Ethical - Natural - Minimal
I think a lot about textiles because they are the closest thing to my body besides food and air, and I love them because fabrics, patterns, colors and styles are all telling bits of my story to the world. Like many things in our modern life, textiles have become disposable and cheaply made, amounting to 11 million tons of textile waste every year in the U.S. alone. 90% of cotton milled today is genetically modified for dependency on a pesticide monopoly and the 40 million garment workers outside the U.S. are often treated poorly, subject to health risks and dangerous situations. Every single piece of fabric has a story; it has passed through the hands of several people, each of whom are valuable and precious to God. I've come to believe that honoring these people not only entails thoughtful purchases, but also the making, rescuing and re-using the textiles that inhabit my life.
I favor natural fibers because they tend to last longer and improve in softness with time, and, unsurprisingly, natural fibers react better with natural dyes. That washed, broken-in texture (and smell!) of linen just can't be replicated by synthetic fibers (plus there's good reasons to suspect synthetics are toxic.) Natural fibers are gentler to manufacture, feel better against the skin, and live a longer life in your closet.
I sew, dye, print, and knit for my family and I have select textiles available in my Etsy store. Please contact me if you'd like to talk about a custom item, or if you'd like me to host a workshop!
Etsy Store
I find textile treasures in natural fibers and minimalist design and give them new life with plant based dyes and fun prints using my hand carved, original designs and natural, water based Green Galaxy Ink.
I call my store "Hymas Farm Ware”
Workshops
I offer group workshops covering a range of textile crafts, from indigo dyeing to knitting. My prevailing philosophy of crafting falls in line with the traditional Japanese concept of "Wabi Sabi," the embracing of imperfection as a form of beauty. I believe that whether we're creating shibori-folded designs, silk painting, block printing, or knitting for the first time, we have to offer ourselves grace as learners and begin to see the little mistakes or unexpected results as beautiful uniqueness.
I can help groups have a lovely evening learning a new skill, enjoying friends and developing a gentler attitude towards themselves as they try something new. And I always bring wine!
Wool Products
Every spring and fall we shear our marshmallowy Icelandic sheep, harvesting the exceptional double coat. In Iceland, the layers are called the called the Tog: the coarse, long outer layer, and the Thel: the soft, fine inner layer. These two types of wool are traditionally carded together and spun to make Lopi, the yarn that knits up into those fabulous Icelandic sweaters (called Lopapeysa.)
Right now we offer raw, hand-shorn wool in our shop, and we're sending a batch off to the mill to be washed and carded for spinning (a new adventure!) Join our email list to be notified when our first batch of thick-and-thin handspan yarn becomes available!
Wardrobe philosophy
In the same way that hunting is actually the most ethical form of meat consumption, I believe that second hand, or traded clothing items are the pinnacle of of ethical clothing choices. Not everyone can afford the prices of ethical clothing companies, but going for second hand options really levels the playing field. My ideal wardrobe is a small collection of simple, sturdy, versatile pieces thoughtfully acquired second hand or purchased from an ethical, sustainable maker.
I've had the most success finding quality second hand clothing on Instagram, ThredUp, Poshmark and in thrift stores. Some of my favorite ethical makers to save up for are Ace & Jig, Elizabeth Suzann, Everlane, PACT, Jungmaven, and Block Shop Textiles.
