I’d like to introduce you to my latest skein of wool:
Isn’t it lovely? It is Portland wool – a breed that I know little about. Not that this is an issue because it came with the following information:
A little bit of history
Now isn’t that great to know? Whilst much of the yarn that I work with is produced by largeer companies, I do love the opportunity to use products from very small producers, like the beautifully dyed sock yarn I wrote about last week. This Portland wool is from my friend Hannah, who has just starting her hand spinning business, Spinning a Yarn. This is what she has to say:
I’m Hannah, and I find joy in following creative processes through, and advocating the use of local resources.
This is the start of me building a small business using wool and natural fibre as the source. As “Spinning a Yarn” implies, I want to tell a story about the products, from where they came from (right back to the specific animal where possible), what processes the fibre goes through, to the end product – whether that be selling raw fleece, handspun yarn, or finished item (knitted or woven). This also includes passing on knowledge and experiences to others via this [Facebook] page, or at workshops and events.
I hope you enjoy seeing how wool can be used, and how fabulous local (British) products are.
I love the idea that she would like to be able to tell you exactly which animal the fibre came from. So, if you are looking for some beautifully handspun yarn, why not get in touch with Hannah? [I think you can view her FB page even if you are not a registered user, but if not, drop me a line and I’ll put you in touch]
I haven’t yet decided what to make with mine, but I’m veering towards some knitted fingerless mittens and a hat if there is enough… if not, I’ll just have to buy some more, won’t I?
The Snail of Happiness 
slfinnell
/ September 6, 2015Look forward to seeing pics of what you create with your lovely new yarn!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ September 6, 2015I just need to make a decision!
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Mrs P
/ September 6, 2015Oooooo what a lovely yarn, called on by Spinning a Yarn for a sneaky peek 🙂
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The Snail of Happiness
/ September 6, 2015She’s got some beautiful mohair that I’m really tempted by too.
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Mrs P
/ September 6, 2015Not to self ..step away from the yarn and finish my 3 projects or is that 4 ?? I already have on the go 🙂 then I can think about more yarn LOL
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The Snail of Happiness
/ September 6, 2015I do know the feeling… and I just won some yarn in a competition too… more on that later!
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Mrs P
/ September 7, 2015Ooooo congratulations 🙂
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narf77
/ September 6, 2015Gorgeous wool but no link to her FB page? Can’t wait to see what you make out of it 🙂
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The Snail of Happiness
/ September 6, 2015Click on the words ‘spinning a yarn’ above the quote they should be a link to the page…
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thegrangerange.wordpress.com
/ September 6, 2015The yarn looks gorgeous, yours and the rest on Spinning a Yarn. Do you know if she would be interested in some fleeces from special beed sheep? Someone offered then to me but I don’t spin and it is a shame for them to go to waste.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ September 6, 2015Yes, I’m sure she would… do get in touch
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katythenightowl
/ September 6, 2015Any excuse is a good one where buying more yarn is concerned – especially when you can learn the history of it at the same time 🙂
I can’t wait to see the finished product/s 🙂
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The Snail of Happiness
/ September 6, 2015and you will get to see them in person!
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katythenightowl
/ September 7, 2015Yay! 🙂
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thecontentedcrafter
/ September 6, 2015That is a fabulous idea and of course anything produced with such love and attention to detail and lineage etc is bound to be super warm and eversoslightly magical to wear 🙂 I am going to go for a wee visit!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ September 6, 2015Too true… and you know my love for things made by my friends… so special and, as you say, magical.
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katechiconi
/ September 6, 2015It looks beautifully soft: I had a vision of a buttoned up collar/scarf with some sort of ruffled edge, now that you’re creeping slowly towards winter. But then I always feel the cold in my neck! I had some felted slippers I made from the fleece of my own sheep, Ewenice and Ewedora, who were Staffordshire crosses. Not at all rare, but home raised. When I left the mountain, Ewenice became mutton and Ewedora has a new career as lawnmower to the people who bought my house…
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The Snail of Happiness
/ September 6, 2015I like your thinking about the collar… and I’ve just messaged Hannah to say that I’d probably like the second skein that she has…. there’s no hope for me!
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katechiconi
/ September 6, 2015… but, but, you NEED it…!
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insearchofitall
/ September 7, 2015It’s great to support the smaller businesses out there and do something nice for yourself at the same time. How many colors can you get it in? That could be fun to get one of each. 🙂 Enjoy the process.
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eloquentparadise
/ September 7, 2015I’m sure you’ll weave something great and beautiful. 🙂
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The Snail of Happiness
/ September 7, 2015I’m really looking forward to working with it!
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KerryCan
/ September 7, 2015So, isn’t it about time you learn to spin? It seems right up your alley! Or maybe you already do spin and I’ve just missed that?
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The Snail of Happiness
/ September 7, 2015I don’t spin… in fact I have made a decision not to learn (!) because I’d just accumulate more yarn!!! Currently I’m trying to make the most of the skills that I already have!! And this way I get to support some talented friends who do spin 🙂
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