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Cotton, a Revolutionary Fiber – Free Talk by author Stephen Yafa

Sunday, March 5, 2017
2:30 PM
Congregation Beth Israel Auditorium
3901 Shoal Creek Blvd  Austin, Texas 78756
Free!

Come hear author Stephen Yafa talk on one of our favorite fibers, one that has “created fortunes, wrecked civilizations, and put America on the map!”

In “BIG COTTON: The Biography of a Revolutionary Fiber” author Stephen Yafa explores the extraordinary range of imagination and ingenuity required to convert a fluffy mass of fiber into a substance of unbelievable versatility. He traces cotton’s journey from its first domestication about 5,500 years ago in Asia, Africa, and South America, through the conflicts that led to the American Civil War, and finally examines its role nano-technology and bio-engineering-hot button topics in today’s global economy. Yafa reveals to us how cotton has dictated the economy, carved the environmental state, and been a key player in international relations for thousands of years.

Whether you find the story of cotton to be a tribute to man’s ability to succeed or a cautionary tale, BIG COTTON makes you reconsider how we got where we are through a most surprising historical vehicle. It’s a fascinating story and one that isn’t done yet, so come and get caught up at this lecture.

A reception with light refreshments will follow the talk; meet Stephen and socialize with other friends of fiber.

Wear something handmade in cotton to get in the spirit!
Bring a cotton fiber arts piece to show your friends!
Get lucky and win a door prize!

Sponsored by the Weavers and Spinners Society of Austin in conjunction with the Austin Fiber Artists.

This free event is open to the public and requires no RSVP. However if you would like to help us get a headcount you can pre-register at Eventbrite.