Wool Library x AlpTextyles – Pilot Project

Wool has more to offer than we often give it credit for. This pilot initiative presents a curated collection of wool samples from native sheep breeds across the Alpine region—not only documenting their fibre characteristics scientifically, but also exploring their potential through hands-on processing.

Laying the Groundwork for the Swiss Wool Library

We experimented with spinning, knitting, weaving, and felting techniques to better understand how each type of wool behaves. The aim was to make visible the unique properties of different breeds and to spark conversation within the textile industry - encouraging a broader appreciation of wool in all its forms, not just the finest grades.

In collaboration with AlpTextyles, we worked with six Alpine sheep breeds: Engadin Sheep from Switzerland, South German Merino, Merino d’Arles from France, Montafon Stone Sheep from Austria, Bergamasca Sheep from Italy, and Carinthian Spectacled Sheep from Slovenia. Each breed is represented through raw fibre samples, yarns spun using different techniques, and swatches showcasing a range of textile applications. Each sample is accompanied by a card featuring both a narrative introduction and scientific data.

You can view the full documentation of our experiments here.

This pilot lays the groundwork for a larger vision: the Swiss Wool Library - a long-term resource for research, education, and innovation around regional wool. By connecting science, craft, and design, we hope to reframe how we value and use this versatile natural fibre.

Sign up here to follow along as the Wool Library evolves.

What does it take to get to know a fibre?

We started with raw wool and went hands-on: sorting, cleaning, spinning, felting, knitting, and weaving. These images show fragments of that exploration.

All images and texts © Alix Arto, Emma Casella & Nina Conrad