Illinois Green Pastures Fiber Cooperative
P.O. Box 185
Big Rock, Illinois 60511
630-556-9665
info@illinoisgreenpastures.org
www.illinoisgreenspastures.org
The Illinois Green Pastures Fiber Cooperative is an ever-growing group of enthusiastic
and dedicated producers working together to develop an identity and market
for Illinois fiber in the domestic and international fiber arts market. This
agricultural co-op, currently representing 31 member farms, strives to establish
the opportunity for consumers and others to become aware of their members’ products
and the sustainability of the rural life and economy.
The co-op was formed in July 2006 to aid producers in developing their
wool management and marketing abilities and to introduce Illinois wool to the
domestic and international fiber arts market. We wanted to build awareness
of Illinois-produced fiber products and showcase this raw agriculture product
to fiber artists, galleries, museums, and crafters throughout the area.
All co-op farms are family-run businesses; everyone pitches in, from children
as young as 3 years old to our senior members, some who are well into their
80s. We have seasoned members whose families have been farming for three generations
as well as newcomers who’ve been working on farms for less than a year.
We produce fiber that comes from the wool of all types of sheep, including cheviot,
cormo, merino, shetland, romney, Navajo churro, and dorset, as well as from
alpacas, llamas, and angora rabbits. All our fiber comes from animals raised
by the co-op producers.
Esther’s Place, a Fiber Arts Studio in Big Rock, Illinois, carries
not only our yarns but also distinctive products such as American-crafted
spinning wheels, looms, and needles, and unique gifts. Consumers and
retailers can also order online at www.esthersplacefibers.com/products.cfm
Although our fiber is not certified organic, creating all naturally produced
fibers is a priority for the members of our farm co-op.
Working with the animals creates a special connection between the farmer and
the fiber.
By purchasing natural fiber products, people are supporting sustainable fiber
operations in Illinois and allowing farmers to continue to produce fiber in a
humane manner while maintaining ecological balance.
The consumer is given the opportunity to get to know the farmers and the fibers
they produce on a personal level. Members of the co-op are mindful custodians
of Illinois’s rich history in raising sheep and shearing the wool. Links
to the past can be found in the centuries-old family farms of the Getzelman,
Gustafson, Ogle, and Burnidge families, while recent devotees have relocated
from Chicago, Evanston, and even the highlands of southern Poland to share
their passion for raising sheep and producing high-quality fiber.
Although our fiber is not certified organic, creating all naturally produced
fibers is a priority for the members of our farm co-op.
We’d like to see our cooperative grow and continue to provide all-natural
fibers and finished products that represent the Illinois Green Pastures Fiber
Collection.
Updated 12/3/2007 |
