There is something deeply satisfying about June on the smallholding. The days stretch longer, the hedgerows burst into life, and the sheep stand contentedly in fields rich with summer grass. For us, June marks the beginning of a new wool journey.
Many people don’t realise that every skein of yarn begins as a living fleece. Long before the dye pots bubble or the knitting needles click, there is a year of careful shepherding, grazing management, and animal care. Shearing season is the culmination of that work.
Each fleece tells a story. The softness of a first shear lamb fleece, the resilience of wool from an older ewe, the subtle differences created by weather, pasture, and breed all contribute to the character of the finished yarn.
As the fleeces come off the sheep, we spend time sorting and assessing them. Some will become yarn, others spinning fibre, and some will find their way into felted creations. It is one of the most exciting times of the year because we begin to see what treasures our flock has grown for us.
Working with wool in this way creates a connection between maker, sheep, and landscape. When you knit with local wool, you are holding a small piece of a place, a season, and a flock in your hands.
As summer unfolds, I invite you to slow down and consider the journey behind the materials you use. Wool is not simply a product—it is part of a living cycle that begins in the field and continues through the hands of makers.
What are you creating with wool this summer?
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