Hudson Valley Sheep and Wool Company Makes Sustainable Local Textiles for Eco Designers

In a highly corporate world <a href="http://www.investorwords.com/1163/cottage_industry.html">cottage industries</a> are few and far between but as the demand for local goods increases, they may have a second chance. Located about 100 miles north of New York City, the <a href="http://www.hudsonvalleysheepandwoolco.com/index.htm">Hudson Valley Sheep and Wool Company</a> is one such example. Started by Mary Godesky, the farm houses 100 ewes and eight ram and is largely run by women. Godesky treats the sheep with love and all of the wool is sustainably processed on site, making the company an eco designer's dream come true.

Icelandic and Shetland breeds provide a hearty wool perfect for outer wear.

The sheep's fleece is processed on site and is transformed into batts, roving, sheets of felt or spun into yarn.

The mill has the equipment necessary for a variety of wool processing techniques.

A drafter is used to process the wool.

All products come in a variety of colors- some left in their natural state and others dyed on site.

The farm hosts a small Yarn Shop where customers can find Hudson Valley Sheep and Wool brand wool products as well as yarns by a number of other makers.

The Yarn Shop features all things wool including finished products, DIY kits and dyes.

Several members of the company also sell their fine finished knit and felt work as well as DIY kits for those starting out in the fibers world.

Felting is a process that binds the loose fibers together through friction and a series of heat shocks.

Sheets of felt are available for purchase. Some incorporate scraps to make colorful designs.

Agriculturalists, artists and students gather to share knowledge, work the land, produce goods and catch up on life. Here, fiber artist Laura Sansone stops by to pick up materials and catches up with Mickey O'Neill.

Mickey O'Neill and Hudson Valley Sheep and Wool resident, Ranger, enjoy the fresh air. Mickey is originally from the area and has worked with Mary for over seven years.

Godesky's mill has long served as an important resource for the surrounding community but due to recent economic challenges, she downsized operations in March 2011. Given the number of young New York City based designers searching for local and ethical sources of materials, with some strategic networking the mill could potentially see a second life.