The American Wool Industry
Brooklyn Tweed, changes in the wool industry, and continued growth
After 15 years as a yarn company, on April 18, Brooklyn Tweed officially announced they would be ceasing all yarn production and returning to their roots as a pattern company. We have been a Brooklyn Tweed Destination Store (their highest level of retail participation) since we started carrying their yarns in 2017, and have loved every minute of it. While we are saddened to hear this news, we are understanding as they posted in their newsletter that producing American wool yarns has been “challenging yet rewarding.” As sheep farmers and yarn producers ourselves, we fully understand that viewpoint. Cyclical trends in the yarn industry have given wool producers some of the highest-highs and the lowest-lows. Increasing costs, devastating acts of nature, and a lack of younger generations stepping up to fit themselves into the wool production business has left supply chain hurdles that sometimes feel insurmountable. Although, our love of sheep and wool urges us to continue to grow, expand, and supply some of the best wool products you can find from the US and the UK.
With our own flock yarns, we will continue to work with our trusted supply chain partners, and find new ones if we find a gap that can’t be filled. We just got back in some amazing new flock yarns that will fill our shelves with local, woolly goodness in a variety of natural shades and weights. With the addition of our classroom and gathering space, we are also expanding our fiber offerings from the flock, and increasing spinning equipment.
We are continuing to supply Kelbourne Woolens yarns and will increase our offerings of their products. We are also in communication with other US based companies to fill the space BT yarns has held. So do not fret, Flying Fibers will continue to be filled with quality yarns from transparent companies, and we will continue to offer space for people to gather, connect, learn and love wool.
So the final note? The American Wool Industry is continually evolving, but it also remains an important part of the history of the US. While it is bittersweet to learn that the wool companies from 10 years ago aren’t the same as they were, at Flying Fibers, we are excited to see industry change, and new yarns that will come along!
