The art and craft of knitting can also be a way of making the world a better place. Consider the experience of Peter and Marty, two individuals who went ‘back to the land’ in the 1970’s. At the time, the Cold War was on, and the threat of nuclear annihilation ever-present. Wanting to be part of the solution, Marty came up with an idea: why not create yarn spun from both Russian and American sheep? Using the motto “Warm wool from a Cold War,” he and his partner created the Peace Fleece company in 1985.

In the ensuing years, Peace Fleece expanded its mission, sourcing wool made from sheep in a variety of places experiencing armed conflict – Israel, Ukraine, and Kyrgyzstan, to name a few. The company brought these fibers back to the United States and mixed them with American wool to create yarn that literally and symbolically works together for the good of all mankind.

In 2008, the company took a good hard look at the Unites States and its internal divisions. Realizing the number of disenfranchised groups within the country, they decided to focus on bringing economic power to Americans in need. Today, the company blends Rambouillet wool from the Navajo Nation with wool and mohair grown in other areas of the country, offering yarn in two weights (Worsted and DK) in a variety of colors.

Peace Fleece is an exceedingly small company, offering just these two lines of yarn at the present time. Worsted yarn is made in forty different colors, with each hank containing around 200 yards. DK weight hanks offer around 350 yards and come in nine heathered colors. At under fifteen dollars a skein, these are well-priced for the quality of the goods. The company also sells their wool as batting, perfect for felting projects.

Beyond the yarn, the company also sells hand-painted knitting needles, a few books, patterns, and a few pattern collections. Did I happen to mention the patterns? Focused on just these two yarn lines, they offer patterns that cover a range of knitting techniques. Looking for a simple vest stockinette vest to show off the beauty of the yarn? Interested in color techniques such as stranded or mosaic knitting? You’ll find those, as well as some amazing intarsia designs – the Holiday Forest Sock pattern is particularly detailed.
Two issues arise when looking at the patterns. First, knitters will find themselves buying multiple hanks to knit colorwork, with leftovers for the accent colors. The flip side, of course, is the opportunity to make multiples of some patterns by reversing the background color to use up excess yarn. Pattern kits and mini-skeins would be great for those of us new to colorwork, or for those of us who occasionally knit in color. It’s also interesting that the aren’t more patterns using cabling.

Even with these caveats, this is a small company well work supporting; those who knit with wool will appreciate the good value provided as well as the smooshiness and beauty of the yarn. The company’s commitment to social justice is more than icing on the cake, but knitters who purchase here will undoubtedly feel like they get more than they give.

DISCLAIMER: I am not affiliated with Peace Fleece, and have purchased my products with my own funds.

Peace Fleece, Harrisville, New Hampshire. (603) 827-3032. Peacefleece.com.