Establishing a robust network that fosters collaboration between farmers and consumers of fibers, with the overarching goal of nurturing and fortifying a thriving local textile economy.
Who We Are
Vancouver Island Fibreshed (VIF) links farmers, processors, makers, and consumers in creating a local textile economy based on renewable resources and climate-beneficial farming methods. We acknowledge that we are situated upon unceded traditional Indigenous territories. We help to bring local wool and alpaca yarn and fibres to customers across our area.
Active since 2018, VIF is affiliated with Fibershed, the model that is spreading throughout North America, Europe and Australia. We seek to enhance access to Canadian yarn and textile products.
From the Blog
Our 2025 Shearing Support Program in review
Many sheep on the Island are raised primarily for meat but that doesn’t mean that their fleeces don’t have value! Healthy sheep produce good wool.…
Comparison of Sock Yarn from Vancouver Island Fibreshed Sheep Breeds
We have many different breeds of sheep here in our Fibreshed and their wool characteristics differ. Jill studied 10 different local breeds to try to…
Refugia: Part 2
The Gabriola Arts and Heritage Centre was abuzz the weekend of November 6-8 as the Gabriola Island Fibreshed Working Group hosted the second iteration of…