
Lunch & Learn: Fashion’s Environmental Impact
Fast Fashion, Slow Destruction: The Environmental Impact of the Fashion Industry Unveiled
The Truth About Fast Fashion: Film Screening and Panel
The Truth About Fast Fashion: Film Screening and Panel
Join us on Wednesday, July 10th from 5:30-7:30pm at Drexel University for an eye-opening educational event that will illuminate the dishonest, billion dollar fast fashion industry that is polluting our environment and devastating communities around the globe.
The evening will begin with a 30 minute documentary film followed by a discussion panel and Q&A session moderated by Samantha Wittchen of Circular Philadelphia. Panelists Chris Baeza (Drexel University), Carly Kusy (Jefferson University) and Saida Burns-Moore (Fabscrap) will talk about the disastrous consequences of the fast fashion industry and provide tips on how we, as consumers, can do our part to help reverse its impact .
Program:
5:30pm–6pm | Screening: Dead White Man’s Clothes
6pm-6:45pm | Panel Discussion
7:30pm | Q&A
This event is free to attend with a $10 suggested donation. Your contribution helps compensate our panelists for their valuable time and expertise.
Register to attend:
Moderator:
Samantha is a seasoned sustainability professional who has worked with manufacturing, municipal, and institutional clients has spanned operational sustainability (with a focus on energy, waste and recycling), metrics and evaluation, and communications and outreach. She co-founded Circular Philadelphia and chairs their Textile Working Group,. For over a decade, she’s writton on circularity- and sustainability-related topics for Philadelphia-based Grid Magazine, including the January 2023 cover story on the state of recycling in Philadelphia.
Panelists:
Chris Baeza
Program Director, Assistant Teaching Professor, Design & Merchandising
@drexeldandm
Chris Baeza, a seasoned design and merchandising executive with over 20 years of experience, is dedicated to enriching students' learning through hands-on coursework, emphasizing ethical fashion and "for benefit" business models. Her research explores the impact of integrating ethics and social entrepreneurship into design and merchandising curricula. Beyond academia, Chris advises industry companies, serves on the board of Learning to Lead/Girls Take Charge, and mentors high school students interested in fashion design or merchandising.
Saida Burns-Moore
Community Lead, FABSCRAP
@fab_scrap
Saida is the Community Lead at FABSCRAPs' Philadelphia location supporting the organization's volunteer community and outreach efforts. A graduate of the University of Memphis, Saida studied Geosciences, where she was interested in conservation and sustainability. In her role now she works to educate the local community on the benefits of reusing and recycling textiles and garments. She is very passionate about educating and uplifting communities in ways that will help them thrive.
Carly Kusy
Associate Professor, Jefferson University
@jeffersonfashiondesign
Carly Kusy is a passionate educator, fashion designer, and advocate in sustainable fashion with a B.S. in Fashion Design from Philadelphia University and an M.S. in Global Fashion Enterprise from Thomas Jefferson University. Since 2007, she has launched multiple sustainable businesses, including a women’s wear brand, vintage boutique, and her own line of zero waste handwoven and upcycled apparel. Carly integrates her creative pursuits with advocacy through teaching at Thomas Jefferson University, where she empowers future fashion designers and developed sustainable fashion courses. Her work emphasizes a circular fashion approach across the curriculum.
PA Fibershed Industry Happy Hour at Lobo Mau: A Sustainable Networking Event
Join PA Fibershed for a fashion Industry Happy Hour at Lobo Mau on Thursday, June 20th from 5:30pm-7:00pm.
Curious Histories Fest
Join us at the Curious Histories Fest!
Find us on June 8th at the Science History Institute for their annual Curious Histories Fest! This free annual celebration of science, history, exploration, and experimentation will feature free hands-on activities and family-friendly fun, as well as exciting talks, tours, and highlights from their special collections. Visit the museum; talk to curators and experts; take part in performances, story times, and special events; and immerse yourself in curiosity! Plus, the first 150 visitors will receive a free serving of Siddiq’s Water Ice (limit one per person).
Learn more HERE!
We hope to see you there!
Lunch & Learn: The Hidden Truth About Your Clothes
The Hidden Truth Behind Your Clothes
Join us for an eye opening Lunch & Learn session on June 6th, where PA Fibershed co-founder Rachel Higgins will guide us through the hidden truths of the fashion industry. During this session, we'll explore crucial topics such as understanding the true origins of our clothes, strategies for avoiding brands that exploit their workers, the widespread presence of toxic chemicals in our garments, and the extensive ramifications of fast fashion on both our health and the environment. Additionally, we'll shed light on the fate of returned clothing and much more.
Gain invaluable insights into the challenges plaguing the fashion industry and emerge equipped with the knowledge to make conscientious and sustainable choices in your clothing consumption. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your understanding and be part of the change towards a more ethical and responsible future.
This Lunch & Learn session is free to join, with a suggested donation of $5-$10. Your contribution helps compensate future speakers for their valuable time and expertise. Scroll down👇 to reserve your spot today!
About the Presenter
Rachel Higgins
Rachel Higgins, co-founder of PA Fibershed, is a passionate advocate for circular fashion and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the sustainable fashion movement. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design & Merchandising from Drexel University and a Master's Degree of Professional Studies in Business of Fashion from LIM, she is well-prepared to drive change in the fashion industry.
Rachel’s dedication to fashion education led her to a teaching position in the Design & Merchandising Program at Drexel University, where she imparts her insights and passion to the next generation of fashion professionals.
In addition to her role at Drexel, Rachel plays a crucial part in the Philadelphia fashion community. She leads the Sustainability Committee for the Philadelphia Fashion and Garments Task Force, contributing to sustainability initiatives in the local fashion industry. As a co-founder of PA Fibershed, she is instrumental in advancing sustainable and circular fashion practices, making a lasting impact on the industry and the community.
Register to Attend
Lunch & Learn: Unraveling The FABRIC Act
Unraveling The FABRIC Act
Join us on May 2nd from 12-12:45pm EST for a dynamic Lunch & Learn session led by Remake’s Senior Advocacy Manager at Remake, Becca Coughlan, where we will dive into the important topic of garment worker rights and the groundbreaking legislation shaping the future of ethical production and garment manufacturing in the US.
As a passionate advocate for worker-led policies, Becca will explain how the Garment Worker Protection Act, recently passed in California, paved the way for Fashioning Accountability and Building Real Institutional Change, also known as The FABRIC Act which “proposes major new workplace protections and manufacturing incentives to cement the US as the global leader in responsible apparel production.”
Discover how these initiatives center on empowering workers and frontline communities while integrating robust accountability measures throughout the supply chain. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insight into the pivotal role of legislation in fostering a more equitable and sustainable garment industry.
This Lunch & Learn session is free to join, with a suggested donation of $5-$10. Your contribution helps compensate our speakers for their valuable time and expertise. Scroll down👇 to reserve your spot today!
About the Presenter
Becca Coughlan
Becca serves as the Senior Advocacy Manager at Remake, a global advocacy organization that unites changemakers in the fight for human rights and environmental justice in the fashion industry.
With a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Politics from the University of Edinburgh and a Master's in Sustainability Management from Columbia University, Becca has dedicated the past decade to working across the globe at the nexus of fashion, policy, human rights, and climate issues
Becca leads Remake’s corporate accountability research and engagement, and supports its Global North advocacy and policy efforts.
Register to Attend
Green Philly Eco- Fair & Linens Drop-Off
Join us at the Green Philly EcoFair with your old linens!
Bring your old sheets, towels, and blankets to donate to a good cause! We will be collecting linen donations for the animals at Uncle Neil’s Home, A Farmed Animal Sanctuary. Donations will be accepted between 12-5 pm.
🙏 Please ensure all linens are clean (stains are okay) and free of holes, as small animals can get stuck and injured. The animals thank you for your generosity!
Round & Round: Circularity in Fashion
Join PA Fibershed as we partner with the Science History Institute on April 18th from 6-8pm for a panel discussion on Circularity in Fashion. This free event is part of the museum’s newest exhibit, BOLD: Color from Test Tube to Textile.
6pm–7pm | Lecture
7pm-8pm | Reception
Moderator:
Rachel Higgins
Cofounder, PA Fibershed
Speakers:
Jo Corvus
Service Coordinator, FABSCRAP Inc.
Lisa Hayes
Associate Professor of Fashion Design, Drexel University
Former Head Designer, Liz Claiborne
Samantha Wittchen
Director of Programs and Operations, Circular Philadelphia
Clothing Swap
Join us in partnership with The Walnut Club and the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator for a clothing swap! We're hosting a spring-cleaning clothing & accessories exchange!
Say goodbye to last year's wardrobe pieces and hello to exciting new finds without spending a dime.
Whether it's last year's dress or a purse you never use, gather the pieces you no longer love and swap them for items you'll adore.
Attendees are invited to bring up to 15 clean and tear-free clothing items or accessories to swap with fellow attendees.
Please plan to drop off your items between 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. on the day of the event. Our team will sort all items beforehand. Further instructions for drop-off will be provided closer to the event date.
Let's make this spring a season of renewal not just for our closets, but for our commitment to sustainable fashion.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to refresh your wardrobe guilt-free!
We welcome Walnut Club members, friends of PA Fibershed and Fashion Incubator, and anyone interested in learning more about our organizations. There is no charge to attend this event.
Philadelphia Fashion Incubator
706 S. 4th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Lunch & Learn: Unpacking Waste Wool
Unpacking Waste Wool
Join us on April 4th at 12pm on Zoom for a Lunch & Learn session you won’t want to miss! During this webinar, presenter Amy DuFault will dive head first into the multifaceted world of waste wool. In this session, we will uncover the reasons behind its existence, its impact on both farmers and the environment, and explore innovative solutions for addressing this challenge sustainably. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and contribute to the conversation on environmental sustainability. We hope to see you there!
This Lunch & Learn session is free to join, with a suggested donation of $5-$10. Your contribution helps compensate our speakers for their valuable time and expertise. Scroll down👇 to reserve your spot today!
About the Presenter
Amy DuFault is a seasoned sustainable fashion journalist and communications pro who has been writing about supply chains for the past 15 years in many local, national and international publications. With a long-time writing focus on environmental and ethical conditions in manufacturing, her knowledge of the people and places involved in the fashion industry is as vast as it is personal.
For the past 2 years, Amy has co-run the Waste Wool Working group for all 70+ Fibersheds worldwide. She also runs the Southeastern New England Fibershed which connects farmer to processor and designer to production, connecting the dots of the supply chain to recreate and reinvigorate, a once-thriving New England textile industry.
Register to Attend
Lunch & Learn: Uncovering Fiber Policy
Join us for an engaging virtual Lunch & Learn event on March 7th from 12:00-12:45 PM (EST), where we'll dive into the latest updates and insights on Fiber Policy. Our esteemed presenters, Michael Roth, former Policy Director and current Director of Conservation and Innovation at Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, and Traci Bruckner, former Senior Director of Public Policy at Sustainable Food & Agriculture Systems Funders and current policy consultant, will provide valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of fiber policies, both at the federal and state levels.
During this informative session, Michael will offer insights into the developments specific to Pennsylvania, while Traci will share her expertise on broader federal initiatives. Together, they'll explore the current status, upcoming changes, and the challenges and opportunities shaping fiber policies today.
Whether you're a professional in the textile industry, an advocate for sustainability, or simply curious about the intersection of policy, textiles and agriculture, this event promises to offer valuable insights and actionable takeaways.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to stay informed and engaged. Reserve your spot today and join us via Zoom for an enlightening Lunch & Learn session on Fiber Policy updates.
This Lunch & Learn session is free to join, with a suggested donation of $5-$10. Your contribution helps compensate our speakers for their valuable time and expertise. Scroll down to reserve your spot today!
Meet Our Speakers
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Traci Bruckner is a results-driven, visionary leader with more than two decades of public policy and government relations experience. Traci holds a deep understanding of Congress, and the Federal Executive Branch. She has a proven track record in establishing and building cross-team collaboration and coalition-based policy development, strategy, and successful advocacy campaigns at the federal and state levels.
Traci worked on agriculture, food and fiber systems and rural community development issues at the national and state level during her time at the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders, a national funder affinity group, and while at the Center for Rural Affairs, an NGO based in rural Nebraska. Traci also spent time working to build partnerships to address gaps in rural mental health care access, as well as on other public policy issues such as payday lending reform, human trafficking, and paid family and medical leave.
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Michael Roth serves as the Director of Conservation and Innovation at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. His work focuses on agriculture innovation, conservation, energy, and biomaterials. A Pittsburgh native, he acquired his BA in Environmental Studies from Washington and Jefferson College and an MPA from the University of Pittsburgh. Michael started at the Department of Agriculture as a William Penn Fellow.
Register to attend:
Lunch & Learn: How to Create a Successful Pitch
Join us on February 7th as we launch our monthly Lunch & Learn series with "How to Create the Perfect Pitch," presented by Drexel Associate Teaching Professor, Nick Cassway. In this engaging 45-minute session, Nick will delve into the art of making your business stand out in a sea of other sustainably minded businesses. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your pitching skills and make a lasting impression!
Nick Cassway has over 30 years of experience advising artists, entrepreneurs, small business owners, and non-profits in cultivating their visual identity and telling their brand story. In his role at Drexel University's Design and Merchandising program, Nick teaches brand identity, editorial design, concept visualization, and presentation techniques. He is also an author, visual artist, and radio producer.
Quarterly Meeting
Discover, Connect, and Engage During Our First Quarterly Meeting of 2024!
Join the PA Fibershed community on January 17th from 1-2 pm EST for our first meeting of 2024! In this virtual gathering, Co-Founders Rachel Higgins and Leslie Davidson will share exciting developments within the organization, providing insights into the programs and projects that will be our focus in the new year.
We are thrilled to welcome our guest speaker, Lexi Fuji, Fibershed’s Producer & Affiliate Network Coordinator, who will shed light on Fibershed’s work and the significance of being part of an affiliate community like ours.
The meeting will conclude with an opportunity for Q&A and any additional community announcements. We look forward to seeing you there!
Please RSVP below to receive the Zoom link! 👇
