Fibershed Growing a Movement of Farmers, Fashion Activists, and Makers for a New Textile Economy
- worldwide shipping available
- In stock, ready to ship
- Inventory on the way
A new “farm-to-closet” vision for the clothes we wear–by a leader in the movement for local textile economies
There is a major disconnect between what we wear and our knowledge of its impact on land, air, water, labor, and human health. Even those who value access to safe, local, nutritious food have largely overlooked the production of fiber, dyes, and the chemistry that forms the backbone of modern textile production. While humans are 100 percent reliant on their second skin, it’s common to think little about the biological and human cultural context from which our clothing derives.
Almost a decade ago, weaver and natural dyer Rebecca Burgess developed a project focused on wearing clothing made from fiber grown, woven, and sewn within her bioregion of North Central California. As she began to network with ranchers, farmers, and artisans, she discovered that even in her home community there was ample raw material being grown to support a new regional textile economy with deep roots in climate change prevention and soil restoration. A vision for the future came into focus, combining the right livelihoods and a textile system based on economic justice and soil carbon enhancing practices. Burgess saw that we could create viable supply chains of clothing that could become the new standard in a world looking to solve the climate crisis.
In Fibershed readers will learn how natural plant dyes and fibers such as wool, cotton, hemp, and flax can be grown and processed as part of a scalable, restorative agricultural system. They will also learn about milling and other technical systems needed to make regional textile production possible. Fibershed is a resource for fiber farmers, ranchers, contract grazers, weavers, knitters, slow-fashion entrepreneurs, soil activists, and conscious consumers who want to join or create their own fibershed and topple outdated and toxic systems of exploitation...
Balms and Soaps:
Suet Tallow (fat) from certified regeneratively-raised Northern California cattle, organic marigold CO2 extract (Calendula), Séka Hills extra-virgin olive oil, and premium organic essential oils.
Candles and Lip Care:
Suet Tallow (fat) from certified regeneratively-raised Northern California cattle, organic marigold CO2 extract (Calendula), raw beeswax, and premium organic essential oils.
Our Partners & Ingredients:
- STEMPLE CREEK RANCH, CA: A trusted source for our regeneratively-raised suet.
- RANCHO LLANO SECO, CA: Our prime source for hand-rendered leaf lard, where animal welfare takes precedence.
- SEKA HILLS, CA: A tribal beacon for extra-virgin olive oil, deeply rooted in preservation and heritage.
- SONOMA HERB EXCHANGE, CA: Advocates for organic herb growers and wellness artisans.
- RAW BEESWAX, CA: Bay Area master beekeeper Khaled Almaghafi provides us with his sustainably harvested beeswax.
- FAIR TRADE, ORGANIC CACAO BUTTER, PERU: A nutrient-dense, food-based ingredient sourced through our friends at Coracao Chocolates in Berkeley.
- ORGANIC BOTANICAL ESSENTIAL OILS & EXOTIC FLORAL ABSOLUTES: Globally sourced by experts for unparalleled quality.
Returns and Exchanges
Thank you for choosing our products! Your satisfaction is of utmost importance to us.
However, due to the unique nature of our organic and seasonal ingredients, all sales are considered final and not eligible for returns.
We reserve the right to exercise discretion in accepting or declining returns per our internal policies. Understanding the complexities of skincare, we encourage you to consult with us regarding your needs before purchasing.
Please know that our products are multipurpose, and although they can be used on the face, they can also be used on the hands, body, feet, and hair.
Summer Solace, LLC is inculpable for any adverse reaction or allergy to our products. We stand behind the caliber and integrity of every ingredient and product we craft, and we share all product ingredients on our website to foster personal discretion while shopping.
If you have inquiries about our products or require assistance due to a quality-related concern or an issue during shipment, please do not hesitate to contact us at hello@summersolacetallow.com. Our dedicated team is readily available to assist you, and we aim to address your needs.
To expedite the process, please provide a photograph illustrating the quality-related issue or damage during shipment within five days of receiving your order. A 10% restocking fee will be applied to the product(s) purchased, and the customer is responsible for shipping. Please note that gift cards cannot be returned.
Your understanding in this matter is greatly appreciated, and we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to continue serving you in the future!
Welcome to Summer Solace! Here are our answers to some frequently asked questions.
For any queries, reach out to us at: hello@summersolacetallow.com
New to tallow balm? Here's how to store it:
Place your tallow balm in a cool spot, away from direct sunlight.
Why do you not whip your balms?
We don't whip our balm products or add water to them.
Whipping introduces air and bacteria, which can give a false sense of volume.
Imagine a whipped product sitting on a shelf during the summer – it would melt, leaving you with only half of the product in the jar. Instead, we hand-pour our tallow to provide the full benefits. We believe whipping is an amateur technique used to mask the scent of poorly rendered tallow. We take pride in showcasing and highlighting the true expression of our fresh suet tallow through hand-pouring.
Want to adjust your balm's texture?
Achieve your preferred texture by immersing the closed container in warm water. Once melted, remove the lid and let it cool in the refrigerator. This will ensure your balm remains soft and easy to spread. Remember, tallow behaves like many natural fats – solidifying in cold conditions and becoming soft in warmer temperatures. The balm's consistency can vary with temperature changes, especially during winter.
Wondering about storing your tallow soap?
For handcrafted soaps like ours, a raised soap dish works best. Ensure it dries between uses to prolong its life.
Curious about the shelf life of tallow products?
Although our tallow is of exceptional quality and has a long shelf life, it's ideal to use our products while they are fresh. For best results, we suggest using them within nine months. Our formulations are rich in active ingredients, which is why we employ a food-grade preservative system to ensure their potency remains intact for up to nine months after opening. We advise using our products within 8-12 weeks of opening, as this is when they are most effective.
Is tallow safe for facial use or for children?
Absolutely! Tallow is beneficial for most skin types, even sensitive ones like facial skin. Its composition closely resembles human skin, making it easily absorbable. Rich in essential vitamins such as A, D, K, E, and B12, organic tallow, especially from pasture-raised cattle, works wonders on skin issues like eczema and diaper rashes. Consider it a healthier substitute for mainstream synthetic creams.
Product Disclaimer:
Before using our products, we strongly advise seeking medical attention or consulting with an allergist, especially if you have known allergies or sensitive skin. It is essential to conduct patch tests on small, inconspicuous areas of the body before applying products to larger areas or the face. This precautionary measure helps to minimize the risk of adverse reactions. We care about your well-being and want to ensure your safety and satisfaction with our products.
Thinking of trimming your tallow candle's wick?
Our tallow-beeswax candles are distinct from regular candles in terms of ingredients and their gentle, prolonged burn. Referred to as 'living candles', wick-trimming is optional based on your preference. For safety, always refer to the warning sticker on the candle's bottom.
We pride ourselves on using Eco wicks, which are not only made from cotton sourced locally from the West Coast but also burn cleanly without any lead.
Before lighting up, ensure your tallow candle burns for about 4 hours, forming a uniform tallow wax pool. Trim the wick as and when necessary and never leave a lit candle unattended.