Denim 101 by White Oak Legacy Foundation

Makers

Denim 101 by White Oak Legacy Foundation

Cone Denim’s rich history of production in North Carolina lives on under the dedicated care of the White Oak Legacy Foundation (W.O.L.F.) organization. 

I was fortunate to join 20 other students—a mix of textile veterans and newbies—for W.O.L.F’s second in-person “Denim 101” class this week, which offers a deep-dive into the complex processes around the creation of our beloved denim. The unique experience in Greensboro, North Carolina offers the ability to go beyond the classroom. (Admittedly novel in itself during the current age of all things online.) Getting to tour Hill Spinning Mill and see the shuttle looms in action at Proximity Manufacturing inside the old Cone Denim plant is the hands-on experience I’ve been craving. Post-class networking and happy hour at Kontoor Brands’ new Lee | Wrangler Hometown Studio was a nice addition, too. 

With first-class instructors like Bud Strickland, Suzette McHugh, Dennis Scheer and Evan Morrison, it’s no wonder I’m leaving Greensboro feeling refreshed with an invigorated interest to keep learning more about this world of denim. The W.O.L.F. team plans to keep the bi-annual class going. I’d recommend that anyone who’s interested to learn more about denim get out from behind the laptop and join the next class scheduled Oct. 25-26, 2022. Simply email Suzette at suzette.mchugh@gmail.com for registration and details. 

Just as Dennis said, “Denim washing provides the garment an identity and exclusive appearance.” This “Denim 101” class has carved its own identity for aspiring denim heads.

– Daren Abney, senior business development manager at Lenzing

Click through the slideshow below for a firsthand look at the “Denim 101” experience.