small is beautiful
I'm a big fan of keeping it local and supporting small family-owned businesses. Like the CSA from which we get fresh vegetables throughout the growing season. And the nearby farmer who raises cows, one of which we split with neighbors and friends this winter and will feed us through the year. And the farmers cooperative that brings eggs with the richest of yolks to our food cooperative each week.
Last night I happened upon another way to support a small farmer. The Martha's Vineyard Fiber Farm is offering shares of the first-ever wool CSA. Buy a share and you get a portion of this fall's shearing. How amazing is that? 
I'm taken by this concept for many reasons. The small part, of course. But also the fact that I'm currently knitting the tangled yoke cardigan with yarn that is from sheep that grazed in pastures next door to my parents house. Each stitch seems to have a bit more significance, as I wonder how it will feel to go back to knitting with the equivalent of 'big box' yarn. And too, while the Fiber Farm isn't local if you consider my current location, it is located on the island where I grew up.
But as much as I really want one, I'm not going to buy a share. It's beyond the current budget. And I know that there's more interest than the farm will be able to accommodate, as they're receiving some well deserved press, and selling the limited number of shares like hotcakes. And I know that I'll be able to purchase some of their yarn when I visit the island this fall -- I'll be able to meet the farmer, pet the animals, touch the yarns, see their colors and hues. And too, I know there are probably plenty of fiber farmers (though not CSAs) in my own backyard that I could support through the purchase of their yarns. I just need to find them.
what a wonderful idea! I'd love to find something like that.
Posted by: Sarah Jackson | 21 April 2008 at 11:01 AM
WOW!
Posted by: Elizabeth | 21 April 2008 at 11:35 AM
The wool CSA sounds really cool.
Posted by: Oiyi | 21 April 2008 at 04:07 PM
Wool CSA: how very cool. I love the color of the yarn, too. The finished sweater will, no doubt, be stunning.
Posted by: hadley | 21 April 2008 at 05:35 PM
The wool looks lovely - great colours and great concept.
It's always annoyed me in Australia here, that for all the wool we export, there are so few, if any, hand made hand dyed producers and small businesses. You are very lucky to have this!
Posted by: Alison | 21 April 2008 at 06:48 PM
i read that article - it is a wonderful idea!
Posted by: erin | 21 April 2008 at 07:55 PM
As I find true often in life.... I learn much from my children! Here I live on this little Island and I did not know that the MV Fiber Farm even was in existence! I have been very fortunate to have sheep next door to find yarn and thus have never ventured further! What a wonderful thing...The MV Fiber Farm. 150 years ago this Island was so covered with sheep that very few trees stood. Today we have woodlands scattered all across the Island. The only telltale of the fact that pastures were once everywhere are the lichen covered stone walls that weave their way into the forests, once giving the farmer the ability to rotate his hungry sheep to new grazing fields. I love things that make a full circle. It sounds like the MV Fiber Farm may be one of them!
Posted by: Mom | 21 April 2008 at 08:14 PM
Wow- a yard CSA. How very, very cool. I have a friend who gets all her grains from a grain CSA here in northern California and I just love how the options to support small farms are ever expanding even as the world seems to be turning more and more towards massive business models. Thanks for the post!
Posted by: Annie | 22 April 2008 at 12:13 AM
That's very cool. We have one farmer who sells yarn at the farmers market here. It's nice to think that there is more to local farming than just vegetables.
Posted by: Tracy | 22 April 2008 at 08:41 AM
oh my goodness. and holy moly. (and hi!) want to split a share? (like neighbors, you know?)
Posted by: emily | 28 April 2008 at 10:15 AM
Yes! Everything you're saying here. Yes! We just need to find them. My mom and I have been on a quest for some "just right" local yarn. It's around here. We just have to find it. :)
Posted by: Grace | 30 April 2008 at 01:12 PM
PS: Your tangled yoke is looking beautiful and I'm regretting more and more not doing that project. I stalled out on the tilted duster that I began in february because it's knit on the bias and no one has been able to come up with the right way to lengthen it. Because I'm 6 feet tall. And things designed for people who are 5'6" don't fit me. So, I just gave up on it. Sigh.
Posted by: Grace | 30 April 2008 at 01:14 PM