May Newsletter
How We’re Redefining Impact
Welcome to our new format, and thanks for coming along for the ride!
One of the core values of the PA Fibershed is to create a positive impact in our growing network. We want to expand our reach and create connections. By rerouting our newsletter to blog posts, polls, and this shiny new newsletter, we can gain a better understanding of how we are engaging with you, our community. We feel this new way of sharing news and updates will help simplify our communication, and we look forward to your feedback!
Now that you’re here, we would love to share our upcoming events, the progress we have been making with programming, and share a few tools we’ve created to bring us all closer to the mission.
But First, a Circularity Story
A Lesson in Circularity from the Great Depression
During the Great Depression, many rural Americans faced extreme poverty. To meet their daily needs and save money, families began repurposing the cotton sacks used to package animal feed into clothing.
Recognizing this trend, feed companies began printing colorful patterns on the sacks, making them more appealing to customers. Since it often took several sacks to make one adult dress, women would gather to trade prints within their communities—an early version of the modern clothing swap!
Stories like these remind us to be resourceful, to think circular, and to think community-first.
Source: Flatland KC – How Midwestern Women Pioneered Feed Sack Fashion
Move to Newsletter
University Ambassador Program Launch
We are beyond excited to see the outpouring of interest in our University Ambassador Program! We look forward to supporting students as they learn about PA Fibershed values and share that knowledge to educate their communities and networks.
If you missed our on-campus events explaining the program, don’t worry, you’re not too late!
You can still learn more and apply here →
Save the Date
May 3rd
The Ecology of Fashion
Join the PA Fibershed on May 3rd for The Ecology of Fashion Symposium!
Our co-founder Rachel Higgins will be moderating the Manufacturing Consumerism panel discussion to dive deeper into the ways fashion and textiles have formed our consumption habits.
Learn more & sign up here →
May 14th
May Book Club
With our inaugural PA Fibershed Book Club quickly approaching, take a moment to pick up and read your copy of: Worn: A People's History of Clothing Book by Sofi Thanhauser!
Join us on May 14th at 6 PM via Zoom for an engaging hour-long discussion exploring the book’s themes, including the social impact of fiber, textiles, and clothing throughout history.
Be sure to read the book beforehand👍👍
Sign up here for the book club to receive the meeting Zoom link →
Resources
Your Closet Called - It’s Growing a Conscience!
We’ve rounded up a helpful list of tools and platforms to support more mindful shopping. From secondhand marketplaces to transparency-focused apps—and even a list of companies “doing the work”—these resources make it easier to align your purchases with your values. You’ll also find links to innovations and research shaping a healthier future.
🛍️ Consumer Resources for Mindful Choices
Summer Vacation Vibes
Looking for something fun to do during the upcoming warm months, AKA “Finally Not Winter”?
Check out the list of fiber-related events in our region, created in collaboration with our friends at the Pennsylvania Sheep & Wool Growers Association.
In the News
In this article we learn about a new initiative by the current administration to advance domestic manufacturing.
SBA announces Made in America Manufacturing Initiative
A Call to Action
Sharing a friendly reminder that we have a collective voice in the direction of our fiber economy. Please take the time to contact your PA State Officials to share how you n
Meet the Makers - PA Fibershed Highlight Series
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XkGzSy9WjcA
