Daily Photo Series: Ryeland Sheep and Lambs 1

If you have been at any woolly events this year, you may have spotted Jeni Reid and her camera. Jeni has a really sensitive eye and a true talent for capturing the very soul of wool. We are thrilled to share some of what she and her lens have seen this past year in the… Continue Reading Daily Photo Series: Ryeland Sheep and Lambs 1

Wovember Words: Wordsworth on WOOL

Today’s WOVEMBER WORDS come from Wordsworth who gives a wondrous picture of the place of WOOL in Lakeland life in the early nineteenth century. Originally published anonymously in 1810 as an introduction to Wilkinson’s “Select Views in Cumberland, Westmoreland and Lancashire”, Wordsworth’s “Guide to the Lakes” was later revised and edited by the author and… Continue Reading Wovember Words: Wordsworth on WOOL

My Wovember Sweater

Another wondrous post from Jane Cooper telling the story from sheep to sweater of one very special garment! I’ve spent the entire month wearing just one sweater. It’s been a fun way to celebrate Wovember but also a way to fully test the properties of a new knitting yarn. I’d like to introduce Orkney Wool… Continue Reading My Wovember Sweater

Wovember Words: WOOL and electricity

Sheep and WOOL really do get into everything and, if you have purchased a copy of the KNITSONIK Stranded Colourwork Sourcebook you will already know that “everything” even includes a 1930s book about electricity entitled “The Wonders of Electricity”. Published in the 1930s, this book provides fascinating glimpses into the domestic interior of the 1930s… Continue Reading Wovember Words: WOOL and electricity

Elizabeth

One more beautiful guest post from Sara Dunham reflecting on a special member of her flock. I buried an old friend yesterday, a Jacob ewe who was at least 16, if not older. Elizabeth. Or as she was called for the last couple of years, Queen Elizabeth. I’m not sure about large flocks, but in… Continue Reading Elizabeth

Soft Fell sheep and their fleece #3 : logistics and finances

In the last week of WOVEMBER we received some amazing contributions which were just too good not to share which is why WOVEMBER will be continuing until Friday. This is therefore not the last post of WOVEMBER! Though the month has run out of days there was just too much good content for us to… Continue Reading Soft Fell sheep and their fleece #3 : logistics and finances

Broadening Horizons

Another bonus piece from our guest contributor, Sara Dunham. This post contains links to pages on Ravelry so you need to be logged in to click them! Broadening Horizons I. love. winter. Anything to do with winter. Snow? Bring it on. While I definitely understand the issues with large flocks and deep snow, my small… Continue Reading Broadening Horizons

It all circles back to the sheep…

Another bonus post here from Sara Dunham, this time focusing on the wondrous journey that real WOOL makes in its journey from sheep to textiles. It all circles back to the sheep I was set up in the livestock area at the 2013 Kentucky Sheep and Fiber Festival. The shearers were running ongoing demonstrations across… Continue Reading It all circles back to the sheep…

Chris Dyer: crofting aspirations

Here at WOVEMBER we recognise the importance of the wool journey and we have been very lucky to have had such insightful contributions looking at sheep farming. In today’s post we look at the experiences of first time crofter Chris Dyer. Originally from London, archaeologist Chris decided to take over a croft in Bressay, Shetland… Continue Reading Chris Dyer: crofting aspirations

Lamb camp

Sara Dunham – the shepherd from whom we heard earlier in the month – has sent us some beautiful pieces about her sheep. These will sometimes appear between now and the end of WOVEMBER as lovely snippets designed to give you a sheepy boost to beat the afternoon slump! Thanks Sara for these wonderful words… Continue Reading Lamb camp