The Green Fiber Directory – South West Australia

As I work on the final details of my 100% West Aussie outfit, I have been thinking about all the wonderful local artisans I have met along the way.

I thought I would share my list of local textile resources in one place so that anyone interested in buying local can start from here. I will add to this page as I find more or if you tell me of something I have missed.

The Green Fiber Directory – South West Australia

Alpaca

1. Fiber of the Gods, Toodjay

fibreofg@bigpond.net.au   08 9574 5577

Hazel and Michael run both an alpaca farm and mill.  You can buy yarn and felted alpaca from them direct or send them a fleece to have it processed.  They process yarn from all over Australia.

2. Pit Willow Alpacas, Northam

08 9622 3411

Alpaca stud, selling both yarn and fleece

3. Windella Alpacs
Carolyn Oddie
0417920044

Breeder selling fleeces

Wool

1. Bilby Yarns, Harrison Street and Hillary Street Willagee

08 9331 8818

June sources the majority of her wool from South West Australia.  Local fleeces, roving and local hand spun wool is all available.  She is also the centre for spinning, weaving and knitting equipment in Perth.

2. Sheep Farms – there are no certified organic sheep farms in Western Australia, so I would love to hear from anyone who recommends any particular grower for their sustainability efforts.

Silk

Margaret River Silk Road, Harmans Mill Road, Metricup

08 9755 6401 info@margaretriversilkroad.com

Local producers of silk cocoons, and silk ethically woven in Cambodia.

Barramundi Leather

Mermaid Leather, Esperence

Makers of products from barramundi skins, waste from the fishing industry.

Banana stems

Sweeter Bananas, Canarvon

A lead I am yet to follow, but this semi local banana cooperative seems like a good place to start a conversation about the possibilities of using stem waste to make fiber.

Native Dye Plants

Poppy Patch‘s, Mt Barker

(08) 9851 1875

Nursery for native plants including native indigo and other dye plants.  Request ahead of time.  Fiona is also a natural dyer and runs occasional workshops in her area.

Eco Couture and Natural Dyers

1. Jane Flower, Folios and Fiber, Gelorup, 0411 035 638

2. Trudi Pollard, Armadale Hills, 08 93997049

3. Charlene, Tierra Ecologia, Armadale Hills, 0411 548 964

4. Penny Jewell, Walpole

All of these dyers use local plants to dye fabric and hold semi regular workshops.

Natural Dye Additives

1. ALUM, Pharm Aust, Welshpool 9311-0700

2. Lime, Lime Industries, Osborne Park

Ask for enviro lime or lime putty. Without surfactants.

Felting

1. Feltwest, Craft House Alexander Park, Clyde Street, Menora

info@feltwest.org.au

The epi-centre of all things felt in Perth.  If you are looking for classes or inspiration this is the group to call.

2. Felters in the Great South West

This very active group in the Albany area runs regular workshops on felting and natural dyeing days.

3. Tree Top Harmonies

Felting supplies and classes.  If you are looking for undyed local wool, check first.

Weaving and Spinning

Handweavers’, Spinners’ and Dyers’ Guild WA

If you want to learn to spin or weave, or just hang out with some textile nerds on a regular basis this group will hook you up with a nearby group and you can get your nerd on. The regular newsletter for members also lists second hand equipment for sale.

Other Education Centres

1.Fremantle Arts Centre – textile courses on felting, dyeing, sewing, basket weaving.

2. Local Councils – over the year I have noticed that many regional councils and arts centres have workshops of interest.

And Finally, Perth Sewcialists!

Megan, Nat, Deepti, Alice, Sandra, Amanda, Eleanor, Sue, Megan, Carolyn, Bree, Helen, Ellen, Alison.

Photos from a trip around the south west in Spring 2015.