The Beauty of a Fleece

My creative development into hand loom weaving came through the process of learning how to spin. I owned sheep earlier in my life; however, as a spinner and weaver I have become much more familiar with working with the fleece of our native historic breeds. I am continually fascinated by the individuality of a fleece and the subtle shades of colour created not only by a sheep’s breed but also from its age and the effects of sunlight. These qualities are often lost in mechanised processes, which blend the fleece until it lacks the subtle variation as achieved when hand spun.

As a country we are privileged to have over 50 native breeds of sheep and some of these have only narrowly escaped extinction in relatively recent times. Many of these sheep breeds in the past, had considerable economic and social significance in different regions of the country, but are now preserved by smallholders who are passionate about saving our heritage breeds. My particular favourites tend to be the old Scottish breeds like Soay, Boreray and North Ronaldsay, this is not only due to their natural colours but also through the stories of their habitat and in the case of the North Ronaldsay, its preference for eating seaweed.

Why Wool Matters

Sadly, as I have exhibited at designer-maker fairs and country shows I have repeatedly heard the story of the sorry demise of small holders who are paid so little for their beautiful fleeces. There is a sense of confusion that wool is expensive and yet a fleece is almost worthless.

It seems to me, that at a time when our planet desperately needs more sustainable resources we do not utilise and value wool enough. It is a remarkable material with an array of beneficial qualities, together with the potential to serve a circular economy, which would benefit the planet and the local communities who work in the wool industry.