I was invited to spend an afternoon with Joe of Taos Wools, formerly of Southwest Weaving. Back in 2013, when I was meandering all around Nothern New Mexico, I came across Weaving Southwest in Arroyo Hondo and damn near lost my mind with all their amazing yarns. Since then, the company transformed into a singular branch now known as Taos Wools and Joe is the dyer behind it.

I ventured up to his home in the quiet valley and was immediately taken aback by his outdoor dye space, directly planted on exposed land and open to the air. He had about 15lbs of grey and white churro wool in different textures and weights. Watching the skeins take the color is my favorite moment as that is where the creativity behind designing takes place; for me anyhow. He educated me on the use of the sulphuric acid, water reuse, dipping techniques and the solar drying process. I was always under the impression natural dyeing conserved more water than artificial coloring but I was wrong; is the way other around and in a land where water is priceless, I appreciated that tip.

I came home with a bundle of yarns I am now weaving pillows with. Have a look online to peruse his selection. It feels great to connect with and make another friend in this community of fiber folk and be able to support another gifted human in the web of life here.

www.taoswools.com