Simplicity. Interdependence. Conservancy.

Simplicity

You may laugh when I tell you this, but I intended to wax poetic about simplicity in today’s post. I am chuckling even as I scan back over that first sentence. Simplicity, for me, comes in little morsels rather than large swaths, or long periods. It’s kind of like ice cream - perhaps - in that it is delicious, refreshing, and tantalizingly sweet, but it doesn’t last long. It’s also kind of mirage-like when you’re voraciously curious. It lures you toward what you believe to be cool, clear waters, glistening in the midday sun. You get the picture.

Here’s how I fell into this week’s mirage-y ice cream sundae…

I was pursuing books online, as one does, and happened upon a book called A Simpler Life, published by The Life School, a UK-based organization that launched its publishing arm several years ago. The cover of the book lured me in with a cabin set on a mountainside blanketed by dense forests.

Not wanting to spend on a book at the moment (my book WIPS stack is daunting…), I checked the library systems near our home and the studio cabin. While this book wasn’t available, I did find SLOW: Simple Living for a Frantic World, by Brooke McAlary. I promptly flipped through the sample bit just before checking out the digital copy of the book. McAlary opens her book with “Dear Mr. and Mrs. Jones, I am writing to inform you of my withdrawal from the race to keep up with you…” That bit alone got me. So, it’s my new read. You know - the thing I pick up, and pick at, between other things I’m doing? Yeah.

Interdependence

Funny how this happens - You begin thinking of a thing, writing about a thing, and before long, the connections with that thing begin to appear everywhere around you. I have been thinking quite a bit lately about Interdependence (with a capital I).

When it comes to interdependence in the realms of fashion, artisanal work like we do in our studio, nature, and people, the connections and interdependencies are myriad. They range from nearly invisible to completely, often blindingly obvious.

In our beautifully hand-dyed world, we rely on a network of small, independent shops to sell our hand-dyed yarn, fiber, beanies, scarves, and other accessories we create. They rely on us to provide unique product crafted in small batches in the our studio. Likewise, we have developed personal relationships with the mills we work with to get our raw goods. All of this has created a sense of groundedness in our business, and in our lives, that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Oh - and while we’re talking bout independent shops, it looks like we’re going to have a couple of yarn shop trunk shows coming up - and I’ll be teaching as well! More details on all of that coming soon!

Conservancy

I came across a fantastic Substack recently - Craftsmanship Magazine. In pursuing their posts, I found a repost originally shared by Knit Jon Purl Jon. Really a great post, whether you’re a hand-knitter, crocheter, or fashion lover.

Why Knitting Survived the Industrial Revolution

I also read about The Livestock Conservancy in one of the posts by Craftsmanship Magazine. I was thrilled to find they’re located in Pittsboro, NC! They’re roughly 2.5 hours east of Charlotte, for reference. They work to conserve all sorts of livestock breeds - whether related to food or fiber. Specifically, regarding fiber, they have a program called Shave ‘em to Save ‘em. It’s a way to encourage hand-spinners of yarn to purchase fiber from heritage breed farmers. Here’s the info: Shave 'em to Save 'em. It’s just $20 for fiber artists to join in. There is a list of providers of heritage breed wool and products on the program information page too. Even if you don’t decide to join the program proper, you might find some really amazing farms to buy from! I even found a few farms not too far from WoolTribe Studio Cabin in the mountains of North Carolina!

WIP-y Stuff

My Works in Progress now include another one of our Basic Elements Tank tops. I’m making it with a cotton and hemp yarn I was thinking might be a possibility for dyeing. Not sure about that part yet, but I do love knitting with the yarn!

I’m also doing some crochet doodling. Why? Because I can. Also because crochet has always been a “vacation” from knitting for me. So - that’s happening.

Until next time…

Ladianne

---

Stay Connected with WoolTribe
This post was written by Ladianne of WoolTribe, on behalf of the WoolTribe team. Co-founded by artists Ladianne Henderson and Sheri Osborne, WoolTribe is an independent dye studio rooted in slow craft and intentional living. Our artisanal studio sits inside a hand-refurbished cabin in the North Carolina mountains—a space dedicated to community, education, and creative rest. We welcome you to join us on the mountain for upcoming craft retreats, artisan classes, and restorative getaways.

We are also passionate about sustainable, small-batch goods. Our hand-dyed finished pieces, including beanies and scarves, are made exclusively from 100% American wool and 100% USA Certified organic long-staple cotton.

• Shop Direct: Browse our latest colorways and finished goods at wooltribe.co.

• Wholesale Availability: We happily partner with independent brick-and-mortar stockists.

• Follow Along: Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook @wooltribestudio.