One standard
I have always had is that I would only buy yarn bases from what I believed were
ethically-treated sheep. For over a year now, I have been using one base in
three different weights (sock, DK, aran) that was certified organic. However, yesterday
I was told that the source I buy my yarns from is no longer able to get this
wool. They have found a replacement that they believe will be almost identical
to what I am using now, but it would be a few months before they would be able
to get any to me. There will also be a small price increase with this new
source of organic wool.
So I was in
a bit of a dilemma yesterday. How will I get through the next few months until
this new yarn is released? What if I don’t even like the new yarn? After some
conversations with a few people whose opinions I trust, I believe I have come
to a solution, and honestly, it could lead to some exciting things.
I have found
another source that gets their merino from ethical sources. Are they certified
organic? No. Do they still care about the welfare of their sheep? Yes. What has
always been important to me and my company is not a certification, but just
that the animals that we receive wool from have been treated well and are cared
for. This new source would allow me to add things like superwash bases, nylon
blends, even some blends with a bit of sparkle. If, once I examine this new
organic yarn, I decide that it is on par with what I have been selling, I will
continue to have organic yarns in the shop as well.
One thing
that is for certain is that the Gynx Sock, Gynx DK, and Gynx Aran lines will no
longer be produced once my supply runs out. Because of this, I will no longer
be taking custom orders until I have everything figured out. While this new
organic base may very well be indistinguishable from my current bases, I just
can’t know for sure, so I can’t promise anything. If you have enjoyed working
with these bases or have wanted to try them, it would be highly recommended
that you get what you want now.
I want to
know what you, my customers and supporters, think about all of this. How do you
feel about non-organic, but still ethically-sourced wools? The possibility of
superwash or other additions? Please feel free to tell me your opinion either
on the blog, on Ravelry, or email me at gynxyarns@gmail.com
I look
forward to seeing what the future holds for Gynx Yarns, and I thank all of you
who have helped me get to this point.
I have only bought from you once but here is my feeling on organic- simply, it is a label. I deal directly with farmers to get my food and I have met many that are not certified organic but who care deeply about what they do and how they treat their land and animals and what that means to the environment. They would never hesitate to have their customers drop by unannounced to see them at work. Certification paperwork can be burdensome and expensive. If I trust the people and can see for myself what they are doing and am comfortable with it, I am OK with them investing their time and money into what they are doing instead of a certification if that is what they think is better for their business.
ReplyDeleteSo, if I like your yarn and find you to be a trustworthy business person and you are willing to be transparent about your decisions and where things come from then seems like it will be good :-)
So far, what I've ordered from you has been great so I have complete faith that your new wool will be just as good (as a knitter, you're a great judge of quality!) Besides, sometimes ethical is better than organic. Happy sheep have the best fleeces. :^) Keep up the great work, it's appreciated! (off to shop.. need more socks!)
ReplyDeleteOpportunities for change come in interesting ways, don't they? Thanks for sharing your thought process on this opportunity.
ReplyDeleteLike Nicole (Oct 5 commenter), I buy food directly from farmers who have a great passion for what they do and what they stand for and who take great care of their animals, their environment, and customers. One business in particular is not certified organic, but I trust their processes and their product because I trust them. The label wasn't necessary for me to become a loyal customer.
Same with your situation - I love your product and trust that you make the best possible decisions based on the opportunities that face you, so the "organic" title is less important than how the sheep are treated. A business could have a great "title" and still treat it's customers like crap. You do not.
Thanks for asking.