AT MADE X HUDSON, we’re passionate about showing what’s possible when local materials, skilled makers and thoughtful design come together. This NY Textile Month, we are reflecting on our relationship with two leaders in the Hudson Valley textile community: Mary Jeanne (MJ) Packer of Battenkill Fibers and Dr. Lilly Marsh of Lilly Marsh Studios. We’ve now worked with them on 2 projects that started with raw wool and ended with something fresh, stylish and entirely local. They are both leaders of the wonderful Hudson Valley Textile Project, which is also a co-partner with us in the NYFIC.
The Projects![]()
MJ and Lilly came to us with a clear mission: they wanted to show people what could be done with locally produced cloth. Both lifelong makers themselves, they were deeply excited about moving beyond yarn and showcasing fabric that was spun, woven and finished right here in the Hudson Valley.
The challenges, however, were accessibility and cost. Only a handful of people could afford to buy the yardage outright. To make the project more approachable — and to demonstrate the creative potential of the cloth — we partnered with MJ and Lilly to create something modern, useful and fun.
We landed on the bucket hat. It was trending, highly wearable, and the perfect way to highlight the fabric’s unique textures. Made X Hudson not only helped develop the pattern but also guided the design to maximize the fabric’s beauty.
At first, the design was open ended. Our first prototype is shown below.
We decided instead to go with our second and final prototype that has a more modern shape.
The material itself was special: wool made from local Romney Corriedale with some runs including hemp into the wool blend. Together, the hats became a tangible example of what happens when sustainable fiber meets contemporary design.
Last Fall, we worked with MJ and Lilly again to make some pillows to showcase homeware potential with the fabric.
This past summer, MJ and Lilly also found another outlet for their fabric: New York State purchased yardage for its crossbody bag project, expanding the reach of Hudson Valley wool even further.
About MJ and Lilly
Mary Jeanne (MJ) Packer founded Battenkill Fibers in 2009, inspired by her own experiences as a yarn store owner. At the time, hand knitters wanted to know where their yarn came from, but the system only allowed farmers to send fleece into large pools — where they received a small percentage back, with no guarantee of getting their own fiber. Battenkill Fibers changed that. By building direct connections between local farmers and local knitters, MJ created a system of traceable, community-based yarn.
Dr. Lilly Marsh came to the Hudson Valley with a deep background in fiber. Before completing her PhD on Elizabeth Zimmerman — an influential figure in modern knitting — she spent years as a gallery artist in various fiber media. Moving upstate shifted her work from craft to production weaving, grounding her practice in regional materials.
MJ and Lilly first connected over a decade ago, when Lilly began seeking out local yarns and fibers. Their shared vision of strengthening the regional fiber economy has fueled countless projects since.
Lessons Learned
This collaboration was as much about learning as it was about making. For MJ, who had never worked with pattern-making before, the process of creating sewn goods was a big education. And for all of us, it underscored the way design decisions can influence material use. Neutral colors, for example, proved more popular than bold shades — navy hats moved faster than green pillows.
But the greatest outcome wasn’t just the product. It was the connection. Working together laid the foundation for future collaborations, like when MJ thought of Made X Hudson to join the New York Fashion Innovation Center grant.
Why It Matters
At its heart, this project shows what’s possible when local agriculture, textile innovation, and fashion design come together. From sheep grazing in Hudson Valley fields to hats worn on city streets, the collaboration is proof that a sustainable, regional textile economy isn’t just a dream — it’s happening now.
And at Made X Hudson, we’re proud to play a part in making that future visible, one stitch at a time.
