For us, at WoolTribe, wool is more than just a material; it is the source of deep connections that have woven humanity together throughout time. From ancient civilizations to modern artisans, wool has served as a vital resource, providing warmth, comfort, and a canvas for creativity across diverse cultures.
A Universal Connection
Wool carries with it stories of resilience and community. Celtic ancestors\crafted intricate tartans that not only adorned their bodies but also told tales of lineage and identity. Germanic tribes relied on wool for warm cloaks that shielded them from the harshest winters, while our Viking ancestors embraced wool for both clothing and sails, embodying a spirit of exploration and craftsmanship. Cherokee ancestors incorporated wool into their textiles, blending it with traditional materials to create beautiful, functional pieces that honored their heritage.
Our Heritage
The name WoolTribe is a heartfelt tribute to our rich heritage and the remarkable fiber that has shaped our lives. Over the last decade, while researching our ancestry, we have found our connections to wool deepening at every turn - through Sheri’s Cherokee ancestors, who tie us to indigenous traditions where wool was cherished long before European contact. Through our shared Celtic and Germanic ancestry, telling a story of craftsmanship and connection. Ladianne's family history is intertwined with wool through her ancestor who was a wool walker who helped felt cloth with care and precision, and another ancestor who was a wool comber who lovingly prepared raw fleece for spinning. Through Ladianne's great-grandparents, sheep ranchers, nurturing the land and animals that provided this vital material—a legacy of love and labor that resonates deeply with us. Since 2015, when we began working in wool, to now, our focus on 100% USA made fibers and products has only gotten stronger.
A Legacy of Needlecraft
Both of our families have extensive ties to needlecraft, with traditions in needlepoint, knitting, and other wool crafts lovingly passed down through generations. These practices are not merely hobbies; they are expressions of creativity and connection that have been nurtured over time. Each stitch tells a story, each piece holds memories of family gatherings and shared laughter, of getting through challenges, together. Of unity. Of the WHOLE human tribe. And of our ability to use the strength of community to cultivate connection.
Continuing the Tradition
WoolTribe encapsulates the idea that this incredible fiber connects us all in profound ways. It honors our diverse heritage while acknowledging the countless hands that have worked with wool throughout history. As we craft our products, and work with countless members of our larger community to bring them to you, we feel the weight of tradition on our shoulders—a legacy as old as civilization itself.
For us, WoolTribe is not just a brand; it’s a heartfelt celebration of the enduring relevance of wool—a sustainable resource that fosters creativity and connection across cultures. We invite you to join us in honoring this remarkable fiber that ties us all together, weaving new stories into the grand tapestry of human experience. Together, let’s celebrate the warmth, love, and unity that wool brings to our lives!
With love and respect,
