Yarn Investing

Ever since high school I’ve had an interest in investing; more specifically investing in the stock market. Last year, twenty years after high school <deep sigh>, I finally opened my first investment account with Share Builder. I feel a deep acid-reflexed privilege to have started my investing dream just as the economy tanked <deeper sigh>. Despite the fact that my portfolio is down (way down) I still have the investment bug. But it’s a more environmently-friendly bug these days.

One of my philosophies with investing, as it is with any purchase, is “Buy what you love.” The problem is that sometimes there is no means in which to invest in the products you are most passionate about. Wool and cotton are both traded as commodities, but I struggle with investing in large corporations that over work our natural resources. And how often would I really see any return on my investment? Especially since I invest in such small amounts.

Today, I was so excited to learn about fiber community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs. In short CSA is a method for small-scale commercial farmers and gardeners to help increase the quality of their production and care given to their land, plants and animals while substantially reducing the financial risk by selling shares of their crops or flocks to the public.

In the past CSA’s have primarily been produce focused, but Martha’s Vineyard Fiber Farm and Hudson Valley Fiber Farm has taken the program to the sheep…and goats. When you purchase shares in their CSA you are investing in a “harvest” of Kid Mohair or Cormo Wool. You’ll receive a shareholder’s certificate, weekly farm updates and special invitation to events. The money from your investment is used to purchase premium feed and hay for the animals and to increase the size of the flock.

Best of all I liked this quote from their website: “Our farm practices humane animal husbandry, we are “predator friendly” and none of our animals are ever sold for meat. The sheep and goats graze on organic pasture 9 months out of the year. We supplement with quality hay and a custom-made whole grain ration.”

Now here’s where it pays off. After shearing, the “harvest” is worked in a local mill and you are sent your share of the actual yarn or fiber from the flock! They limit the number of shareholder for each clip so you are pretty much in store for a bountiful supply.

For more information about Martha’s Vineyard Fiber Farm visit their lovely website. To purchase shares in their CSA you can go to Martha’s Vineyard Fiber Farm Etsy shop or the Hudson Valley Fiber Farm Etsy shop. What an amazing gift for yourself or a fiber lover.

NOTE: Shares for the Spring 2009 clip at Martha’s Vineyard have sold out. At the time of this post, there were still twenty-five shares left for Hudson Valley and they have taken $10 off the regular $150/ share price. Hey Chris! Do you want to invest halvsies with me?