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Since the 1960s, the use of synthetic fibres has increased dramatically causing the natural fiber industry to lose
much of their market share. In December 2006, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2009 the International
Year of Natural Fibres (IYNF); a year-long initiative focused on raising global awareness about natural fibres with
specific focus on increasing market demand to help ensure the long-term sustainability for farmers who rely heavily
on their production.
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Bijou Basin Ranch,
Supporting the United Nations International Year of Natural Fibres
"Keep the Fleece" is honoring the International Year of Natural Fibers by creating the world's longest scarf involving
thousands of fiber enthusiasts from around the world. The scarf will be made by individual "teams" that will knit,
weave, felt, or crochet varying scarf lengths which will ultimately be joined together into one long scarf on
International Day (October 16th, 2009) at the New York Sheep and Wool Festival.
The rules are simple: Each scarf section must be nine inches wide; it can be made from any natural fiber, and we
suggest a one dollar donation for every row that is created. All of the money raised will go towards building
the largest fiber flock in the world (goal $250K) in partnership with Heifer International.
"Keep the Fleece" is also sponsoring an all natural fiber contest featuring everything from endangered sheep
breeds to various plant fibers. Please see how you can be involved in this once in a lifetime global
celebration by visiting WWW.KeepTheFleece.Org
How are we helping?
Bijou Basin Ranch fully supports these efforts and is helping in several ways. First, we have started our own segment of scarf
which we will take with us to all of the shows we attend across the country collecting rows and dollars along the way.
Second, we have made a monetary donation to Keep the Fleece as founding sponsors at the "Yak" level. These monies
will be used to assist in the effort to raise $250K for the largest fiber flock in the world in partnership with Heifer International.
And finally, we have become the sponsors of the "Treks and Tracks" category in the "Natural Fiber Contest". This contest
is open to open to everyone - professionals and amateurs alike. The Treks and Tracks category is for any combination of yak, bison,
or muskox fiber.
In addition, we have sponsored two up and coming designers in this contest category as well! Lavonne Luscombe and Camilla Wallender are both
affiliated with post-man threads. Post-man threads strives to create sustainable
responsible clothing. All of their pieces are unique and handmade with love. We invite you to see the wonderful pieces that Lavonne and Camilla
have cretarted for us at the Keep the Fleece Competition for Fiber Artisans. Lavonne's sweater can bee seen
here and Camilla's
full length gown can be seen here.
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