Presenter: Gigi Matthews

For almost all of human history, cloth was created from plant and animal fibers. Over the past 75 years, the textile industry has undergone extraordinary changes and the vast majority of clothing and fabrics are now made with oil and toxic chemicals. In this presentation, we'll look at the surprising ways that plants have been turned into cloth over the millennia, and learn why we need to move urgently toward sustainable textile practices. As well, we'll see what kinds of amazing new fibers are coming down the pipeline, and how you can incorporate sustainability into your fiber arts work and life. Gigi Matthews’ keen interest in fibers and materials is a result of decades of world travel to over 30 countries. As a spinner, she has sold yarns in markets and on Etsy, and teaches at guilds, regional conferences, the Tatter Textile Library, and the John C. Campbell Folk School. She has published articles in Ply Magazine and Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot and is currently a member of the Handweavers Guild of America’s board of directors, where her focus is on sustainability and inclusivity.