The Tempestry Project, 1923 - 2023
Our “tempestry” is a knitted textile that translates climate data through color, turning annual average temperatures into a visual record. Inspired by the Tempestry Project based in Anacortes, Washington, this effort brought together knitters across our community to create a collective portrait of local climate history. Each participant contributed a knitted strip representing a single year, and together these pieces form a continuous record of 100 years of average temperatures in Addison County, Vermont.
The colors range from the darkest blue, representing the coldest year, through lighter blues and greys as temperatures rise to pinks and deep reds for the warmest years. The coldest year in our tempestry was 1926, with an average temperature of 39°F, while the warmest year was 2012, with an average of 46.2°F, followed closely by 2023, which averaged 45.6°F
Locally sourced and hand-dyed wool was provided by the Museum, and knitters of all skill levels—from beginners to experienced fiber artists—were invited to participate. Donna Perrin of Creek Road Farm generously donated the wool from her flock of Corriedale sheep.
Color & Temperature Chart
39 °F - 41.7 °F = Blues
41.8 °F - 42.2 °F = Greys
42.3 °F - 46.2 °F = Pinks & Reds
HSM’s Tempestry Project was curated by Coco Moseley in collaboration with Ellery Foutch, Cindy Hill, Mike Roy, Middlebury Energy Committee, Middlebury Studio School and our community of knitters.
Sponsorship & Support
Photos from the Tempestry Project
The generous Donna Perrin donated all the yarn for the Tempestry project!
Donna Perrin shares her raw wool at her Creek Road Farm in Middlebury.
Donna and her sheep and goats!
Coco Moseley sharing just some of the yarn to be dyed.
Making a plan for dyeing the yarn!
Ellery Foutch, HSM Trustee, winds skeins to be dyed at the Middlebury Studio School.
Experimenting with dyes and colors at the Middlebury Studio School.
Yarn dyeing underway at the Middlebury Studio School.
Yarn drying after the dyeing process.
More drying!
...and more!
Newly dyed yarn drying -- the warm years!
More yarn!
And more yarn.
Louisa Moseley helps wind balls of yarn for community knitters!
More winding!
Community knitters at the Lincoln Library.
Assembly!
Cindy Hill works on the labels for each year of the Tempestry!
Emmet Moseley helps with the install of the Tempestry!
Install underway!
TADA! The Tempestry is up!
Interested in making a local difference on climate change? One of the biggest sources of GHG emissions in our lives is actually our homes. Energy Navigators is a free local program available to any Addison County resident to help you understand what GHG reduction options might be right for your home!
We know homes are complicated systems. Our approach aims to remove ‘information overload’ by providing clear information and simplified, unbiased answers. As a knowledgeable, free source of information, we outline options and help our neighbors make informed decisions. We focus on helping find ways to cut energy bills, boost home comfort, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
When a resident sets up a navigation, one of our 'Navigators' will come to their home. We will start with a conversation and walk through, then outline options tailored to your situation, and connect you with applicable incentives, rebates, and resources. The navigator will be available over time for any questions - no sales, just support.
If you are interested in signing up for a navigation, or learning more about our program, please visit: https://bit.ly/FreeHomeEnergyHelp or you can reach out to hello@energynavigators.org