A new shepherdess in Burpham

There are many things related to wool that that bring me a sense of wellbeing. Some that are directly relevant to the following set of interviews are: contemplating the interconnectedness of things; how history runs into the present and how paying heed to the future is important in all our actions in the present.  … Continue Reading A new shepherdess in Burpham

Tansy: the story of a Sussex shepherdess or two

“I didn’t say I knowed of a shepherd,” said she….”That’s where you’ve took me all wrong. I said I knowed of one trained to the work for more’n twenty years, as ‘ud be real glad and ready to come to ye this very minute. ‘Tis myself, Mr. Wilverly. Give the flock to me and old… Continue Reading Tansy: the story of a Sussex shepherdess or two

Wovember 2017: WOOLNESS themes and structure

Greetings, Wovemberists and wool-lovers! This evening we thought we’d talk about how we’ve structured content through Wovember this year, and briefly introduce our amazing guest curators and contributors. As you’ll have noticed, we’ve been trailing the theme of WOOLNESS: WHERE WELLNESS MEETS WOOL. We thought it would be useful to unpack a little bit what… Continue Reading Wovember 2017: WOOLNESS themes and structure

Getting Ready for Wovember 2017

Stand on your tiptoes and you can just about see Wovember peeping over the horizon! We have been lining up a month of incredible posts and articles for you on this year’s theme of Where Wool Meets Wellness; some of this content is by us, and some of it has been curated or contributed by… Continue Reading Getting Ready for Wovember 2017

Wovember Words: One-erum, Two-erum, Cockerum

Today’s Wovember Word comes courtesy of Louise Spong of South Downs Yarn, about the counting words used by Sussex shepherds. The following extract comes from Shepherds of Sussex by Barclay Wills (originally published in 1938), who regales the following story: He [the farmer] told me that one job was ‘telling’ the sheep. The sheep were allowed… Continue Reading Wovember Words: One-erum, Two-erum, Cockerum

Wovember Words: KnitBritish

Today’s WOVEMBER WORDS post explores the term KnitBritish as it appears in Louise Scollay’s Knit British Breed Swatch KAL. To tie in with yesterday’s post by Tom, the yarn featured in this post is from South Downs Yarn. #BreedSwatchAlong | What are we doing? Using British breed wool, or wool from our local area, we… Continue Reading Wovember Words: KnitBritish

Wovember Words: Pyecombe Hook

As an amuse-bouche for tonight’s post with Louise Spong from South Downs Yarn, we hear from her about a very special shepherd’s crook. With Louise’s natural curiosity, it was not enough to just know about the hook. She actually made one herself! So, here’s Louise, on the Pyecombe Hook: Ah, therein lies a tale or… Continue Reading Wovember Words: Pyecombe Hook

WOOLNESS WORDS: Where It Begins by BARBARA KINGSOLVER

This week finds us drawing Wovember to a close. We are considering what the month has meant. To kick off our reflections, and to begin inviting yours in the comments, we are sharing this beautiful piece of writing by Barbara Kingsolver that celebrates wool’s interconnectedness with other parts of our lives… with seasons, with families,… Continue Reading WOOLNESS WORDS: Where It Begins by BARBARA KINGSOLVER

photo gallery round up #4

We cannot believe that this is the last photo competition round up of Wovember 2015! Here is Louise with the final round up of images that stood out this week. Do remember that you gain automatic entry to this competition by using the hashtag #Wovember2015 – but sadly you only have one more day! We… Continue Reading photo gallery round up #4