Issue/Publication: CRAFT Magazine

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Near the Canadian/New York State border, Four Directions Weaving sheep farm and weaving studio is nestled on a quiet country road – over a mile from the end of the power lines. Bought by founders Donna Foley and Jim Brush over 20 years ago, alternative energy options were still more affordable than trying to connect the abandoned farm to the city’s power grid. Now, Four Directions Weaving is one of the only self-sustaining weaving businesses in the United States.

Donna chose a rare breed of sheep, Lincoln Longwool, to be a key part of the business. “Raising the sheep is an integral part of the whole weaving process for me – it connects me with weavers and spinners throughout the ages that have been shepherds,” she says. “Their fiber is strong and extremely lustrous, which makes the natural dyes I use seem to glow.”

Advancements in natural dying processes have also made Donna and Jim’s job a lot easier. “I use to have to soak out Madder roots for days. Now, with powdered natural dye extracts, I can get right to the dyeing stage.” Donna’s personal choice and recommendation for other crafters is Earthues Natural Dye Extracts (earthues.com), which uses sustainably gathered plants to create their extracts, as well as pay farmers a fair wage for their crops.

Can running a green business really be profitable? “Having been working ‘green’ for over 20 years, it is heartening to see it becoming much more mainstream,” says Donna.  “Before, I almost felt like I had to apologize for using natural dyes.  I had to explain my use of organic cotton in baby blankets.  Now people come to me for these reasons, looking to have more meaning in their purchases. It is now more viable for me to keep my green commitment.”