Arm.wool - Reviving Armenia's Wool Heritage

Dear Friends,

Over the past few months, our Arm.Wool Project has continued to make incredible progress in reviving Armenia’s rich wool tradition. Together with local shepherds and artisans, we have been focusing like crazy to transform raw wool into high-quality, sustainable products that not only preserve cultural heritage but also create new economic opportunities for rural families.

One of the highlights this season was the shearing process, an essential step that ensures the wellbeing of the sheep and provides the raw material for our artisans. We documented this moment with farmers in the villages, where the atmosphere was filled with laughter, stories, and the quiet pride of continuing a centuries-old craft. After the wool was collected, local women and craftspeople began the intricate work of washing, carding, spinning, and knitting. Each handmade item carries the warmth of tradition and the promise of a brighter future for these communities.

We are especially proud that through your support, several farming families were able to sell their wool at fair prices this year - something that had not been possible before. For them, this is more than just income; it is a sign that their skills and traditions are valued. One farmer told us, “I never thought the wool from my sheep could travel so far and tell our story to the world.”

This summer, our amazing project was also featured at the Golden Apricot International Film Festival in Yerevan, where our Arm.Wool yarns were used in the red carpet. The story of Armenian wool was presented to a wide audience of artists, filmmakers, and cultural enthusiasts, shining a spotlight on the importance of preserving rural traditions. This recognition not only brings pride to the shepherds and artisans but also shows that their work has a place in Armenia’s modern cultural landscape.

As we look ahead, we are planning more workshops with local knitters and designers to expand the range of products and connect more families to stable livelihoods. And in November, the first every Arm.Wool Forum will be held in Yerevan with the broad participation of farmers, shears, spinners, weavers, donors, diplomats and government officials. Your continued support is the reason this work is possible, and we are deeply grateful for the trust you place in us to carry this mission forward.

With gratitude,

The ArmWool Team

Links:

• webpage of our project