The True Cost of Wool

A Globe and Mail Bestseller! Ever wonder about the journey your yarn took before reaching your needles, hook or loom? Or about where the wool in your winter sweater came from? The truth might surprise you. Follow the remarkable journey of a fiber most of us take for granted. At a time when international trade is being reshaped and Canadians are rethinking where their goods come from, author Anna Hunter reveals a striking disconnect: 90% of Canadian wool leaves the country while 95% of yarn used by Canadian crafters is imported. This timely investigation follows wool from sheep to skein, illuminating the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the Canadian wool industry. Hunter--a shepherd and mill owner herself--traces what happens when wool crosses provinces and oceans, passes through countless hands, and is transformed between farm and finished product. Her compelling research arrives precisely when conversations about regional resilience and supply chain sovereignty have never been more relevant. Through engaging storytelling, she introduces passionate farmers, innovative mill owners, and resourceful entrepreneurs already building more localized, transparent wool systems. Whether you‘re a knitter, weaver, spinner, fashion enthusiast, or simply curious about where your textiles come from, this book will forever change how you see a ball of yarn. The True Cost of Wool isn‘t just about understanding a complex supply chain--it‘s about reimagining a future where what we wear connects us to land, community, and a more resilient textile economy.