Wovember Words #8
In yesterday’s Wovember Words we talked about kemp. There is a sheep breed however, which doesn’t grow it, all it produces is lovely long locks. I bought some of this amazing wool at the Weald & Downland Rare Breeds Show two years ago, from Jean Muddle (who wrote about Genetics of Colour in Wensleydale Longwool sheep). The little leaflet I got with it, now slightly dog-eared, explains all:
A hat in the making, using Jean Muddle’s Wensleydale yarn, photo by Tom van Deijnen
Do any yarn shops sell this wool?
Hi Jennifer, I’m not aware of any shops carrying this particular yarn, but there is an email address on the front of the leaflet, you can see it in the picture. There are, however, various shops that sell yarn made from Wensleydale Longwool. Amongst others, Prick Your Finger in Bethnal Green, London. Good luck with finding some, as it is beautiful yarn! Tom
You can buy yarn from Julia Desch, whose sheep I think are related to Jean Muddle’s? I am almost certain Julia borrowed a ram from Jean a few years back, and her coloured Wensleydale flock (also based in Sussex) produces absolutely stunning 100% Wensleydale yarn, which I can say with certainty is an absolute joy to knit with: http://www.woolcraftwithwensleydale.com/our_products.html
hoorah, let’s hear it for Wensleydale sheep – especially the black ones! Nor is it just the yarn that’s full of character – the sheep are too! And all of us with black Wensleydales probably have something of Jean Muddle’s stock in there. It’s a small world – and far too small a world for something so gorgeous! If it’s worsted yarns you’re after, like the ones pictured above, then I sell them too – online from http://ystradorganics.co.uk/#/available-now/4569200733. And they are, for definite, a total joy to knit with!
Are any of the places reasonably close to London? I may be visiting next spring.
julia’s not so far away from london (east sussex if memory serves me right). I’m in rural West Wales – which is well worth a visit in itself! But selling online and overseas, can get yarns to you without you even leaving home!
Teeswater are also very similar to Wensleydales, and imo produce just as nice a fibre. You can buy it from The Pilkingtons who have a pedigree flock of Teeswaters. http://www.teeswaterwools.co.uk/teeswater-hand-knitting-wool.htm
I am in Suffolk on the east coast so not that far from London if you are over this way – have lots of lovely black wensleydales for you to look at – you can find me at http://www.gedgrave-wensleydales.co.uk- and Julie is right – they ARE a joy to knit with!!
Pingback: Wool In Progress « tomofholland