Having been raised in Montana, there are so many things that I did not learn to appreciate about this great state until I became an adult and moved away. And then moved back. And then moved away again. And then moved back, again. Every time I travel to faraway places, I am reminded of all of the amazing things that we have here in our own backyard. As a fiber enthusiast, one of the things I am so grateful for is how much locally grown and processed fiber we have access to in Montana. This year the Montana Fibershed is highlighting our state's wool producers and processors with Knit Montana, a six month long yarn crawl all across the state. We here at Joseph's Coat are happy to be a stop on the list, but there are so many other amazing fiber growers and sellers also participating. I have been having so much fun with the yarn crawl because it has caused me to go to places I have only ever driven through and take a pause to actually look. I also have gone to a few places I hadn't been to since high school (hello, Great Falls!). What a fun way to explore the state I am trying my best not to take for granted any more, and support local artisans and businesses along the way. Montana is home to so many ranchers and artisans, I am continually amazed at all the beautiful fibers that can be found. Just this year I learned that I can get Missoula-grown alpaca (thanks, Glacier Lily Farm), along with Gotland, Shetland, and so many others. And when I look wider across the state, the fiber options are endless.
If you have not yet started your own yarn crawl, stop by your local yarn shop today to get going! We have stickers in Joe's, and other stops inlcude (but are not limited to) Fiber in Big Fork, Yarn and Honey in Great Falls, Yarn Bar in Billings, Stix in Bozeman, Hoof and Paw and Lone Pine Emporium in Helena, and onlines stores like Unicorn Fluff and Barely a Sheep. If you manage to collect four stickers by August, you can submit your yarn passport for door prizes. For more information on the Knit Montana Yarn Crawl, and all things Fibershed, check out https://www.montanafibershed.org/
Have a lovely day! Oh, and by the way, Happy Knit in Public day!