Natural FIBERS

When visitors drive up to our Northern California foothill farm, they immediately notice the fluffy, long-horned beasties dotted all over our pastures. If they have never met us before, these visitors will always tell us how they love seeing our beautiful "sheep" and ask what we do with their wool.

- CHRIS MCLAUGHLIN

I smile and take a deep breath, because this is where the fun starts.

I enjoy nothing more than sharing that we raise Angora goats as opposed to sheep, and they produce mohair (like the suit) as opposed to wool. The most interesting part is that nearly everyone we talk to has no idea that natural fibers can be produced by goats! The mistake is easy to make. After all, they are sheep-sized and look all squishy and pillowlike. In fact, Angoras aren't the only goats that offer beautiful, luxurious fiber. On behalf of fiber goat breeders everywhere, when it comes to natural fibers, we've got a goat for that!

WHY NATURAL ANIMAL FIBERS?

No matter how many times humans attempt to synthetically duplicate the strength, comfort and durability of animal fibers, fiber artisans and conscientious folks everywhere find themselves drawn to the ones only nature can provide. It's not surprising, as it's a tall order to fill. Consider the following compelling reasons to reach for natural fibers instead of their synthetic counterparts.

THEY'RE RENEWABLE, BIODEGRADABLE & ETHICAL.

All natural fibers are biodegradable and fully compostable, while acrylics and other synthetic materials aren't.

Fiber goats-just like sheep, alpacas, etc.grow a new coat every year. These fibers need to be shorn from the animals to keep them healthy. Savvy clothing designers ignore the misinformation stating otherwise. They're aware of the benefits of utilizing natural fibers and continue to purchase materials from farms with ethical husbandry practices.

THEY'RE INSULATING & FLAMERESISTANT.

Natural fibers are almost magical when it comes to insulation. Not only will these fibers keep you warmer in cold weather than acrylic, but they have an added virtue: They "breathe." What this means is the fiber absorbs perspiration and wicks it away from the skin and into the air.