Aired: November 8, 2017
In this episode, Appalachian Transition Fellow Sam Hamlin travels to central Kentucky to hear from farmer, mill owner, and fiber innovator, Lanette Freitag of Lan Mark Farm and Feltloom. We’ll hear about how one Kentucky farming family created a needle felting machine that has made a big impact on small-scale fiber production around the globe.
In the Central Kentucky, just outside of Sharpsburg, Lanette Freitag and Don Bowles operate Lan Mark farm, where they raise sheep, llamas, and alpaca. They also operate a small wool mill where they process and dye their own fibers from their farm. Lan Mark Farm is home to the Feltloom, which is a needle felting machine capable of processing natural fibers into felt cloth. What began as a creation that Lanette and Don developed to more efficiently process their own fiber, has grown into a global processing tool for small-scale fiber farmers, processors, and designers across the world. Feltloom is now sold in 17 countries around the globe.
Listen to this interview with Lanette Freitag to hear about her work on Lan Mark Farm, Feltloom, and the Feltloom’s annual Farm to Fashion show held right here in Kentucky. To learn more about Lan Mark Farm and the Feltloom, and to view their product line, visit their website at http://www.feltloom.com/
Woven Roots: The Appalachian Fiber Story Project is an initiative of the Community Farm Alliance to tell the story of how fiber farming, arts, and entrepreneurship in Appalachian Kentucky can contribute to a bright future in the mountains.