Spring is very much in the air here, daffodils are out and lambs are jumping around the fields. There is a hint of warmth when the sun comes out (when it eventually stops raining!), and it is absolutely delightful. I have some wonderful yarns coming to the shop- locally sourced, naturally dyed and some Ferny Corner Shawl yarn kits in different colours too.

I went to visit the sheep that produce the yarn for the new limited edition Zwartbles and Blue Texel yarn last weekend- they are less than ten miles from my house. The Zwartbles sheep were so tame and friendly, and really wanted to come over and say hello! They were quite comic as well. The Blue Texel sheep were also friendly but more reserved and stoic. They were still inside from lambing as the lambs are quite young and there has been a lot of bad weather here (it has been constantly raining!). This flock pretty much all have names (Betty, Muscles, Butter- I can’t remember the rest!), and the shepherd and shepherdess are very interested in these breeds and keep as many as possible (they have a retirement field for the golden oldies!).

The yarn from this flock turned out really nicely. It has a elasticity and bounce from the Blue Texel and an understated lustre from the Zwartbles. The colour mix is interesting- the Zwartbles is a dark brown- black (warmer toned) and the Blue Texel is more of a mid grey with a much cooler tone. The resulting yarn is dark grey/ with hints of both warm and cool tones, and lighter grey flecks throughout. It is bouncy and light and perfect for garments and steeking. It also works really nicely held double to make a DK weight- the fibres mesh together really well.

Yarn Spec

Approx 100g/ 365m/ 4ply- fingering weight

Woollen spun in Wales at a family run mill

Sourced from Revellagh Townland, Northern Ireland

Good for: holding double, steeking, colourwork, garments and accessories (but not socks!)

Below is a sample knit up in the yarn, holding two strands together to make the Stalk and Pip Beret by Ailbiona.

Natural Sock 4ply & Colours

I’ve dyed up some new spring colours- lots of speckled colours and spring tonals. Above is Metamorphosis (top), Spring Bulbs (left) and Bucket & Spade (right).

Print Shop // A5 Art Prints

I’ve decided to start a little print shop with some of the photographs that I’ve taken over the years. I mainly use my Bronica Zenza medium format camera, and then print digitally. The prints only come in one size for now (A5- 148.5 x 210mm or 5.8 x 8.3 inches) but if there is sufficient interest I will consider other sizes.

March Shop Update // 30th March, 8:00pm GMT+1

Natural Sock 4ply & Colours

Print Shop // A5 Art Prints

Ferny Corner Shawl Sets

Mini Skein Sets // Moon Rising (top- Natural Sock) and Cosy Cabin (below- Hearth Sock)

Sock Sets // Natural Sock- 120g