Photography by Burdette Parks
Near the border of New York state and Canada in the Adirondack Mountains, Four Directions Weaving is nestled on a quiet country road, more than a mile from the end of the power lines.
When founders Donna Foley (pictured) and Jim Brush bought the property 25 years ago, alternative energy options were still more affordable than trying to connect the abandoned farm to the local power grid. Now, with 12 solar panels and a wind generator, the company is one of the only self-sustaining weaving businesses in the United States.
Foley weaves most of the company’s products herself: blankets, rugs, tapestries, and linens. But what sets Four Directions apart from other weavers is the fact that they raise their own sheep, too — a rare breed called Lincoln Longwool. “Raising the sheep is an integral part of the whole weaving process for me,” Foley says. “It connects me with weavers and spinners throughout the ages who have been shepherds.”
Unlike other lamb breeders who shear the animals’ wool in late winter when the temperature can still to see it becoming much more mainstream,” says dip below – 40°F, Foley waits until April to shear her Foley. “Before, I almost felt like I had to apologize flock. She takes advantage of the sun and wind in for using natural dyes. I had to explain my use of the spring months to wash the fleece in preparation organic cotton in baby blankets. Now people come for the dyeing process. to me for these reasons, looking to have more
The rich hues in Foley’s work are evidence of her meaning in their purchases. It is now more viable use of natural dyes, which formerly took her up to a for me to keep my green commitment.” month to prepare. “But now, with powdered natural dye extracts, I can get right to the dyeing stage,” she says. For those who want to dye their own wool, she recommends extracts from Earthues, a Seattle company that uses sustainably gathered plants, and pays farmers a fair wage for their crops.
Can a green business be profitable? “Having been Victoria Everman is a San Francisco-based writer, model, working ‘green’ for over 20 years, it is heartening environmentalist, crafter, and yogi. Visit her at victoria-e.com.
Foley’s website: fourdirectionsweaving.com
For more photos, go to craftzine.com/08/ fourdirections
References:
http://fourdirectionsweaving.com
Archives