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Greater Cumberland Fiber Shed
We believe in true Southern hospitality. Our organization is open and affirming to all: fiber enthusiasts, artists, farmers, manufacturers, dyers, designers and more may find a home within the Greater Cumberland Fibershed. We welcome anyone passionate about local and domestic fiber and fiber product creation and invite you to get educated and fully involved in your local supply chain through events, local and regional meet-ups and more.
Welcome to the Tennessee and Kentucky Fibershed, where the journey from pasture to product is woven through the hands and hearts of our local community. Here, every element—producer, mill, dyer, designer, and manufacturer—is intricately connected, creating a vibrant ecosystem that supports the revival of our regional fiber heritage.
Producers nurture the land and animals, growing the raw materials that form the foundation of our work. Mills skillfully transform these fibers, preserving quality and character at every step. Dyers bring color and creativity, using both traditional and innovative techniques to celebrate our local palette. Designers and manufacturers collaborate to craft beautiful, functional pieces that reflect the spirit of Tennessee and Kentucky.
Together, we honor each role in this cycle, recognizing that the health of our fibershed depends on the strength of these connections. By working in harmony, we are rebuilding a resilient, sustainable fiber community—one thread at a time.
Our goal as a fibershed is to cultivate a thriving, interconnected community by fostering education, collaboration, and support at every stage of the fiber journey. We are dedicated to empowering each member—whether grower, shearer, mill, dyer, artist, designer, or manufacturer—to hone their craft, share knowledge, and celebrate their artistry. By bringing together all the pieces of the fibershed and illuminating the value of each step, we help ensure that local fiber not only reaches the market but also enriches lives and sustains traditions. In uniting our region’s talents and resources, we create a legacy of resilience, creativity, and pride that will inspire for generations to come.
Our Fiber Shed Network
The Greater Cumberland Fiber Shed
We’ve chosen to combine the states of Kentucky and Tennessee into one region: The Greater Cumberland Fibershed. The Cumberland Plateau and River span both states and represents the pioneering spirit of our region: full of innovation, passion, and creativity.
Fibershed Affiliation
Fibershed is a larger non-profit organization that develops regional fiber systems that build ecosystem and community health. Fibershed affiliation helps us expand our network and support larger movements towards climate beneficial agriculture, regional manufacturing and more.
Pursuing a Non-Profit Status
We’re working on registering our Fibershed as a 501 c 3 non-profit: giving it recognition in both Kentucky and Tennessee and allowing us to receive donations, pursue funding from state and federal resources and contribute to projects that will benefit our region and the larger Fibershed network.
Our Network
Fiber Producers
At the heart of our fibershed, producers care for sheep, alpacas, and other fiber animals, as well as cultivate plant fibers. Their dedication to sustainable land management and animal welfare ensures the highest quality raw materials, laying the groundwork for every creation.
Dyers
Dyers infuse our fibers with color, drawing inspiration from the landscape and local resources. Whether using natural or modern dyes, they bring artistry and vibrancy to every skein, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind.
Shearers
Shearers are the skilled professionals who carefully harvest fiber from animals such as sheep and alpacas. Their expertise ensures the animals’ well-being and the quality of the fleece, making them an essential link between the farm and the next stage of production.
Fiber Mills
Mills are the skilled hands that transform raw fleece and fiber into usable materials. Their expertise in washing, carding, spinning, and finishing preserves the unique qualities of each batch, connecting farm to fabric with care and precision.
Designers
Designers: Designers imagine and shape the final form of our fibers, translating materials into garments, home goods, and art. Their creativity bridges tradition and innovation, giving voice and vision to regional stories.
Fiber Artists
Fiber artists are the creative hands that transform our locally produced yarns and fabrics into works of art. Their passion and craftsmanship celebrate the beauty and versatility of regional fiber, bringing each piece to life and inspiring our community with every creation.
Works by local artists
Teachers and Instructors
Our region is teeming with talented teachers and instructors who are passionate about sharing their expertise. Whether you are just beginning your fiber journey or looking to master a new technique, you’ll find dedicated mentors ready to help you achieve your goals. No matter what your fiber dream may be, our community provides the inspiration, knowledge, and support to make it come true.
Jenn Lampen
Fearless Brioche Knitting
Robin Verson
Indigo and Natural Dyes
Cynthia Rice
Weaving
From Our Board Members
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