Meet the Flock
I started my flock around 15 years ago when I purchased a small flock of Pedigree Shropshire’s primarily to graze in the National Forest Woodland around our home, this particular breed is the only recommended breed for eating in woodland with no impact on the individual trees, I have found this to be a total success, they are a lovely breed a little highly strung at times, although experience has taught me that a bucket of feed does the trick!
I more recently have been fortunate to rent more grazing around our area so increasing the flock was an exciting reality, I now run a sizeable flock of Mules (Swaledale x Blue Faced Leicester). Mules should never be underestimated or mistaken for “just a commercial type” they are such hard working sheep, oozing with personality, great mothers, their wool is quality, blends and dyes beautifully.
Last year I introduced a small flock of pedigree Leicester Longwools to my existing flock this ancient breed is striking, hardy, good mothers and their fleeces are truly wonderful. To preserve this rare breed is so important and we must value the breed so it can play an important role in modern agriculture today.
I value everyday that I am able to work and look after my sheep and in return they provide me with wonderful wool for using in all my range of products.
The Wools Journey
My Sacks of wool are weighed when they arrive to be processed in Cornwall, the fibre is then sorted removing vegetation, physical dirt and debris. The fibre is then washed (scouring) this removes more dirt, most grease, short fibre etc. After scouring the fleeces are dried, once completely dry the Alpaca yarn is carefully blended with the fleece and at this point 10% by weight two thirds water and one third spinning oil is added to enable the fleece with the processing procedure (GOTS organically accredited oil for organic processing).
The next stage is carding or scribbling by putting the fleece through a carding machine. This enables the fleece to be ready for the spinning process. At this stage the fibres are smoothed out but not fully aligned and now ready to be wound on cones, the yarn will still have the oil on it which is useful for the weaving process as there is a minimum of fluffiness from fibres sticking out. My wool now wound on cones arrives in Wales where the weaver sets up the loom ready for my yarn into my chosen design and weaving begins! At the last stage of weaving the finished lengths of fabric will be washed to remove the oil that is still present and the fringes are purled and my fabric is cut into the individual lengths for my blankets and cushions.
Wool Description & Blanket Design
This timeless windowpane pattern of my blankets is a subtle design that is very versatile that will work within any design scheme from Traditional to a more minimal Interior scheme.
My blankets are made from 93% of my own Pure British Wool from my pedigree Shropshire sheep and Swaledale x Blue-faced Leicester sheep. There is also a blended 7% Black Alpaca. Shropshire wool blends beautifully it is characteristically fine, soft white wool with no black fibres. My Swaledale x Blue-faced Leicester sheep’s fleeces are of a high quality due to the sire, the fleece is fine and semi-lustrous but also hard wearing. I added the black Alpaca as it blends beautifully with my wool and 100% natural colour to make the mid-grey. Alpaca also adds smoothness and a touch of luxury.
