Full Steam Ahead!

Well I have been really busy since I last blogged - we have been full steam ahead here!

First of all a quick update on all matters sheepy - rams are again with their ladies and they certainly seem to be smiling a lot!  We are later tupping this year because of the worry of Schmallenberg virus - those in the know recommend that we put our rams in later to avoid the peak midge time as the ewes are especially susceptible in the early stages of their pregnancy.  It may mean therefore that our lambs will be smaller come showing time but I would rather the lambs arrived safely!  So lambing this year will be March rather than our usual end January.....

My 2 young Golden Guernsey girls are also in with my new billy Velvety Brown - much to their disgust! However I think things are a-happening! Watch this space .....

I have also taken on the role of Membership and Registration Secretary for the Wensleydale Longwool Sheepbreeders' Association.  Am really excited to take on this new role and look forward to making a real contribution to the future of one of the oldest sheep societies.  Seem to have my work cut out though!

Finally an update on my work with Emily-Rose Debenham.  We have chosen our colours ......

Emily-Rose has produced some samples which I have to say are just gorgeous!  Lovely cosy chunky handknits for those long winter walks .....

All that is left now is to produce some patterns, dye enough yarn, look at the possibility of producing some knitting kits, take some lovely photos and then get knitting ........ doesn't sound much if you say it quickly!

Watch this space for the photo shoot ......

A new adventure ......

I thought I would just share with you the dawning of a new adventure.......

Over the last year I have been supplying a lovely young designer with hand dyed wool for her degree work.  Well she has now graduated from Norwich University College Of The Arts with a 1st class honours classification in Textiles, and has agreed to help me create some designs and garments especially for Gedgrave Wensleydale Wool.  Her name is Emily-Rose Debenham - here is some of her work http://emily-rose-debenham.blogspot.co.uk/

This will be a new journey for us both, as she is currently establishing herself as a freelance designer in Suffolk and I am wanting to take my wool forward - exciting times!

We are concentrating on my lovely handspun chunky yarn, handspun especially for me from my own fleece, by another true artist from the Western Isles, my friend Sheila Roderick - check out her Scalpay Linen blog http://scalpaylinen.blogspot.co.uk/

We have chosen some gorgeous colours Wild Raspberry, Dusk, Azalea and Kingfisher, plus the natural cream and black of course!

The first design is underway - you will be able to purchase the finished garment plus buy it also in kit form for you to knit yourself!  Kits will come complete with needles, yarn and any other accessories required for the finished look.

Watch this space for a sneak preview shortly ..............

T x

Funday Dyeing & Other Exciting News

We made it back from Melton Mowbray in one piece. Slightly bizarre weekend as very fortunately we sold both Matty and Joe the rams before we went on the Friday, to a couple of friends from Northampton so it is good to know where they are going to and who with. They are still with us until next weekend and then they should be off to their new homes with their new girls to make friends with!

Well, I thought it was time that I got down to some serious dyeing so having bought a sample kit from Wingham Woolworks of Landscape dyes, I decided to give them a go and was REALLY pleased with the results!

I used a kit called 'Destinations' which gave me 6 colours - only got round to doing 3 though - surprising how long it all takes! I used Waratah, Barossa and Broome (Waratah above). I dyed wool skeins as well as some rovings and locks and I have to say they look fab! I even did a bit of experimenting with shading which for a first attempt was ok. In fact I have already sold the two Barossa shaded skeins!

They were good to use and surprisingly easy. I set up my pans on my camping stoves outside under my covered area at the back door and away I went - better outside and then I don't get accused of dyeing the worktop in the utility room and steaming up the kitchen! Just need to find time now to finish off the other three colours!

The other very exciting news I have is that I have sold some of my very special wool to a new young design company in London called The North Circular! They specialise in using British Wool from British Breeds - very refreshing in this day and age of cheap knits from Tescos!

http://thenorthcircular.com/

Do check out their website and look out for them during London Fashion Week - you never know some of the garments may be made with wool from my Wensleys!!

http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/designer_profile.aspx?DesignerID=1270