Traceable Textiles
Traceable Textiles is a collaboration between weaver Shannon Nelson and yarn developer Kalea Turner-Beckman. Shannon and Kalea create high quality, ethically and sustainably sourced luxury wool blankets. By partnering with local farms and yarn mills, and running their own dye house and weaving studio, they ensure that all of their production and employment practices are environmentally and socially responsible at every step of the supply chain. Shannon and Kalea draw design inspiration from their shared Scottish and Swedish heritage, creating timeless textiles that are as cozy and beautiful as they are sustainable.
Shannon Nelson was born in Westlock, Alberta. As a child, Shannon was intrigued by her Swedish grandmother’s stories of growing flax to spin and weave into cloth. After completing her Bachelor of Commerce from University of Alberta, she moved to Grande Prairie, Alberta with her husband. It was there, in 1996, that she had an opportunity to learn to weave through a local guild. She continued to weave and eventually decided to do the Masters in Weaving program from Olds College. During her final year as a Master Weaving student, she was inspired to academically explore the idea of a locally made yarn specifically designed for weaving superior-quality blankets. The success of this project compelled her to start a blanket weaving business in Edmonton, Alberta. She continues to share her passion for weaving through teaching. She is currently teaching Master Weaving at Olds College and through the Edmonton Weavers’ Guild.
Kalea Turner-Beckman (she/her) is a hand spinner, natural dyer, knitter and weaver with expert knowledge of breed specific wools. She studied Sustainable Development at the University of St Andrews, Communication for Development at Malmö University, and is a student in the Master Spinner program at Olds College. She began her exploration into local wool as co-founder of the Alberta Yarn Project from 2014-2020, launched her own sustainable yarn brand, Luddite Yarn, in 2020, and is now in charge of wool procurement and yarn development for Traceable Textiles.
