Fun Christmas Knits

Christmas Knits Bunting and Gnomes

Time to start your Christmas knitting. I find it hard to start, especially for Christmas presents, but here I share some ideas. Enjoy your fun Christmas Knits. Scarves and Wraps Firstly, there is the classic scarf or wrap.  This should be fairly quick and easy, especially if you use one of my favourite stitches, the […]

The Dorset Wool Year – July 2021

Shorn sheep in the flower meadow

What is going on?  July was another month that flew by.  The damp weather continued, then it was too hot and warm for me at least.  This led to an increase in the fly population.  I didn’t have much time between the showers to hand shear the sheep, as they must be dry to be […]

The Dorset Wool Year – April 2021

Land as Dry as a Bone

April – Weather Report April, this year, was cold and dry.  After the mud earlier in the year it was the complete reverse.  In fact, it was too cold and dry really and the grass sat and shivered, especially when it snowed!  It is a month that grass normally explodes giving lush green colours.  The […]

British Wool is Better

British Wool

Last week I wrote about wool being the best fibre to use, especially for everyday woolly products or clothes.  This week I thought I would explain why British wool is better.  There are some obvious things to consider like environmental impact, animal welfare and support of local communities, but as I researched these areas, I […]

Back to the Bronze Age and Ancient Dyed Textiles

Bronze age at the oak fair

I have been using homegrown plant dyes of all types for over 10 years and a couple of years ago I was losing my mojo.  In March 2019, a chance discussion with Mark from the Ancient Wessex Network refired my interest, resulting in a change in direction.  I am heading back to the Bronze Age […]

Different Types of Processed Fibre

Different Types of Processed Fibre

Are you confused by the myriad of different types of processed fibre?  You are not the only one and every time I read an article or watch a video, I find a contradiction.  Therefore I have looked back at older texts describing processing techniques and more recent authorities, to define the different types of fibre.  […]