Major Thank-You to our 2024 Rust Belt Fibershed
Symposium Sponsors
We could not be doing this without your help.
The strength of this conference lies in our community, our collective voices, our co-creation, and also our sponsorships.
By giving to the Rust Belt Fibershed 2024 Symposium, you’ll help us accomplish our goal of providing speaker fees to regenerative fiber farmers and processors and develop print media including but not limited to “Taking Climate Change into my own Closet” workbooks for attendees, postcards, and signs for the event. We’ll also use funding to pay professional photographers and videographers to cover the event so that we can continue to tell the story of how our textiles impact our environment.
In appreciation of your donation, we would like to display your name as a Sponsor for the event in the space below, at the bottom of print materials for Symposium attendees, and on-screen during the morning speakers. Thank you for helping us make this year’s event a springboard for ecologically-based culture shifts throughout the rest of 2024!
We are an official 501(c)3, and all donations are tax-deductible. If you'd like to chat more about partnering with the Rust Belt Fibershed, please reach out to rustbeltfibershed@gmail.com. We'd love to chat more.
Once you click the button, click “get tickets” and select the sponsorship option.
A HUGE THANK-YOU TO OUR CURRENT SPONSORS:
Broadlawn Farm—near Cleveland, Ohio
Broadlawn Farm is a 15 acre historic estate farm bringing inspiring and creative people together to curate magical events, experiences, ideas and products focused on well-being. We offer workshops, location shoots, brand styling and experience design consultations, both here at the farm and off-site. We like to say that we can bring the Broadlawn Farm anywhere.
Instagram: @broadlawnfarm
Website: Broadlawnfarm.com
“Broadlawn Farm has been such a huge supporter of and participant in our Rust Belt Fibershed community in so many ways, it’s hard to know where to start. From growing flax to organizing community events at the farm to sharing photos to simply hyping us up with positive psychology, thank you, Broadlawn Farm!!!” — Jess Boeke, Co-Founder, Rust Belt Fibershed
Pinwheel Gallery —
Old Brooklyn, OH
A place where art lovers and artists and community members can connect, collaborate, and celebrate the creative process.
“In March, Pinwheel Gallery is having an exhibit all about regenerative agriculture, which is very aligned to our mission at the Rust Belt Fibershed. Please go support them and the importance of local art!” —Jess Boeke, co-founder, Rust Belt Fibershed
Open: 2pm-6pm Wednesday thru Saturday
Website: www.pinwheelgallery.com
Instagram: @pinwheel_gallery
Praxis Fiber Workshop—Cleveland, OH
Praxis Fiber Workshop builds the international network of fiber artists and makers through classes, workshops, residencies, and collaborative projects that teach the art form and demonstrate how fiber art can be used to build healthy, resilient, and inclusive communities.
Instagram: @praxisfiberworkshop
Website: Praxisfiberworkshop.org
“Praxis is home to a collective indigo project and sukomo composting setup that we brag about any chance we get to. We are so lucky to have Praxis as a partner!” - Sarah Pottle, Co-founder Rust Belt Fibershed
Ladder—
Shaker Heights, OH
LADDER is a clothing boutique that highlights independent designers focused on sustainability. For us, sustainability means working with brands using mostly natural fibers. When fabrics are synthetic, they're recycled or renewable. We also work exclusively with brands that support ethical wages and safe working conditions. Founded by Dre Wien, LADDER is an extension of her belief that to live well means to live in harmony with our bodies, each other and the earth.
Open: Tuesday-Saturday 10-6, Sun 11-3
Instagram: @laddercle
Website: laddercle.com
Tyler Village—Cleveland, OH
Rooted in community, Tyler Village is an open and engaging environment for local artists, international companies, small businesses, and mighty non-profits of any scale. Our mixed-use complex offers various floor plans to start, grow, and re-imagine work, collaborate, and thrive.
The Tyler Village campus is a constantly evolving blend of historical buildings, customizable spaces, and modern amenities. You deserve a space that celebrates and reflects who you are. You need a space that helps you secure clients and partners and recruit and retain team members. Just minutes from Downtown Cleveland, University Circle, and the innerbelt, Tyler Village is an ideal destination.
We’ve got plenty going on here. Come see what Tyler Village is all about!
Instagram: @tylervillage
Website: https://tylervillage.com/
Bolt & Spool—Cleveland, OH
Bolt & Spool is a charming fabric boutique located in the heart of Little Italy within Cleveland's University Circle neighborhood. We carry only the finest fabrics, ribbons, patterns, maker kits and notions. We host classes and stitch parties for sewists of all kinds. Our goal is to make your sewing project the most special it can be, and fun from start to finish.
Instagram: @boltandspool
Website: boltandspool.com
World Centric
We exist to be of service to people and the planet.
We manufacture only compostable foodservice and packaging products and give 25% of our profits to social and environmental organizations to further their work in creating a better world.
Instagram: @worldcentric
Website: worldcentric.com
Westminster AV—Cleveland, Ohio
Westminster AV is woman-owned small business located in downtown Cleveland. We are a leading supplier of event technology services for hotels, restaurants and conference centers. We specialize in corporate AV, galas and fundraisers.
Call us to talk about your next event at 216.325.6965.
Website: www.westminsterav.com
“Jason has been more responsive and accommodating than I could have ever asked for. The planning process has been so smooth, and they have been so helpful in tailoring their services to meet our specific needs and budget!” —Sarah Pottle, co-founder, RBF
Weavers Guild of Greater Cincinnati
Our Mission: Preserving and advancing the fiber arts through inspiration, education, and support of makers and enthusiasts.
Instagram: @weaversguildcincinnati
Website: www.weaversguildcincinnati.org
“I owe my own weaving skill to a local guild who took me in and mentored me! You can definitely feel the energy building behind the WGGC- an incredible resource of wisdom, skills, and talent. When I see the programming and work coming out of the WGGC, I’m floored and wished I lived closer! If you are in the general Cincinnati area and are interested in learning the art and skills of weaving, spinning, dyeing, and more, look no further than their classes, workshops, and memberships! - Sarah Pottle, Co-Founder, RBF
Cleveland Seed Bank
The Cleveland Seed Bank works to inspire, educate, and grow a community network of seed savers.
The Cleveland Seed Bank acts as an independent and accessible source of open-pollinated, non-GMO seeds and aims to develop a regional alliance of seed savers dedicated to the creation of a locally adapted seed supply.
The preservation of local, open-pollinated seed varieties is vitally important for the planet’s ecological resilience and the maintenance of our food security. The unprecedented loss of our planet’s biological diversity and alarming dominance of multinational, corporate agriculture have put seed resilience and thus food availability at great risk. Saving open-pollinated seeds is a decentralized, local solution to this worldwide problem.
The Cleveland Seed Bank is the domestic work of The Hummingbird Project, an international nonprofit based in Cleveland, Ohio. It aims to safeguard and restore the biological diversity vital for sustainable agriculture, both in the U.S. and around the world.
Instagram: @Clevelandseedbank
Website: hummingbirdproject.org
The Cleveland Foundation
The only reason this symposium— which we’ve been dreaming about for four years— was able to come into reality this year is because the folks at the Cleveland Foundation gave us a starter grant to pursue it. We are so very grateful for this funding, for their partnership, and for the work they’re doing in the Greater Cleveland Area.
Website: Clevelandfoundation.org
Abflüg VW Camper Van Rentals
Abflüg: German Noun; depart or to take off. Abflüg was founded to inspire travel and exploration of our region. Based in Cleveland, we rent vintage VW camper vans for those who want to explore Ohio and surrounding states. Abflüg offers pre-planned trips for those looking for recommendations and new locations to explore, or simply rent the vans and just see where the road less traveled takes you. Rentals beginning at the start of camping season in April, 2024. Inquire now!
Instagram: @abflugohio
Kogent Studios
At Kogent Studios, we illuminate brands with customized photo and video solutions. We empower businesses with quality photo and video content that enhances their brand, drives customer engagement, and contributes to their growth and success. Catering to a diverse clientele, from non-profits to established corporations, we blend dynamic storytelling, creativity, and unwavering integrity. We invite you to collaborate with us to create captivating visuals that illuminate your story.
‘We are so grateful to have found Kogent Studios to capture our first ever symposium!”
contact: mallory@kogentstudios.com Website: kogentstudios.com
For full weekend agenda and details, please see the main symposium page.
Raffle Sponsors
Raffle will take place on Saturday afternoon and winners will be drawn at 3:45pm!
$1= 1 ticket, or 6 tickets for $5
We are so grateful for our raffle sponsors for generously donating the amazing products below! Take a chance on winning one of the options below while supporting us as we building out our Fibershed Producer Program this year! We’ll accept cash or paypal app.
Two Harvest Boxes: Flowers and Foliage from Our U.S. Farmers ($150 each)—donated by Botanical Colors
In addition to being our Rust Belt Fibershed Team’s go-to for resources, recipes, and certain materials for natural dyes, Botanical Colors has donated not just one, but two Harvest Boxes: Flowers and Foliage from Our U.S. Farmers. We are so grateful for their partnership, and we can’t wait to see who gets to take these babies home!
One of our favorite Botanical Color’s resources is the library of Feedback Friday videos , the incredible depth of how-tos, and their shop!
Instagram: @botanicalcolors
Two Shares of Local Produce Gift Cards ($40 value)—Donated by City Fresh in Cleveland, Ohio
We are all on-board for the mission of City Fresh, who are building connections between communities and their food & food producers.
City Fresh is donating two gift cards for a single share of veggies— that means two fresh boxes of local produce for the winner!
Fresh, Local Veggies for All!
City Fresh is a Farm Box program working to increase food access in Northeast Ohio while building community and supporting local farmers.
Local (Cleveland area) pickup.
Instagram: @cityfreshneo
Website: cityfresh.org
Crocheted Suri scarf + pair of socks— Donated by Laurel Shouvlin of the Suri Alpaca Network
Laurel Shouvlin of the Suri (alpaca) Network will donate a crocheted Suri scarf and a pair of socks that were made from the KY, OH, IN fiberpooling.
Established in 1997, the Suri Network was founded to support growth of the Suri alpaca industry by increasing awareness of and interest in Suri alpacas and Suri products. By organizing and conducting events and initiatives for our members and the public, the Suri Network serves as an educational and marketing organization protecting the collective interests of our members, promoting the Suri and the use of its fiber, and protecting and preserving the Suri alpaca breed.
Website: https://surinetwork.org/
Cleveland Sewing Co. Bundle! ($137 value)— Donated by Cleveland Sewing Company
Cleveland Sewing Company conducts sewing manufacturing for businesses of all sizes. Over the past 10 years, we've specialized in home goods, bags, and apparel. Green living is very important to us and we're glad you're here! Our mediums primarily consist of hemp, sustainable & repurposed canvas, linen, and organic cotton. Our goal is to provide your business with beautiful, well-made, sustainable goods to guide our world to carbon neutrality.
Cleveland Sewing Company is donating a bundle of their best goods: An apron, a tote, a roll of Paper Free Towels and a 3 pc Veggie Crisper set!
Website: https://clevelandsewingcompany.com/
Two Sewing Pattern Downloads for the Flughafen (an original Flux Bene Design)— Donated by Flux Bene in Pittsburgh
The Flughafen Sewing Pattern is a downloadable PDF that includes detailed instructions and pattern pieces that will enable you to upcycle a second-hand button up shirt into a cropped top with large chest pockets and cuffed short sleeves.
The Flughafen is an original Flux Bene design. We have been making and selling these since 2017, and they are still very popular. We can only make so many though! In an effort to spread the excitement and skill of creative clothing reuse, we are thrilled to offer our pattern to you.
Website: Flux Bene / Sewing Patterns
Locally-Grown Flower Arrangement and Delivery ($100 value)— Donated by Frayed Knot Farm in Newbury, Ohio
Not only has Frayed Knot Farm been a huge supporter of our Fibershed, they have been an integral part of our flax project since day one, back in 2019, when we were looking for a farmer who wanted to take a chance growing flax with us with the soil in mind. We ran into Emily, and the rest is history. Frayed Knot has been an integral part of our flax project since.
Frayed Knot Farm is donating a flower arrangement + delivery valued at $100. Local (Cleveland area) Delivery only.
Instagram: @frayedknotfarm
Website: Frayedknotfarm.com
Solid Keycahain Hand Sewn in Vegetable Tanned Leather and Solid Brass ($40 value)—Donated by Harkin
Custom designed leather goods slowly made in Cleveland, crafted in traceable vegetable tanned leather. The story of the animal to the material to the end product only travels through a few hands across a few states while maintaining low waste and a high end product.
Website: Harkin Keychain
Gift Basket of Grumpy Goat Experiment Goods!— Donated by Fiber Farm Grumpy Goat Experiment in New Bremen, OH
We are a small family farm in west central Ohio providing to our local community: organic veggies, sustainably grown grain crops, local wool fleeces and yarn, eggs, honey, goat milk soap, jams and jellies, barn wood birdhouses, fresh baked bread, and maple syrup.
Grumpy Goat Experiment is donating a gift basket of fiber, honey, lip balm, soap, and jam.
Website: https://grumpygoatexperiment.org/
Local Goodies Gift Basket—Donated by Purple Brown Farm Store in Peninsula, Ohio
Purple Brown is our Executive Director’s multiple-times-a-weekstop to stock up on the best farm-sourced, local goods. They’re donating a non-perishable gift basket stocked with some of the best local goodies!
We offer the highest quality local & organic foods, plain & simple.
dairy, meat , bakery, produce, pantry
prepared foods & snacks
cold drinks & hot coffee
60+ producers within 60 miles
& then some!
Instagram: @purplebrownohio and @purplebrownfarmstore
Website: purplebrownfarmstore.com
Two Skeins of Locally-Grown Icelandic Yarn ($60 value)— Donated by Kelly Powers at Powers Acres Farm in Granger Township, OH
We are a 50 acre Certified Organic farm in NE Ohio with Icelandic sheep for meat, wool and hides, and we are looking to bring a mini mill to NE Ohio! Follow us to learn more and show your support of regional fiber!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/PastureRotatedIcelandicsheep/
Drop Spindle Kit— Donated by Denise Williams of Something Beautiful Handcrafts
Get spinning local fiber easily with a drop spindle kit, donated by Something Beautiful Handcrafts.
Two Otto Finn Lab Mending Bundles— Donated by Otto Finn in Pittsburgh, PA.
The Otto Finn Lab Mending Bundle includes kantha scrap fabric from our production, saved from the cutting room floor in keeping with our commitment to reduce textile waste. Use them to patch a knee, reinforce a well-loved piece, or to breathe life back to a garment you haven't been wearing and give it a second chance. We recommend using sashiko or quilting needles as these fabrics are thick.
We will include 4 pieces, with the largest 2 measuring about 8" x 12" (big enough for a men's knee patch). You can select your bundle color theme or be surprised. The photos are similar to what you receive but they are all unique and will never be the same.
Please share what you mend on IG with #ottofinnlab
Website: Mending Bundle
One Sew Valley Made Bowling/Camp Shirt ($75 value)—Donated by Sew Valley in Cincinnati, Ohio
Sew Valley is a sustainably focused garment factory, sample room and incubator space. As a non-profit organization, we provide the guidance, collaboration, connections, space, services, and equipment that brands or individuals need to bring their design to market.
Sew Valley is donating a Unisex shortsleeve buttondown shirt in Bowling/camp shirt-style! Made of donated top-of-the-line materials!
Website: Bowling Shirt by Sew Valley
A bag of Tilth Soil: sprout— Donated by Tilth Soil in Cleveland, OH
Tilth is an outgrowth of an organics recycling company based in Cleveland, Ohio; Rust Belt Riders.
Sprout is the product that launched Tilth. As home gardeners and professional growers know all too well, the quality of your starts can dictate the fate of your growing season. Sprout, with all of the necessary amendments for early plant growth, will ensure a healthy root structure and long term vigor.
One Bottle Bag—Donated by SilkDenim
Inspired by the beauty of worn fabric, we started SilkDenim to make Art You Can Use*. We re-make 100% recycled materials into individually crafted objects.
Website: SilkDenim.us
Fiber Art Basket—Donate by Praxis Fiber Workshop
Praxis is definitely one of our local Northeast Ohio gems in the fiber arts world— we are so lucky to have them, and one raffle winner is going to be so lucky to take home a basket of Praxis Fiber Workshop goodies for making your own fiber art!