Field to Fiber Arts

9/3/18, 11:30 AM

By: Judith Cheng, Diance Frances & Julie Rockefeller

An increasing number of small farming operations in upstate New York, including  La Basse Cour, are raising their fiber animals using regenerative agricultural practices. 

"Using regenerative agricultural practices" means nurturing the soil as well as the animals. Committing to this brand of stewardship results in a deeper connection to the land and requires the farmer to think globally while acting locally. The goal is to live and work in balance with nature, conserving resources while strengthening community relationships. 

Last summer, for the first time, La Basse Cour sent some of its Romney fleeces to Battenkill Fibers to be spun into yarn. The results are every bit as beautiful as the animals standing in the field. 

The yarn quality is directly attributable to the care and feeding given the sheep, which is directly attributable to the care and feeding given the soil. 

Working with this yarn connects the knitter or weaver directly to the sheep and the farmland, and directly to Diane and Larry,  who nurture them both.

2018 promises to be an extra-exciting year at La Basse Cour, including the opening of a new farm store and the creation of a community textile studio.

Beginning late May, the farm store will carry a wide variety of local foods and products, including its own yarn in 3 colors, put up in 100 gram skeins.

The textile studio will serve as a venue for workshops and afford local fiber enthusiasts to work on their own projects in community with others. Collaboration is bound to ensue! 

Contact Diane Frances at 607.538.9707 or labassecour@huges.net for more information and to schedule a visit to the farm.