Currently in Canada there is no data regarding the small to medium scale wool industry. The only national statistics in Canada reference the wool that is collected and purchased by the Canadian Cooperative Wool Growers (CCWG) there are no statistics or data to date, that account for the wool grown, processed and sold by farmers and ranchers focusing on wool.
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This research project aims to collect and analyze that data and produce information. This data can then be used regionally and nationally to promote and advocate for increased infrastructure, marketing, and support for rural communities and farmers/ranchers. This information can be used by fibreshed organizations and individuals, and will be available without charge in the form of reports and infographics. 

The research will occur in two stages: the first will be an online survey, and for those participants who consent, a follow up phone call or zoom interview will be conducted. The primary survey asks financial questions regarding the income generated by the sale of raw wool or value added wool products. No personal details, information or financial information will be revealed in any of the reports. Participants can choose to remain anonymous. This data will develop an accurate picture of the fibre economy across the country, and will highlight the barriers to growth and resilience. This requires an accurate picture of the financial health of our existing small scale fibre economy. The research will also focus on the farms and farming practices that specifically work to sequester more carbon from the atmosphere through land and animal management.

A future goal of this research is to create an online database of fibre based farms and businesses across the country to be accessed by the public and consumers. Anonymous participants will have to request to be included in this database at a later date if name and contact information is not disclosed.
This research project is a joint effort between Anna Hunter (Long Way Homestead) and the Pembina Fibreshed. The lead researcher is Anna Hunter, with fibreshed members as the advisory committee. All questions can be directed towards info@longwayhomestead.com
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The timeline for the project is as follows:
Primary research December 2020 – March 2021
Secondary research and interviews February 2021 – June 2021
Analyze and report data June 2021 – December 2021

I'm over the moon in love with my new Love Note sweater by Tin Can Knits. What an awesome design this was to knit. The pattern is flawless and so easy to follow and this was the fastest I've ever knit a sweater. I was very committed to getting it done ASAP, and even my kid was feeling a bit of knitting resentment this past week. 10 days is what it took me! I am THE queen of abandoning works-in-progress for long periods of time - I had a cardigan on the go for three-years once 🙁. So, I'm very proud of this knit. Truth be told I had been in a knitting slump for over a year, and thought a quick sweater could help get me out of it. It definitely did the trick. I'm raring to go on some gift knitting that's backed up and then I'm diving into my Melting Point Cardigan by Caitlin Shepherd of Pluck Pigeon Knits.

I knit this in my Naturally Dyed Organic Merino Fingering held double with a gorgeous fingering weight silk mohair yarn, both dyed in a medium Indigo. I have a couple kits available in these very yarns available by request. Just DM me or email me at janna@everleayarn.ca

You may have seen my Love Note sweater progress videos on my Instagram Stories. If you're interested they're saved in my Highlights 👍


PS Excuse my wrinkly night shirt

Janna Vallee

Congratulations to Tin Can Knits on your new website! It's beautiful, it's functional and it's so you!

Tin Can Knits is the Canadian design duo,  Alexa Ludeman and Emily Wessel. They've been publishing stunning, seamless knitting patterns for people of all sizes since 2010, including 10 books! When you buy a Tin Can Knits pattern you know it will be written clearly, with both written and charted instructions (where applicable) AND they will mostly likely be sized from infant to 5XL adult sizes, the exception usually being for baby-specific items like knitted pants (Hey, I'd knit those!)

Tin Can Knits have always done an amazing job at catering to their knitters' needs and wants, always offering in-depth tutorials where they see the need. Heck, their Strange Brew colourwork sweater pattern is just as much a tutorial as it is a knitwear design. 

​So, it only makes sense that they've been working hard behind the scenes to make their website even more accessible for us TCK fans.

Yesterday they announced the release of their new website, and it doesn't disappoint! Each pattern has its own page with every link you ever desired organized flawlessly. Here are some screenshots of the page for the Love Note sweater (Ahem, I'm knitting it right now):

And that "Browse all Resources" button takes you to the hub. A searchable TCK hub. Just go there and type the TCK thing you need help with you'll find it. I searched "M1" and found an illustration for how to M1 or 'make one'. Then I searched "chart" and found an entire blog post about how to read a knitting chart. It's not rocket science, but not everyone is talented at organizing, either, so it is MUCH appreciated that they put the time and effort to make their new website this awesome.

​Thank you Emily and Alexa, for the gift of organization! You're always putting yourself in you knitters' shoes and we appreciate it.

Janna Vallee