Maine Wool And Fiber Alliance

 Stephanie has worked with fiber businesses since 2022 interviewing about 50 fiber producers, processors, and retailers as part of a Small Business Administration grant.  She earned her Ph.D. at the Pennsylvania State University and is Professor
Emerita at the University of Maine. Dr. Welcomer’s research has focused on the intersection of

 Stephanie has worked with fiber businesses since 2022 interviewing about 50 fiber producers, processors, and retailers as part of a Small Business Administration grant.  She earned her Ph.D. at the Pennsylvania State University and is Professor
Emerita at the University of Maine. Dr. Welcomer’s research has focused on the intersection of
sustainable businesses, communities and environments and she has published articles on
small agricultural businesses' strategies to economic, environmental and social challenges, specifically fiber makers, wine producers, artisan cheese-makers, and climate change and farming.

Mikayla connected with the fiber sector in January 2023, first as part of a special topics course supported by a Small Business Administration grant. Here, she read Clara Parkes Vanishing Fleece and had the beautiful opportunity to serve as a consultant for a Maine alpaca fiber business. Over the last two and a half years, she’s interview

Mikayla connected with the fiber sector in January 2023, first as part of a special topics course supported by a Small Business Administration grant. Here, she read Clara Parkes Vanishing Fleece and had the beautiful opportunity to serve as a consultant for a Maine alpaca fiber business. Over the last two and a half years, she’s interviewed a variety of fiber producers, processors, and retailers to better understand this heritage sector of Maine’s economy. One goal of the SBA grant and this work is to support and unify Maine’s fiber sector, and it’s been (and continues to be!) an absolute honor and pleasure to collaborate with and learn from so many fiber-connected folks. 

Mikayla is pursuing her MBA with concentrations in Sustainability and Public & Nonprofit Management at the University of Maine. She serves as the Lead Peer Coach & Community Engagement Coordinator for TRIO Student Support Services, where she organizes community events, manages marketing and communications, and partners with students to achieve goals in the areas of academic strategy, personal finance, career planning, and well-being. 

She’s a founding member and core organizer of Black Bear Mutual Aid Fund, a nonprofit working to build a culture of community care and redistribute resources to those who need them. Mikayla is passionate about building equity, challenging systems, and creating positive change. She sees herself in the nonprofit sector and hopes to do more consulting for various organizations in her career.

Hello, I am Jodi Clayton, 

I founded One Lupine Fiber Arts in 2002. My business began with, and has grown from, my deep love of wool and natural fibers. I have a rich background in knitting, spinning, felting and textile design. My business has changed and grown over the years. Initially I focused on wholesaling my feltwork nationally and 

Hello, I am Jodi Clayton, 

I founded One Lupine Fiber Arts in 2002. My business began with, and has grown from, my deep love of wool and natural fibers. I have a rich background in knitting, spinning, felting and textile design. My business has changed and grown over the years. Initially I focused on wholesaling my feltwork nationally and beyond, with a small retail space. Support for the retail wing of my business grew, and so did the space. Today One Lupine/Maine Yarn & Fiber Supply is centered around our two brick & mortar retail shops and our on-line store, where hundreds of lines are represented.

My core mission is to support, amplify, and celebrate makers across North America, mindful Fair-Trade partners, and joyful making. My staff and I hope that your experience with us, on-line or in person is delightful, soothing, exciting and inspiring.

Maine Yarn & Fiber Supply focuses on a comprehensive collection of regional yarn and fiber, offering what we believe are some of the very best materials this region has to offer. Our dye kitchen, located in the daylight basement of the shop, is humming daily as we create our signature colorways for yarn and spinning fiber.

Our commitment to supporting Maine grown/processed fibers is continuing. We regularly feature fleece and yarn from our Maine producers and critters. It is a delight and a privilege to be part of this community.

Corry has been immersed in Maine’s alpaca and fiber world since 2004.  She and her wife, Robin, own Northern Solstice Alpaca Farm and the 2 Maine Alpaca Experience retail stores, where their shared passion for alpacas and sustainable fiber is woven into every aspect of their work. With over two decades each in human resource management an

Corry has been immersed in Maine’s alpaca and fiber world since 2004.  She and her wife, Robin, own Northern Solstice Alpaca Farm and the 2 Maine Alpaca Experience retail stores, where their shared passion for alpacas and sustainable fiber is woven into every aspect of their work. With over two decades each in human resource management and business, they bring a wealth of experience that translates beautifully into the world of alpaca retail and farm operations. 

 Nestled in Unity, Maine, their farm is home to a vibrant herd of (currently) 35 alpacas, whose fiber is lovingly raised, harvested, and hand-sorted on-site. Each year, the herd produces around 400 pounds of alpaca fiber, which Corry—trained as a fiber sorter and grader—meticulously prepares for transformation into high-quality yarn and premium products by skilled artisans. 

  Education is a cornerstone of Corry’s mission. The farm offers free tours and classes year-round, teaching visitors about alpaca care, fiber processing, and the many uses of this luxurious material. Corry also leads knitting classes, sharing her love of the fiber arts beginners and seasoned crafters alike.   

Deeply committed to quality and community, Maine Alpaca Experience continues to be a guiding presence in Maine’s alpaca and fiber circle —connecting farms, makers, and customers through the work that means so much.

 Kimberly's passion for building and nurturing community led her to steward the Mother of Purl Yarn Shop in Freeport.  She finds immense joy in immersing herself in the world of fiber, color, and texture. Sustainability and healthy practices are integral to her life's work.  Her Master's in Classical Five Element Acupuncture, emphasizing 

 Kimberly's passion for building and nurturing community led her to steward the Mother of Purl Yarn Shop in Freeport.  She finds immense joy in immersing herself in the world of fiber, color, and texture. Sustainability and healthy practices are integral to her life's work.  Her Master's in Classical Five Element Acupuncture, emphasizing harmony with nature and its rhythms, reinforces the importance of integrating these principles within the fiber community. Kimberly hopes to bring a sense of ease and joy within this beloved community, celebrating shared love and vision.