Threads of Sustainability

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In this episode, I share why I've decided to relaunch the podcast and how it is evolving in Season 4. While previous seasons featured conversations about sustainability, textiles, and creative practice, this next chapter will be much more personal.
Over the coming months, I'll be documenting a major textile project as it unfolds, from the earliest ideas and research through grant applications, design development, studio work, challenges, and lessons learned along the way.
Think of this season as an artist's diary: an honest look behind the scenes at what it takes to build a meaningful body of work and sustain a creative practice.
If you've ever wondered what happens before an artwork reaches the gallery wall, this season is for you.
In this episode:
Why I stepped away from the podcast
What has changed in my artistic practice
Why I'm shifting from interviews to documentary-style storytelling
How I'll be sharing the realities of creative project development
What you can expect in Season 4
Thank you for joining me as I begin this new chapter. Let's see where the thread leads.
Support the show
Follow Bridget O'Flaherty @bridgetoflahertycreates on Instagram and @bridgetoflahertycreates on Facebook.

You can find her online at www.bridgetoflaherty.com

Thanks to Isaac Matthews for creating the music, follow him on Instagram @isaacmatthewsguitar

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In this episode, I’m joined by Anna Hunter, the inspiring force behind Long Way Homestead, a small-scale farm and mill in Manitoba that’s redefining what it means to work with wool in Canada. Anna is a farmer, fibre artist, and regenerative agriculture advocate who is changing the game when it comes to sustainable textile production.
We dive deep into regenerative farming, the role of Canadian wool in the global textile industry, and how Anna’s work is helping to revitalize local economies and reconnect people with their clothing and land. From her involvement in the Fibreshed movement to the innovative use of wool pellets in gardening, Anna offers a refreshing, grounded perspective on what a sustainable fibre future could look like.
If you’ve ever wondered where your wool comes from (or where it could) this episode will open your eyes to the untapped potential of local, regenerative fibres.
In This Episode, We Talk About:
What regenerative agriculture means for the textile industry
Why Canadian wool has been historically undervalued—and how that’s changing
The principles of the Fibreshed model and how it applies in a Canadian context
Creating transparency and connection in the clothing supply chain
Wool pellets as a powerful, sustainable gardening tool
The joys and challenges of running a small-scale mill
How slow fashion starts at the farm level
Connect with Anna Hunter & Long Way Homestead:   
🌐 Website: longwayhomestead.com
📸 Instagram: @longwayhomestead
Resources & Links Mentioned:
Fibreshed movement: fibershed.org
More on wool pellets: longwayhomestead.com/woolpellets
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Support the show
Follow Bridget O'Flaherty @bridgetoflahertycreates on Instagram and @bridgetoflahertycreates on Facebook.

You can find her online at www.bridgetoflaherty.com

Thanks to Isaac Matthews for creating the music, follow him on Instagram @isaacmatthewsguitar

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In Episode 46 of Threads of Sustainability, we sit down with Kate Hay of Quilt with Miss Kate, who brings over 15 years of experience in the quilt industry. Kate’s journey has taken her from working the cutting table to managing Virginia’s largest quilt shop, Patchwork Plus, and serving as the Moda/Ruby Star Society representative for the southeast. Her extensive background provides a unique and valuable perspective on the quilting world.
In this episode, Kate shares her transformation from a one-time glorifier of overconsumption of fabric and notions to an advocate for destashing and intentional fabric-buying practices. Discover how reducing her fabric stash has created mental space and enhanced her creativity. Kate offers insights into the benefits of stash blasting and how these practices can lead to a more fulfilling and sustainable quilting experience.
Tune in to hear Kate’s inspiring story and learn practical tips for managing your fabric stash, embracing sustainable quilting practices, and fostering creativity through intentionality. Whether you're a seasoned quilter or just starting, this episode is packed with valuable advice and inspiration.
Key Topics:
Kate’s extensive experience in the quilt industry
Transition from overconsumption to intentional fabric buying
Benefits of destashing and stash blasting
Enhancing creativity through sustainable practices
Practical tips for managing your fabric stash
Join us for an insightful conversation with Kate and explore how embracing intentional quilting can lead to a more sustainable and creative journey in the world of textiles. Don’t miss this episode filled with wisdom and inspiration from a true industry expert.

Instagram: @quiltwithmisskate
TikTok: @quiltwithmisskate
Support the show
Follow Bridget O'Flaherty @bridgetoflahertycreates on Instagram and @bridgetoflahertycreates on Facebook.

You can find her online at www.bridgetoflaherty.com

Thanks to Isaac Matthews for creating the music, follow him on Instagram @isaacmatthewsguitar

Send us Fan Mail
In this episode of Threads of Sustainability, we delve into the innovative world of FeelGood Fibers with founder Kim Soper. The concept of FeelGood Fibers emerged from a simple observation: the lack of a centralized marketplace for buying and selling secondhand fabrics within the sewing community.
Kim shares the journey behind FeelGood Fibers, which was sparked by the abundance of destash sales on Instagram feeds. Recognizing the inconvenience of accessing these fabrics unless one followed specific destashers, Kim envisioned a solution – a single platform where sewists could easily destash and purchase secondhand fabrics online.
FeelGood Fibers was born out of a passion for fabric and a belief that destashing fabric should be hassle-free and accessible to all. Kim's vision transformed into a vibrant online destination where sewists can browse various secondhand fabrics, fostering sustainability and community within the sewing world.
Join us as we explore the ethos behind FeelGood Fibers, its impact on sustainable sewing practices, and the journey of creating a centralized hub for fabric enthusiasts to destash and shop easily. Tune in to discover how FeelGood Fibers is revolutionizing how we approach fabric destashing in the sewing community.
Website: https://feelgoodfibers.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feelgoodfibers
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/feelgoodfibers

Support the show
Follow Bridget O'Flaherty @bridgetoflahertycreates on Instagram and @bridgetoflahertycreates on Facebook.

You can find her online at www.bridgetoflaherty.com

Thanks to Isaac Matthews for creating the music, follow him on Instagram @isaacmatthewsguitar

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In the diverse landscape of quilting, finding your tribe can be a transformative experience. Join us for an insightful conversation with Maddie Kertay, the driving force behind BadAss Quilter Society, a digital haven for liberal quilters seeking solidarity and community.
Maddie shares her inspiring journey, from advocating for reproductive justice to her bold quilting projects that challenge societal norms. Through BadAss Quilter Society, Maddie fosters a space where inclusivity, activism, and creativity intersect, empowering quilters to amplify their voices and stand up for social justice.
Discover Maddie's personal story as a proud queer, ADHD advocate, and diabetes warrior, defying stereotypes and embracing authenticity with every stitch. Through her vibrant community, Maddie celebrates diversity, resilience, and the transformative power of quilting to drive positive change.
Join us for Episode 44 as we explore the empowering message of solidarity and belonging in the quilting world. Subscribe now to Threads of Sustainability and become part of a movement that celebrates the beauty of diversity and the limitless possibilities of quilting to shape a brighter future.
Website: https://www.badassquilterssociety.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_badass_quilter/
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BadAssQuiltersCommunity
Support the show
Follow Bridget O'Flaherty @bridgetoflahertycreates on Instagram and @bridgetoflahertycreates on Facebook.

You can find her online at www.bridgetoflaherty.com

Thanks to Isaac Matthews for creating the music, follow him on Instagram @isaacmatthewsguitar