I wasn't sure how to compare organic yarn and GOTS yarn. I looked at the website for GOTS (http://www.global-standard.org) to see if it addressed my question. I tried various links and found myself viewing the member list of the Ecological and Toxicological Association of Dyes and Organic Pigments Manufacturers. I didn't recognize any US yarn company names as members of their association. I sent the followiing email via their contact option:
I am the sole proprietor of a small weaving business and am very concerned about the safety of the yarn I use. I often weave with naturally colored organic cotton and would like my other products to be as environmentally safe. How do I appraise various yarns? For instance, Venne Colcoton has GOTS certification; I don't know what the standards are for US-produced cotton (which may vary by state).
I know I'm asking a complex question, especially considering I am not scientifically oriented. I would greatly appreciate any assistance you can provide -
And I received such a nice response from Dr Pier Francesco Fois. He provided an explanation of the regulations that this English major could understand, a link to the USDA document certifying that GOTS yarn may be termed organic but not be called USDA-certified organic. And a link to a NYC yarn store!
So I ordered a sample card for colors and some of Venn's GOTS yarn. The cart feature did not ask for credit card, and I realized how little I know about doing business in foreign countries. I thought they might send the yarn and bill me or maybe send me an e-mail with necessary information. I waited for 2 or 3 weeks - surprisingly patient! Then I asked on Weavolution if anyone had experience with Venne.
I heard from two weavers: one saying that a US company sells Venne organic, and another who lives in Denmark and had visited Venne's booth at a fiber show in Scandinavia. After several exchanges, she offered to contact a weaver in the Netherlands to check on my order. Then the Dutch weaver called Venne! And I received a re-sent e-mail from Venne with the order details and payment options.
I am very moved by two aspects: one, that these kind people were not only willing to help but to go to great lengths to do so. The second is the willingness of people to share their time, talents, knowledge, and time.
I'm reminded of learning to make sausage in a meat-eating phase. I went to the butcher at the local grocery store - back when there were actually butchers in stores (I also had a milk man then). It was as though the butcher had been waiting forever to share all that he'd learned with a receptive audience.
As the cliche goes, a stranger is only a friend you haven't met yet.








