Rhonda Ferguson -  rhonda@capebretoncraft.com
Sydney, Nova Scotia

Introducing the Unama’ki Sweater Project:
Where Heritage Meets Sustainable Innovation 

Imagine a garment that tells a story—not just of style, but of place, people, and planet. That’s exactly what we’re creating at Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design with our innovative wool revival initiative. 

We’re transforming forgotten local wool, a renewable resource typically discarded as a meat production byproduct, into premium, sustainable fashion that celebrates our region’s rich cultural tapestry while blazing a trail for ecological responsibility. 

A Bold Vision for Local Impact

This isn’t just about sweaters. It’s about: 

• Revitalizing rural economies with meaningful job creation 

• Breaking free from exploitative fast fashion supply chains 

• Reconnecting consumers with the origins of their clothing 

• Celebrating Cape Breton’s distinctive heritage through wearable art 

Drawing inspiration from the1970s collection that once showcased our island’s unique cultural identity, we’re crafting the next chapter in Cape Breton’s textile story. 

Beyond Sustainability—A Movement

While others look to high-tech solutions for environmental challenges, we’re rediscovering something more profound: the wisdom of local materials, traditional skills, and community connection. 

Each Cape Breton sweater represents a radical alternative to disposable fashion—a garment with purpose, produced with respect for both people and environment, woven with the distinct character of Unama’ki. 

Join us as we transform what was once considered waste into something truly wonderful and knit together a more sustainable future, one sweater at a time. 

Verified Products
Tier 1: Cape Breton sweater & Cape Breton sweater kits

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Disclaimer: These products have been rigorously reviewed by the Canadian Wool Collective. If you would like more information on the traceability of the wool product, please reach out to the certified partner listed above. A description of the different certification tiers can be found here.