2024 Symposium Recap
"This movement is holy and sacred and heavenly. It feels like how we are meant to be and create."
-Courtney McCrone, Cleveland
A Community Comes Alive
Our inaugural symposium brought together almost 600 textile enthusiasts, makers, and visionaries from across the country for a transformative weekend of connection, learning, and inspiration. This incredible community gathered to reimagine what's possible in our regional textile ecosystem.
What Made It Special
Inspiring Voices
10 dynamic speakers from every corner of our fibershed
Farmers, mill operators, community project leaders, and textile innovators
Standing-room only presentations that left attendees "energized and uplifted"
Living Marketplace
22 local vendors showcasing the vibrancy of our textile community
Over $8,800 in direct support to local makers in just 3 hours
15 hands-on learning stations
Community in Action
500+ pieces of quality clothing found new homes through our swap
Dozens of free mending and sewing tutorials
Connections forged between makers across five states
In Their Words
"It was one of the best symposiums I've ever attended. The messaging was clear, and the takeaways hit it out of the park."
Shailah Maynard, CEO Sew Valley
"Like I finally found the community I have been searching for over the past decade! I am already planning my road trip through the Rust Belt to visit some of the farms, businesses, and people I met."
Rebecca Harrison, Pittsburgh
"I feel a strength and validation in what I'm doing and in our 'place.' I have a better understanding of the functioning of this circular economy... I feel inspired to continue to network and problem solve and make things happen with my community."
Hannah Matthews, Cleveland
True to Our Values
Accessible pricing with scholarship options
Support for local businesses and sustainable practices
Deep commitment to community building
Celebration of regional makers and materials
Looking Ahead to 2025
After such an inspiring first year, we're thrilled to announce our 2025 symposium: "Outgrow the System: Enlivening our place through textiles." Join us as we build on this momentum and dive deeper into how our textile community can thrive.
All of the photos on this page are courtesty of Kogent Studios
