Publication in CRAFTS magazine UK

The article was published in『 CRAFTS magazine UK issue:299 AUTUMN/WINTER2024』.

Crafts Council https://www.craftscouncil.org.uk/

Magazines are mail-ordered for international shipping.

Article by Francesca Perry, Editor & Writer.https://francesca-perry.com/
Francesca Perry interviewed us to write an article about the future of wool and how it can be produced and used in a sustainable way.

The following text is taken from CRAFTS magazine UK issue: 299 AUTUMN/WINTER2024.

「In the mountainous Shimane prefecture of southern Japan, Kasagi Wool Textiles (KWT) is a small farm and company run by Mai and Masato Kasagi, creating fabrics, rugs and socks. They started five years ago with four ewes – and now have 33 sheep I developed a strong interest in wool,’ says Masato Kasagi. ‘I wanted to raise sheep myself and produce the raw material together with them.” He shears the sheep once a year and works with local craftsmen to spin and weave the yarn, including wool that isn’t considered suitable for mass production because of its characteristics and perceived ‘impurities’.

Masato and Mai prioritise the welfare and wellbeing of their sheep: each one is named and kept in family groups. The couple’s genuine relationship with the animals shows in the products they make. Rugs, delightfully, are designed in the shape of the outlines their sheep leave after sleeping in the snow.

I believe that a high-quality wool product comes from the health of the sheep. says Masato. ‘For us, thinking about how to ensure a peaceful and healthy life for them Inevitably led to the adoption of sustainable practices. KWT hand-washes the wool in small quantities with less water, heat and detergent compared to mass production.

Socks and clothing are produced in one entire piece, directly on the knitting machine in three dimensions, reducing waste. Natural plant dyes are used when colouring the wools: KWT grows its own indigo plants, collects wild lichens and uses kakishibu (tannins from persimmon fruits). Masato and Mai are aware that this approach to sustainability is only possible because of KWT’s small scale. Its meth ods take time and effort; slowness is celebrated. They are keen to understand how to scale up sustainably, but in the meantime acknowledge that the farm is part of the local community – and keeping it going means keeping the community together’, says Masato.」（p.91）